There are two types of accounts that are available for accessing the University's resources. These include:
Access Accounts: Students, Faculty, Staff
An Access Account consists of a user ID and password that enables you to use the public labs as well as the full range of network-based services on and off campus. This account also allows you to access other administrative and academic resources provided by the University, such as LionPath, CollegeNet, Canvas, LinkedIn Learning tutorials, and many more.
Students
Students typically retrieve their Access Account prior to their arrival for New Student Orientation (NSO).
Faculty and Staff
Once an offer of employment is accepted, an Access Account is automatically created for faculty and staff.
Resources and Tips
- Penn State Accounts - This site has everything you need to know about accounts at Penn State.
- Password and Account Management - This is where you can change or recover your password. This site also allows you to view, change, or set: personal information, security settings, email settings, user managed groups (UMGs), 2FA, and PSU alerts.
- Faculty/Staff: Password Tips for Off-campus and Mobile Users - contains important information about syncing your password with mobile devices BEFORE you leave campus. Otherwise, you may be locked out of your desktop PC, laptop, OneDrive and Office 365.
Sponsored Accounts
A Sponsored Account is a special type of Access Account for someone who is not a PSU student or employee. It allows vendors, consultants, researchers, and others to gain access to Penn State resources. The account must be sponsored by a Penn State department for the designated individual(s).
To learn more about Sponsored Accounts, including the department's responsibilities, possible charges (for fee-based services), and how to request and manage a Sponsored Account, please visit the Sponsored Accounts web site.