What is Multi-Factor Authentication?
Multi-factor authentication is a security tool that requires multiple forms of verification before granting access to an account. Our campus uses multi-factor authentication on Microsoft 365 accounts for extra security to protect your information and keep the University safe. Your University Microsoft 365 account is automatically enrolled in multi-factor authentication. When signing in for the first time, please complete the setup process.
Multi-Factor Authentication How-To Articles
Complete Setup for New Students or Employees
If you're signing in to your Microsoft 365 account for the first time, click the button below and follow the instructions to complete the setup process. Have your smart phone and computer handy to complete the setup. Verification can use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your smart phone, a phone call, or a text message. The preferred and most convenient verification method is the Microsoft Authenticator app.
Complete Setup
Alternative options:
Change or Update Your Verification Settings
You can change how you receive verifications or set up a back-up verification method any time.
Change Verification Settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Problems
What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication is a powerful security tool to help you protect your accounts. It creates layered protection that requires users to sign in using more than one verification method, which helps keep the University safe and helps prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your personal information.
What services use Multi-Factor Authentication?
Any app that utilizes Microsoft 365 single sign-on, including all Microsoft 365 apps, may require authentication.
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Office Apps
- Workday
- Zoom
- Zoom Phone
- Wi-Fi Access
- The Fountain
- EZ Proxy
- And others
- Coming soon: D2L/Brightspace, Media Space, Kaltura, Others
How do I complete the setup process?
All new accounts are automatically enrolled in multi-factor authentication. You'll be prompted to complete setup when you sign in for the first time. Complete Setup
Alternative setup options:
Do I have to use my personal smartphone to verify my sign in?
No, you do not have to use your personal smartphone for verification. You can set multi-factor authentication to verify through a phone call. Follow the set-up instructions below:
If I don't have a smartphone, how do I verify my sign in?
Even if you don't have a smartphone, you can still use multi-factor authentication. Enroll using your office or personal phone and receive a call or text with a verification code for sign-in. Follow the instructions below:
I lost my smartphone, what can I do?
If you lose your smartphone, you can still verify your sign-in using another method. You should also immediately take steps to find and secure your device.
I am not receiving any verification codes to sign in.
Multi-factor authentication for Microsoft 365 does not always require verification if it remembers the device you are using. On the devices that Office 365 remembers, it will periodically ask for verification, but not always.
If you are not receiving your verification and you think you should be, read instructions on how to resolve.
I replace my smartphone.
If you recently got a new smart phone, follow the instructions below to set up multi-factor authentication:
Can I opt-out of multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor is a critical security tool that protects your data as well as the data of our students. Once enrolled in multi-factor authentication your respective Vice President, or the Provost for Academic Affairs units will need to request an exception on your behalf by contacting the IT Solutions Center. For your request to be evaluated, please describe the business need for an exception to multi-factor authentication. The IT Solutions Center will pass the request to the Chief Information Security Officer or review.
What email clients are compatible with Microsoft 365 multi-factor authentication?
The following email clients are compatible with Office 365 multi-factor authentication:
- Outlook for Windows
- Outlook for macOS
- Outlook for Android
- Outlook for iOS
- Gmail app for Android
- Mail app for iOS
- Mozilla Thunderbird is not supported at this time. Mozilla has announced future support (currently in beta)