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Password Help

These instructions apply to anyone with an active faculty, staff, student, or guest Villanova account.

Villanova Alum Account holders should visit the Microsoft Online Password Reset tool.

NOTE:  You must have the following information to perform a password reset

  1. Your Birthdate
  2.  Alternate Email Address

What is the Alternate Email Address?

  • Required when first registering with Villanova
  • Cannot be your Villanova Email Address. 
  • Used for password reset only
  • Will NOT replace your Villanova Email account
  • Used for recovery of your Villanova account information only

It is highly recommended that you review the personal email address you have listed on your account for recovery purposes. 

Instructions on how to review alternate email address

  1. Go to MyNova
  2. Search “Edit My Account Information,” click on the associate task and log in if prompted to do so.
  3. From the “My Profile” page, click on “Change Alternate Email Settings” in the main menu. If on a mobile device, this can be found in the  “Go to…” menu at the top of the screen.
  4. Confirm the Alternate Email address listed (if any) and update or enter the most accurate non-Villanova email address that applies.
  5. Click “Save” to update the email address.

Specifically state that you'd like to have your Banner password reset using one of the following channels:

All new passwords issued by Villanova will have the following guidelines:

  • At least 1 upper and lower case letter
  • At least 1 number
  • At least 1 special character: # $ % ( ) * , +  - . / : ; = ? @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` { } ~
  • Must have at least 5 unique characters
  • At least 8 characters in length
  • Passwords cannot contain personal information such as: first name, last name, User ID, contact information, etc.
  • The exclamation point is not permitted in the password.

The symbol for exclamation point has been excluded.

What are some strategies to avoid when trying create a complex password?

  • Do not use personal information such as address, age, birthday, or your User ID in your password
  • Do not use words, previous passwords, common passwords, patterns or sequences on the keyboard, such as ‘q1w2e3’ or ‘asdfg’ in your password
  • Do not repeat letters, numbers, or symbols, such as 111111 or )))))))

Please remember to be aware of the following:

  • Do NOT give your password to anyone
  • Do NOT email your password
  • Do NOT write down your password
  • Do NOT use “Remember Password” features on any applications

How do you know if it is a Scam or Email Phishing?

  • Any message requesting username, account password, date of birth, or name information is generally a scam or phishing attempt.  Never email personal, account, or financial information at any time.  At no point in time, will UNIT ever request this information in an email message.
  • A message that is signed by Villanova or some variation of a "support" team and comes from an off campus email.
  • A message that says Villanova is going to disable your account if you do not reply.
  • Always read emails carefully, keep in mind that attackers are now using university logos, terminology and copying websites to appear official. 

If it's determined that this is spam ot phishing, delete the message. If you are not sure, contact the Help desk at 610.519.7777 or online at Self Service Helpdesk.

All Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni will be prompted on an annual basis to change their Villanova password.

This University approved policy and process change is part of the ongoing IT Security and Information Protection initiative that follows acknowledged IT security best practices, which protect Villanova University systems, data, network and individual identity information. 

Creation of new accounts is run daily and is communicated to the individual user via email explaining the use of the UserID and password.

Passwords for new employee and student UserIDs are randomly generated.

University Helpdesk

Call Us: 610-519-7777
M-Th 8am-10pm
F 8am-5pm
Sa-Su 12pm-8pm

Walk-ins: Falvey Library, First Floor
M-Th 9am-7pm
F 9am-5pm

Walk-ins: 
TechZone @ The Commons
Dobbin Hall
M-Th 8am-10pm
F 8am-5pm
Sa-Su 12pm-8pm

School of Law Helpdesk

Call Us: 610-519-7700
Walk-ins: Law Library Rm 104
M-F 9am-5pm

Classroom Technologies Hotline

610-519-5631

Additional Account Information