BearID Description

Each member of the Baylor community is assigned a Bear ID for accessing various resources such as electronic mail and the general access computing laboratories. The Bear ID is automatically assigned according to a standard naming convention and, for most individuals, is of the form FirstName_LastName. For example, John Doe's Bear ID would most likely be John_Doe. In some cases, the Bear ID may contain the middle initial, middle name or other modification to ensure that each person's Bear ID is unique. Bear IDs are intended to be permanent as long as the individual is a member of the Baylor community. For example, a student is assigned a Bear ID once rather than obtaining a new one each semester.

Most resources that require a Bear ID for access also require a password. Passwords provide a level of security against unauthorized use of resources. Passwords are assigned to an individual and are not to be shared with anyone. The difference between a Bear ID and a password can be described in a simple analogy to a person's home. If you want to receive mail or entertain visitors, you must give out your address (analogous to the Bear ID). However, you do not give away keys to your home (analogous to your password).

Beginning October 3, 2006, ITS will begin requiring BearID passwords to be changed every 180 days. In addition, the password strength requirements have been revised to the following:

• The password is at least eight characters long.
• The password contains characters from at least three of the following four categories:
  • English uppercase characters (A - Z)
  • English lowercase characters (a - z)
  • Base 10 digits (0 - 9)
  • Non-alphanumeric (for example: !, $, #, or %)

ITS will also be altering the procedure by which lost or forgotten passwords are reset, which requires answering predetermined specific questions. In the past, an individual was allowed to select his or her own security questions. Upon review it has been determined that a preselected pool of questions will provide more usuability and security for the campus. When you reset your password the first time, you will be prompted to select two security questions. From these select questions, you will provide answers that only you should know.

Failure to reset your password prior to November 12, 2006 will result in your account being disabled.