What is a SacLink account and why do I need one?

A SacLink account is your electronic identity on campus. Every student, faculty, and staff are automatically eligible for a SacLink account. Your SacLink account allows you to access your desktop computer, campus computer labs, wireless networks, personal web pages, library databases, My Sac State, SacCT, Print Smart, and other services. When you create your SacLink account you receive a SacLink username.

How do I create my SacLink account?

What is my SacLink username?

What if I have forgotten my SacLink username?

If you have forgotten your username, you can retrieve it by going to http://mysaclink.csus.edu and entering the required information. A screen will appear displaying your SacLink username. Or you can contact the IRT Service Desk at 916.278.2315 for personal assistance.

I am a student applicant, what SacLink serivices are avaliable to me?

Student applicants can use their Saclink account to access services available through My Sac State. Students will be able to access required admission and financial aid forms as well as check their application status and University messages.

I just registered my account, but I can't log in. What are my options?

It can take up to 72 hours for the system to process your request. If you are having trouble logging in right away, try again later and make sure that you are entering your SacLink username correctly. Do not do any of the following:

I am still having trouble registering my SacLink account. What are my options?

Please verify all the information entered on the registration page is correct. Common mistakes are spelling and the use of capital letters. If you believe you are entering your last name, Sac State ID and your date of birth correctly and are still unable to register, please call the IRT Service Desk at 916.278.7337 for assistance.

How do I know when to change my password?

How can I change my password?

To change your password, se the Password Manager program found at http://password.csus.edu. Login with your SacLink username and password. From the menu select Change Password. If your password expired, you can still use it in Password Manager to change your password.

What are the password rules?

Passwords must:

• Use at least 12 characters for your password.
• Not contain your SacLink Username or any part of your full name.
• Contain characters that can be typed on a standard English (US) keyboard.
• Use a passphrase so you will easily remember your password.

What if I have forgotten my SacLink password?

If you have forgotten your password, you can still, use the Password Manager program found at http://passsword.csus.edu. Login using your SacLink. From the menu select "I have forgotten my password" and an answer the security questions. Choose Change Password from the menu on the left of change your password.

If you have forgotten your security questions, please call the IRT Service Desk at 916.278.7337.

What should I do if my password is stolen, lost or compromised?

If you suspect your account or password has been compromised, report the incident to abuse@csus.edu or contact the IRT Service Desk at 916.278.2315.Change your password immediately by going to password.csus.edu, enter your SacLink Username and password and select Change Password. 

What is the SacLink Password Manager, and what does it provide?

SacLink Password Manager is an easy to use, web-based 27/7 self-service program used to change passwords and define security questions. Security questions are used to verify user identity so you can reset your password on your own. Password manager allows you to:

• Change SacLink Password
• Reset Forgotten SacLink Password
• Reset Expired SacLink Password

Who can use SacLink Password Manager?

What is the difference between "Change password" and "My password does not work"?

Change password:

If you know your password use the "Current password" option. "Change password" will accept your current or expired password and you will be given the option to change your password.

My password does not work:

If you don not know your password, use the "My password does not work" option. You will be presented with your security questions. Answer the questions correctly and you will be givent the option to change your password.

I tried to answer the challenge-response questions and I get a response saying, "one or more answers are incorrect", what do I do?

If you have tried to answer the challenge-response questions and the application has told you one or more of your answers are incorrect, please contact the IRT Service Desk at 916.278.7337.

Note: When entering responses to the challenge questions, names must be an exact match including any spaces or hyphens present.

What is the difference between changing my password or unlocking my account?

Change Password: Allows you to create a new password for your SacLink account. In addition, this option re-enables your SacLink account in the case of an expired password.

Unlock Account: Re-enables a SacLink account that has been disabled due to repeated login failures.

Note: If you are in the SacLink Password Application, click “Change password” or “Unlock account” option to proceed.

I'm receiving an "invalid session key" message when trying to use the Password Manager. What should I do?

The "invalid session key" notice is typically created when a user clicks a button in the Password Manager multiple times. After clicking an option in the Password Manager once, please wait for the next page to load before clicking again. The Password Manager may run slowly at times which might make you think that you need to try clicking again but this action interrupts the system's processing and produces errors.

When would I need to unlock my SacLink account?

