Your Z-ID is assigned to you when you are admitted to NIU. This unique ID grants access privileges to university resources such as:

• Official NIU student e-mail (webmail.students.niu.edu)
• Use of the ITS and ResTech labs
• Blackboard 
• The student home (H:) directory for file storage
• Clean Access for residence hall and Northern View Community students
• The NIU network and Internet through wireless network connections at selected sites throughout campus

Look up your Z-ID Online

• Go to password.niu.edu
• Select "Look up'
• Search by your last name

Use the Telephone to obtain your Z-ID

• Call the ITS Helpdesk at 753-8100

Your Z-ID and Password

• Your Z-ID password will expire every 130 days. The default format for your Z-ID can be found on: www.newstudents.niu.edu
• You must change your password the first time you use it
• At any time before your password expires you can change your password at password.niu.edu
• When using password.niu.edu for the first time you will be required to set up your verification questions. This will enable you to use this service at any time
• At any time while you have a working password you can modify your verification questions and answers at password.niu.edu

To change your password online:

Go to password.niu.edu and select “Change my Password.” Follow the onscreen instructions.

• Must accept the Security Certificate. You may install the root security certificate by visiting go.et.niu.edu/certificate
• Must have cookies enabled

To change your temporary or expired password in any ITS or ResTech computing lab:

• Logon and select YES when prompted to be taken to a password change screen

If you do not remember your password or it does not work:

• If you have set up your verification questions, go online to password.niu.edu and reset your password by selecting “Reset your password”
• If you have not set up your verification questions, call the ITS Helpdesk at 753-8100

When You Leave NIU Your Z-ID Will Be Limited

If you have not been enrolled in classes at NIU for approximately 13 months, your Z-ID will be limited to MyNIU only. Access to other NIU resources will be prohibited. Any files you want to keep must be saved to an external media source before that time.

Alumni E-mail Services

Your student account will remain active approximately 13 months after your last enrollment.

An alumni e-mail account is available through the NIU Alumni Association’s Membership Program. Your e-mail address would be a combination of your first initial and last name followed by @alumni.niu.edu. The Membership Program e-mail account is a great way to show your Huskie Pride online after you leave Northern.

Visit myniu.com for more information about the NIU Alumni Association’s Membership Program.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your NIU Alumni e-mail account, contact the ITS Helpdesk at helpdesk@niu.edu or (815) 753-8100.

Password Rules:

• Exactly 8 characters in length
• A mix of numbers and lowercase letters
• Cannot be reused