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Password Problems

Where do I get a username/NetID for Blackboard?

All UMW faculty, students and staff automatically receive accounts in Blackboard.  Each person at UMW is assigned a username known as a NetID. Your 8 character NetID will be used to log in UMW Webmail and Banner.

To find your UMW NetID visit www.umw.edu/technology/network/. Select Net ID and Password from the Student or Faculty/Staff section. Perform the search for your Net ID in the appropriate section.

What is my password for Blackboard?

Upon arriving at UMW you’ll be given a 6 digit password, comprised of the last 4 digits of your SSN and the 2 digits representing your birth month (i.e. April is 04). This password contains personal information so we recommend changing it as soon as possible. After logging in to Blackboard click the Personal Information link to change your password (see below).


Why can't I login using my assigned username/NetID and password?

Here are some reasons for login failure and what to do:

  1. Most commonly the username/NetID and/or password are mistyped. Try retyping them while being certain to use no periods.
  2. You might be using an incorrect username/NetID - check here to confirm your proper username/NetID.
  3. The username/NetID you use to login to Blackboard is a shorter version of your long Novell network login name.  It is the first eight characters of the Novell login minus the periods.  For example, if your Novell login was .jsmit2aj.suy.5.student.mwc, the username you would use for Blackboard is simply jsmit2aj . This is also the same username you would use to access UMW Webmail or Banner.
  4. Usernames and passwords are case sensitive, so make sure your CAPS LOCK is off.
  5. If you have any special characters (for example: ! " ' @ # $ % ^ & *) in your username or password just omit them as you login to Blackboard.  While these characters work for access to the University network, they don't work for Blackboard.

Try your login and password at least TWICE.  If you are still unable to login please contact the Technology Assistance Center at 540.654.2255.

How can I change my password for Blackboard?

  1. Login to Blackboard
  2. From the My Blackboard tab, click on the Personal Information link under the Tools menu at the left.
  3. Click the Change Password link.
  4. Enter your new password.
  5. Click the Submit button.

These steps only change your Blackboard password.  Your network, email or other passwords will not be affected by this.

I forgot my username and/or password and cannot access Blackboard. What do I do?

  1. Click the Forgot your password? link on the Blackboard Login page.
  2. Fill in the information on the form to search for your lost password.
  3. Click Submit.

A message is sent by the Blackboard system to your e-mail address that contains instructions on how to change your password and regain access to Blackboard.

If you have no success with this process, contact the Technology Assistance Center at 540.654.2255.