Villanova Alum Account FAQs

Who is eligible?

Students who have completed the required coursework to have a degree conferred to them from the University. This eligibility takes effect approximately 1 month after graduation.

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What services come with my Villanova Alum Account

All Villanova Alum Accounts come with an "@alum.villanova.edu" email address on Microsoft Exchange Online. This includes access to calendar features as well. The account does not include access to OneDrive or any other Office 365 service.

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Can I sign up if I already have a Villanova account?

If you currently have an active Villanova faculty, staff or student account, it will not be impacted.  Villanova will create an "@alum.villanova.edu" account separate from your existing account.  Villanova will issue you an email address, user id and password to access the account.

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Can I get the email account I had before?

Email addresses for Villanova Alum Accounts utilize a different alphanumeric formula than student or employee user IDs to ensure that there is no interference with an existing or previous Villanova account. Users are unable to create their own user ID name.

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How do I get an account?

Once your account becomes eligible - approximately 1 month after graduating - please fill out the opt-in form with your Villanova ID, birthdate and an email address where your new account information can be sent. A temporary password will be emailed to you, and you will be asked to reset it when you first access your account.

If you do not know your Villanova ID and have an active Villanova student or employee account, you can view your Villanova ID here otherwise, please email the Office of Alumni Relations.

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What should I do if I did not receive my welcome email after opting in?

If you have technical issues with the opt-in process or your account, please contact the UNIT Help Desk via email or call 610-519-7777.

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Why am I being asked to download and setup the Microsoft Authenticator app?

UNIT's Office of Information Security is committed to safeguarding you against cybercrime and in turn protecting the Villanova Community. A major way this is accomplished is through enabling multi-factor authentication on Villanova accounts.

Villanova Alum Accounts do not utilize DUO similar to the Villanova employee and student population but instead utilize Microsoft's native multi-factor offering.

You are not required to download the Microsoft Authenticator app to complete the multi-factor authentication step, but it is arguably the most seamless app to use.

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Can I select my own password to start?

Yes. The University will provide the password when you first opt in, and you will be required to change that password upon your first login.

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What if I choose not to opt in?

The University will hold your student account for 1 year and 2 years for graduates of the Charles Widger School of Law.  At the end of that period of time, the student account will be removed.

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Is email permanently available?

University alums will be permitted to retain their email privileges if their account remains active.  All email accounts that are inactive for a period of one year will be removed.  Alums wishing to reconnect with the university can request an account and one may be provided to them.  In the event the University terminates or otherwise ceases its contractual relationship with Microsoft regarding the Exchange Online accounts, those alums with Villanova Alum Accounts may lose email privileges for the account in accordance with the terms of the Microsoft contract.  Notice will be provided as soon as reasonably possible. 

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Can I have my Villanova Alum Account inactivated or removed?

Yes. Please contact the UNIT Help Desk via email or call 610-519-7777 and open a ticket to have your account removed.

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Can I retrieve the messages that were in my account when it was inactivated?

No, the old account was removed and the mail, contacts, etc. no longer exists.

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Can I log into the Villanova website if I opt in?

Only sites that are identified to be accessible to Alums.

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Can I forward my new account to another account?

No. Auto-forwarding from your Villanova Alum Account is not supported.

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Will I get more email from the University if I sign up for this system?

If you never provided an email address to Villanova in the past, then yes you will receive additional messages.

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What about my data? Is it private?

While every attempt will be made to keep email messages secure, privacy is not guaranteed and users should have no expectation of privacy in their email messages.  Under certain circumstances, university officials or Microsoft reserve the right to access an email account for various reasons and suspend service to particular account.  This information is available through the University’s email policy.

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Are there any restrictions on the use of my email account?

Yes. You may not use your email account for certain prohibited purposes.  This information is available through the University’s email policy.

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Can I opt to use my Villanova Alum Account as my primary account as an employee?

No.

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When I leave the University will I still have an email account?

Your Villanova Alum Account will not be affected by changes in your student or employee status.

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