......here's what you should know for a smooth transition.

• Hampshire passwords have to be changed every 180 days. If you are required to change your password, you will receive email messages telling you when it must be changed.


• If you want to change your password more frequently, go right ahead. There's no reason not to change it; just go to https://password.hampshire.edu .


• If you change your password, you will also have to change it on any phones or devices that access Hampshire email or calendar services. You can find more information at https://intranet.hampshire.edu/viewDetails.php?messageNumber=33063


• If you don't have your cell phone or access to email, opt out of the alternate contact method. If you choose an alternate contact method a code will be sent to the device or account, and you will have to enter the code to continue. If your cell phone isn't with you or you can't access your alternate email right away, you can backtrack and choose to opt out.


• If you are choosing security questions, be aware there are multiple options for each question. Just click on the questions to reveal the other choices.


• Password requirements are stricter than in the past. You will need to use at least 8 characters, one non-alphabetic character, one capital letter, and not use words found in the dictionary. Ideas for creating good passwords can be found at https://intranet.hampshire.edu/viewDetails.php?messageNumber=31256


• Pick something you can remember without writing it down. Kind of defeats the purpose if you put it on a sticky note on your computer.


• Don't have Firefox or Thunderbird remember your passwords unless you first set a master password. Firefox and Thunderbird store your passwords in plain text and will display them on command if you haven't set a master password; go to the Preferences (Mac) or Options (Windows) in Firefox or Thunderbird, select "Security," check the "Master Password" box and enter a password. Now anyone who wants to see your saved passwords will have to enter that password first.

If you run into problems, contact the IT help desk.