How do I request an account?

To request an account, fill out the form provided below and have it signed by the appropriate AVP or Dean. Once the form is complete, bring it the IRT Service Desk, AIRC 2005. The IRT Service Desk will create a Service Ticket and make sure that your Account Request Form is proccessed. For any questions please Contact the IRT Service Desk.

Why do I need a SacLink account?

A SacLink account is required for students, faculty, and staff to access many online University related services. Services include on-campus computer labs, wireless networks, free software download, dial-in access, personal web pages, off-campus Library databases, My Sac State, SacCT, and on campus printing.

How do I set up my SacLink account?

Setting up a SacLink account is easy. Enter the required information and press 'Verify Your Identity".  You will then reach a page where you will select a password, answer personal questions and agree to terms and conditions. Upon successful completion of this process you will then be given a system generated username and SacLink email address.

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 am trying to register my SacLink account, but I do not know my Sac State ID. What are my options?

If you have not received your Sac State ID, but need to register your account, you may use the last four digits of your Social Security number to register. If you do not know your Sac State ID number nor your Social Security number, contact the IRT Service Desk and an assistant will retrive your Sac State ID.

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. Enter your last name exactly as it was entered on the application. For instance, if your last name on the application was "Doe" you must enter it in exactly that format; "DOE" would not be recognized, nor would "doe". 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 contact the IRT Service Desk for assistance.

Why do I need a SacLink account?

A SacLink account is required for students, faculty, and staff to access many online University related services. Services include on-campus computer labs, wireless networks, free software download, dial-in access, personal web pages, off-campus Library databases, My Sac State, SacCT, and on campus printing.

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. You can also use it to set up your security questions to verify user identity so users can reset a forgotten password. Whe the Password Manager you can:

• Change SacLink Password
• Reset Forgotten SacLink Password
• Reset Expired SacLink Password
• Unlock SacLink Account

Who can use SacLink Password Manager?

The following groups can change, reset, or unlock their SacLink password using the SacLink Password Manager:

• Students
• Student Applicants
• Faculty
• Staff
• Person of Interrest
• ASI
• Capitol Public Radio
• Foundation
• Emeritus Faculty

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

These are the two ways in which to authenticate to the SacLink Password Manager application:

1. Change Password: you will be asked to enter your current SacLink password.
2. My password does not work: you will be asked to answer personal challenge-response questions about yourself.

Both methods provide the same services and access. However, if you have forgotten your password, your password has expired, or your account is locked, please use the “My password does not work” option.

Note: If you are in the SacLink Password Manager, click either the “Change Password” button or the “My password does not work” button to proceed to the next page.

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.

Note: When entering responses to the challenge questions, names must be an exact match including any spaces or hyphens present. If your name includes a suffix (Jr., II, etc.), in the "What is your last name" field: type your last name first, include two spaces and then type the suffix. 

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.

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.

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 mulitple times. After clicking an option in the Password Manager once, please wait to see if the appropriate page loads next before clicking further. 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.

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 change their password, activate a personal web page, change the active directory display name, and view their Saclink account summary/log. Faculty and staff members can also change their email alias and access the Campus Directory.

What can I find in my Account Summary?

You can find several pieces of key information under your account summary including your e-mail address, personal website address, and if your personal website is enabled or not.

What is the Global Address List (GAL)?

The Global Address List provides the name and SacLink email address of each person with an active SacLink account. The purpose of the GAL is to provide accessible contact information between Sac State affiliates.

How do I access the Global Address List (GAL)?

You can access the Global Address List through Outlook Web Access. Click OWA Login below. Log into the page with your SacLink username and password. Click New Message then click To… and the global address list will appear.

What is the Campus Directory option in SacLink for?

The Campus Directory option, found in the Saclink Main Menu, gives faculty and staff members the option to put their contact information on Sac State's Campus Directory. This allows faculty and staff information to be easily searched and located. The information that may be displayed includes one’s name, job title, department, email, and phone number.

How can I request a guest account?

You must have Sac State faculty or staff approval. These accounts must be requested by an active faculty or staff member and have a specified start and end date. Fill out the Guest Request Form below. Print the account request form and sign it. Send the completed form to the IRT Service Desk.

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).

What types of guest accounts are there?

There are five categories of guest accounts. They are categorized as Guest (vendor, visiting faculty or staff), Positional (student worker), Generic (test or miscellaneous), Administrative (system management), and Service (application authentication). The process for requesting a guest account is the same for all categories.

