Getting Access

Getting a Penn State Access Account

All faculty need an Access Account with a USERID and password to access Penn State email and web-based class lists.  With this account, you will be able to receive email information from your department and the University; communicate with your colleagues and your students; and access the web. 

Access Accounts for Part-Time Faculty

What is a Penn State Access Account?

A Penn State Access Account is a USERID and password.  Your USERID is the “public” part of your Penn State Access Account.  This is the part you should share with others so that they know where to send you electronic mail.  Your user ID (sometimes referred to as “username” or “USERID”) is usually your initials followed by a 1- to 3-digit number such as xyz101.  The letters are lowercase.  This is the part you can share with others.  Your password, on the other hand, should be kept private. 

Why do I need a Penn State Access Account?

A Penn State Access Account enables Penn State faculty, staff, and students to use the full range of Internet services on or off campus, at computer labs or on personal computers.  It also allows you to use student computing labs, instructor PC’s, submit grades via LionPath, and use the course management system, Canvas.

What can I access or do with my Penn State Access Account?

• Electronic mail
• Your web space
• Change your password
• Your employee benefits
• Your electronic directory information
• Use of the on-campus wireless network
• Your course syllabi
• Library resources

How do I get a Penn State Access Account?

Your access account is created during the hiring process.  All Penn State employees should obtain a PSU ID+ card and carry it with you on campus.

What else do I need to know about my access account?

Guard your password just as you guard your bank card PIN. Don’t write it down or make it easy for someone to “crack”.  Policy AD20 requires that you do not share your password with others. They would then have the opportunity to read your email, see grades, obtain transcripts, and forge email and news postings from you.  

Your access account password can only be changed at www.work.psu.edu.

Faculty Listserve

Faculty are subscribed to a faculty electronic listserve to receive electronic communications from the campus via email.  The faculty listserve address is [email protected].  Please be sure to adjust your email junk/spam filters to allow mail for any @psu.edu address.