The “Unlock account” option will re-enable a SacLink account that has been disabled due to repeated login failures. If you suspect you have been locked out of your SacLink account, try using the "Unlock account" option.

What is a sponsored or guest account?

Sacramento State provides sponsored accounts. Sponsored accounts provide custom access to services and resources depending on need and requirements. All sponsored account types, require campus approval and sponsorship.

The five types of sponsored accounts are listed below.

• Guest accounts are used for visiting faculty or staff, vendors, or other third parties that have an academic or business relationship with the campus. Guest accounts have a defined start and end date and require Dean or AVP approval.
• Positional accounts are used for student workers. These accounts allow program centers and colleges to create 'pernament' accounts for specific positions.
• Generic accounts are SacLink accounts used for miscellaneous testing or office purposes. These accounts must be requested by an active Faculty or Staff Member. Generic accounts have a specifies start and end date and do not have wireless or VPN privileges.
• Administrative accounts are used for managing technical resources on campus. These accounts allow system administrators and other technical support personal to securely manage their systems by eliminating the use of standard personal SacLink accounts.
• Service accounts are domain accounts used for running system processes, jobs, an authenticating connections between systems,

How do I request an account?

To request an account, go to http://www.csus.edu/irt/is/accounts/index.html and click on the form of your choice. Print and fill out the form have it signed by the appropriate AVP or Dean. Once the form is complete, send or bring it to the IRT Service Desk, AIRC 2005. Upon receipt of the form, a service ticket will be created to ensure your request is processed. For any questions please call the IRT Service Desk at 916.278.7337.

How long does it take to process my guest account request?

The standard proccessing time is three to five business days on all account requests. If you need an expedited account, please contact the IML (Identity Management Lead).

How do I keep my information safe?

Since your SacLink account provides access to so many campus services, it's vital to keep your account information to yourself. Never share your account information with anyone. Safeguard your work and systems. Always follow these rules:

What are the requirements of a strong password?

Each password must meet the follow requirements

I am ready to change my SacLink password, but what is the difference between a password and a passphrase?

A password is used as a form of authentication to access personal data. Many believe that passwords should be based off of words when in fact; this leaves the account susceptible to being compromised. A technique used to create a stronger password is using a passphrase. A passphrase technique allows for stronger versions of a password. A passphrase technique is similar to an acronym, often including special characters and numbers.

An example of this would be the phrase “Waiting For Graduation” but it would be typed out as “W41TIN4GR4D!” The phrase should be something meaningful to you so it can be easily remembered. Such techniques help maintain a higher level of security. For more information and suggestions on creating a strong password, or how to use the passphrase technique please refer to About Passphrase below.

What policies are in place to help ensure account security?

The Board of Trustees of the California State University (CSU) is responsible for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of CSU information assets. Unauthorized modification, deletion, or disclosure of information assets can compromise the mission of the CSU, violate individual privacy rights, and possibly constitute a criminal act. You can view the policy here.

What are some personal steps I can take to help ensure my account’s security?

There are some basic steps you can take to ensure your account remains secure. The most important aspect is retaining the security and protection of a strong password for any account associated with Sac State. For more tips on account security, see Security below.

To whom should I give my password?

No one, your password should be kept private. No one from IRT, Admissions and Records or any other office at Sac State will ask for your password.

If you think your password has been stolen or used without your consent, report the incident to abouse@csus.edu and contact the IRT Service Desk to change your password immediately.

If I am using a lab computer and I log out, will my personal or account information be saved?

As long as you successfully log off of the lab computer or loaned laptop your information will not be saved. However, if you simply exit a web browser then your information might be accessible to the next user. Always make sure you log off, restart or turn off any lab or loaned computer you use.

What is Phishing?

Phishing websites are usually disguised as legitimate websites or businesses that are seeking personal information like usernames and passwords, financial information, or other personal information. Phishing can lead to personal information being stolen, including saved passwords and bank account information. For tips on how to avoid phishing attempts click About Phishing below.

If you believe that you are a victim of phishing please contact the IRT Service Desk at 916.278.7337.

What is listed under the Saclink Main Menu?

This menu allows users to manage their account as well as take advantage of some of the services associated with SacLink. Users can view their SacLink e-mail address, username, and personal website address. It also allows you to disable your personal website or reset website permissions.