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 details private. Tips on keeping your information safe are:

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. To view the offical Information Security Policies, please click Security Policy below.

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.

Who should I give my password to?

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 have given your password to someone, it is recommended you change your password. To change your password, please click SacLink Login below.

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

I have tried multiple times to log into a SacLink service and have been unsuccessful; now my account appears to be locked. What are my options?

SacLink is set to lock once you have reached a standard number of login attempts. To unlock your account, contact the IRT Service Desk. For tips on creating a password that is both strong and easy to remember please click Passphrase vs Password below.

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.

Why do I see a “Password Alert” channel in My Sac State?

If you have received the Password Alert Message in My Sac State your password is over one year old, and, if not updated, will be deactivated for security reasons. If your SacLink account is deactivated, it will prevent all access to campus systems until you have updated your password.  In order to maintain access to your account, please go to password.csus.edu and change your SacLink password immediately.

If you have any questions about the message or how to update your SacLink password please contact the IRT Service Desk.

I have changed my SacLink password, but I still see a “Password Alert” channel in My Sac State. When will this message be removed?

If you have changed your SacLink password, but are still receiving a “Password Alert”, please log out of My Sac State and log back in.

Once you have logged in the second time the message should change to a “Thank You” message. After 24-hours this message will be removed and you will not see another alert for at least one year.

If you have any questions about the “Password Alert” message, please contact the IRT Service Desk.

When I log into My Sac State I see a “Password Alert” channel. If I do not change my password how long do I have until my password is deactivated?

In order to improve our online security, the CSU Chancellor’s Office is requiring that we change the passwords on our SacLink accounts to at least 12 new characters once a year. This is an important measure to protect our accounts against unwanted access.

If you change your SacLink password, you will not have to worry about your account being deactivated.

What is my SacLink account?

SacLink is the official campus electronic authentication mechanism and email service. A SacLink account is required for access to online University resources such as My Sac State, SacCT and wireless. Once registered for your SacLink account it will consist of a system generated username and self generated password.

What is a guest account?

Guest accounts are also known as sponsored accounts that provide custom services and resources depending on need and requirements. They are SacLink accounts used by visiting scholars, contracted vendors, or other third parties that have an academic or business relationship with the campus. Each account has a specified start and end date.

I am emeritus faculty, how do I renew my SacLink account?

Contact the IRT Service Desk or visit our offices and an assistant will be glad to renew your SacLink account. Proof of emeritus faculty status is required, such as a Sac State OneCard.

How is my SacLink account different from my My Sac State account?

My Sac State is one of many online services that require your SacLink usrname and password to log in. SacLink is the official campus electronic authentication mechanism and email service.

Who is eligible to register for a SacLink account?

SacLink accounts are given to admitted and enrolled students, faculty, and current staff.

What if I have forgotten my SacLink username?

If you have forgotten your username, you may use SacLink Registration below to retrieve it. If you are unable to retrive your username, contact the IRT Service Desk and an assistant will retrieve it for you.

What is my SacLink username?

Your SacLink username is the system assigned username given to you upon completion of the SacLink account registration process. Students can expect to see a combination of their initials and system generated numbers, for example if your name is Jane Doe your username may be jd283. Faculty and staff members can expect to see an expanded list of computer generated options, for example if your name is Jane Doe your username may be doej, doe, or jd283.

How can I change my password?

To change your password, please click SacLink Password Manager below and login with your SacLink username. From the menu select Change Password.

Please notice the new password must:

I cannot login to the SacLink Password Manager to change my password, what do I do?

If you cannot login to the SacLink Password Manager and you have already verified your SacLink username please click Contact below and contact the IRT Service Desk.

To verify your SacLink username click SacLink Registration below.

I have been told that I need to change my SacLink password once a year, why is that so?

Sac State is required to implement policies that help ensure the account security of its students, faculty and staff. Implementing an annual password reset is one aspect of this effort. To change your password, please click SacLink Login below.

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 to change the password immediately. If you think someone else has your password, you can reset your password right away by logging into SacLink Login below.

What if I have forgotten my SacLink password?

To change your forgotten SacLink password, please click SacLink Password Manager below and login with your SacLink username. From the menu select "My password does not work". On the following page answer all the challenge-response questions correctly before proceeding to change your password. 

Please notice the new password must: