Password Reset and Account Recovery

There are multiple avenues for resetting your Davidson College account password, depending on your specific scenario. This article will help to walk you through these processes, whether that is recovering your account if you've forgotten your password, or updating your password because it has expired.

Update your Known Password - College Computer 

Update Your Known Password - Web

Account Recovery for an Unknown Password


Reset a Known Password

Password Reset From a College Computer

Faculty and staff with a college computer must reset their password from a Davidson-managed computer following the instructions below.  Users who do not have a college computer can reset their password using a Davidson-managed computer or they can reset it via the web.

 

1. First, if you are working remotely, connect to VPN.

You must connect to the Davidson VPN first before resetting your password if you are off campus. If you are on campus, you should not use VPN.

 

2. Second, Follow the following instructions for your device.

Windows

  • Log in with your current username and password.
  • Press the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys simultaneously. On Apple keyboards (a dual-boot iMac, for example), the keys will be labeled control, option and delete.
  • Select Change a password and follow the prompts.


macOS - Jamf Connect computers
If you are unsure if you have Jamf Connect installed, open Finder then click Go, then Applications to see if it is in your list of applications. More information about Jamf Connect.

  • Click on the Jamf Connect icon in the menu bar on top of your screen Jamf Icon

  • Choose Change Password

  • Follow the prompts to reset your password using a minimum of 14 characters. There are no other character requirements. Note that you cannot reuse passwords. We recommend passphrases as they may be easier to remember.


macOS - Computers without Jamf Connect (MacOS Monterey or earlier)

  • Log in with your current username and password.

  • In the upper left corner, click on the Apple icon.
  • In the drop-down menu, select System Preferences.
  • In the System Preferences dialog box, click on the Users & Groups icon.
  • Click on your name in the left frame.
  • With your name highlighted in the left frame, click on the Change Password button to the right.
  • Follow the prompts to reset your password using a minimum of 14 characters. There are no other character requirements. Note that you cannot reuse passwords. We recommend passphrases as they may be easier to remember.

macOS - Computers without Jamf Connect (MacOS Ventura or later)

  • Log in with your current username and password.
  • In the upper left corner, click on the Apple icon.
  • In the drop-down menu, select System Settings.
  • In the System Settings dialogue box, select Touch ID & Password.
  • In the Password section, select the Change... option. 
  • Follow the prompts to reset your password using a minimum of 14 characters. There are no other character requirements. Note that you cannot reuse passwords. We recommend passphrases as they may be easier to remember.

 

Password Reset from the Web

Most students, and some staff who do not have a college computer, can reset their password via the web using changepassword.davidson.edu.
  • Open a browser and navigate to changepassword.davidson.edu.  
  • Enter your Davidson email address and current password and complete Duo authentication if prompted.
  • Next, you'll see a prompt instructing you to verify your identity. Choose the Approve with Duo option to approve via a Duo prompt.
  • At the Change Password window, enter your current network password.
  • Create a new password using a minimum of 14 characters. There are no other character requirements. Note that you cannot reuse passwords. We recommend passphrases as they may be easier to remember.
  • Once you have successfully changed your password, you'll see your profile page. It's a good idea to choose the "sign out everywhere" option which will prompt you to enter the new password the next time you log in. 
  • Close the profile page. You can expect prompts for requests to authenticate with your new password when accessing applications, like Outlook email, Google Drive, and other Davidson College resources.

 


 

Account Recovery for an Unknown or Forgotten Password

Many users on campus now have the capability to recover their account if they do not know their current password. The below information will walk you through the process. 


How do I know if I can recover my account? 

At this time, users who work with little-to-no sensitive information are able to recover their account on their own. These users include:

  • Current and graduated students with an active Davidson account
  • Staff who do not have Davidson college computers

Additionally, you will need to have provided the college with up-to-date contact information to verify your identity. Update your secondary email address and cell phone number.

If you’re unsure if you fall into these categories, give the steps below a try, and the system will tell you if your access is not enabled. In this case, contact the Support Center over the phone at 704-894-2900 any time from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday - Friday for help resetting your password. 

 

Recovering Your Account

  • Open a browser and navigate to forgotpassword.davidson.edu
  • Enter your full Davidson email address (including the @davidson.edu). 
  • Complete the Captcha. You can press the circular "refresh" arrow if needed for a different set of characters. 
  • Select an alternative contact method. All three function the same, so select the most convenient one for you. 
  • Once you receive the verification code, enter it in the text box. 
    • If you don't receive the verification code at the selected contact method, try one of the other options. If you don't have access to any of the available alternative contact methods, please contact T&I at 704-894-2900 during business hours for further assistance. 
  • Create a new password using a minimum of 14 characters. There are no other character requirements. Note that you cannot reuse passwords. We recommend passphrases as they may be easier to remember.

Once your password has been changed, you'll receive a confirmation page on the web, and an email confirmation if your address is on file. 

 

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