Penn State Access Account

A Penn State Access Account is a user ID and password that enables Penn State students, faculty, and staff to use the full range of Internet services on or off campus, at computer labs or on personal computers. It also allows you to use the ITS student computing labs. (Note that it does not enable access to all computer systems. Systems such as TSM typically require a separate account or authorization.)

Your user ID is the "public" part of your Penn State Access Account. This is the part you should share with others so that they know where to send you electronic mail. Your user ID (sometimes referred to as "username" or "userid") is usually your initials followed by a 1- to 3-digit number such as xyz101. The letters are lowercase.

For information regarding Access Account qualifications and duration, see the policy Penn State Access Account Qualifications.

For general Penn State Access Account questions and answers, please refer to the Penn State Access Account FAQ.

Students: If you attended the First-year Testing, Counseling and Advising Program (FTCAP), you should already have your Penn State Access Account. If not, take your Penn State photo ID card to an Penn State Access Account signature station and follow the instructions there. Your account should be fully active within one business day. If you have problems using the Penn State Access Account signature station, please contact computer support staff at the location of the signature station (if applicable), the ITS Accounts Services Office, one of the Consulting & Support Services (CSS) consulting locations at University Park, or consulting locations at other campuses.

Students on an official leave of absence (see Office of the Registrar for more information) can request an extension of their Penn State Access Account by filling out the Penn State Access Account Extension for Student Leave of Absence form. There is a fee for this continued service which is explained on the form.

Faculty and Staff: If you are an employee, apply for your Penn State Access Account by submitting the completed Penn State Access Account Form to the ITS Accounts Services Office, 204 Wagner Building, University Park. Forms are available via Online Application Forms Central. After approximately three business days you can obtain your user ID and password by taking your Penn State ID card to any of the Penn State Access Account signature stations. If you have problems using the Penn State Access Account signature station, please contact computer support staff at the location of the signature station (if applicable), the ITS Accounts Services Office, one of the CSS consulting locations at University Park, or consulting locations at other campuses.

Your Responsibilities

You are expected to exercise responsible, ethical behavior when using the University's computers, information, networks or resources. To receive a Penn State Access Account, you must agree to abide by local, state, and federal laws, and University policies and guidelines. In addition, you will be required to sign the Penn State Access Account Acceptance Statement at a Penn State Access Account signature station in order for your Penn State Access Account to remain active.

Change your password as soon as your account is active. For more information see the Web page on userids and passwords.

Please read the Electronic Mail Web page so that you know how to properly use your Penn State e-mail address.