Swarthmore Account

All students registered for a Swarthmore class are assigned a student ID and username. Accounts are created automatically for new students in the fall and spring. You will be sent instructions for accessing your account upon initial enrollment.

If you do not have a username please contact the Registrar's office (registrar@swarthmore.edu). 

Account Usage

Your username and password can be used to access most campus digital services, such as:

  • The campus network (Wi-Fi)
  • Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets
  • mySwarthmore
  • Moodle, Swarthmore's learning management system

For guidelines on responsible conduct while using Swarthmore accounts and services, please review our Acceptable Use Policy for Swarthmore College computer systems and networks.

Setting Your First Password

  1. Visit password.swarthmore.edu.
  2. Enter your Swarthmore Username (example: jsmith1) and click submit.
  3. Choose to verify your account By providing answers to my secret questions.
  4. Enter your 9 digit student/employee ID Number.
  5. You will now be prompted to configure your personalized secret questions. Close the pop-up message and proceed to answer the default questions. It is best to keep your answers simple, so they are easier to remember. Then click the submit button.
  6. You will now be able to reset your password. Choose Reset my password to continue.
  7. Create a new password based on the rules provided in the right-hand column - you may have to scroll to the right to view. Click submit. View our page on tips for creating strong passwords.
    1. In the event that your password fails to verify, a red 'X' will appear next to the rule(s) that were not satisfied. Make the needed changes and click submit again.
    2. If your password is accepted, you will see a pop-up message confirming that you have successfully reset your password. Click exit to close the session.
  8. You may now close this browser window.

For instructions on how to reset your password in the future, please visit our Password Reset instructions page.

Duo Two-Factor Authentication

Swarthmore uses Duo two-factor authentication to help you keep your Swarthmore account secure. This kind of authentication requires something you know (like your account username and password) coupled with something you have (a device registered with the service such as your cell phone). Requiring interaction with a device you have with you ensures that only you are able to access your account, even if your password were to be compromised. For more information about Duo please visit our Getting Started with Duo page. The first time you log into your Swarthmore account you will be prompted to register a device for Duo. For step-by-step instructions on how the registration process works, plus helpful tips for different device types please visit our page on adding and managing devices in Duo.

It is highly recommended that you register more than one device with Duo to make sure you never have an issue logging into your account. 

Swarthmore Virtual Private Network (VPN)

When you're working online remotely, use SwatVPN (VPN = virtual private network). The VPN client software for SwatVPN is called Cisco AnyConnect.
Not only does VPN secure the network communication between your computer and the College, but it also provides you access to resources only available from on-campus and the same level of network protection that you have while on campus. Note that if you don't "control" or own the network you're on (e.g. public WiFi), you should absolutely use VPN for any college-related activities. By the way, VPN isn't just for Macs and PCs, you can also install it on Chromebooks as well as iOS and Android devices.

How to Install the Swarthmore VPN

On a computer:

  1. Open a web browser
  2. Go to https://swatvpn.swarthmore.edu
  3. Log in using your Swarthmore user name and password
  4. Wait while it checks for Java (may take a minute or so)
  5. If Java detection fails, you will be directed to download and install VPN
  6. Click the AnyConnect VPN link to download and save the file to your computer
  7. Go to the installer that downloaded to your computer, and double-click on it to install

On a mobile device:

Logging Into the Swarthmore VPN

Below are the instructions for how to connect to the Swarthmore VPN from a macOS or Windows computer. For more information on how to connect to the Swarthmore VPN from other devices, please see our VPN and Off-Campus Access page.

  1. Search for and launch the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
  2. You will be prompted for the server name. Enter swatvpn.swarthmore.edu then click Connect.
  3. You will now be prompted for your Swarthmore credentials. There will be three fields that must be filled to continue (explained below). Once filled click OK. 
    1. Username: Enter your Swarthmore username.
    2. Password: Enter your Swarthmore password.
    3. Duo Option: Choose how you would like to authenticate with Duo. Further instructions are located in the text box below this field (pictured below). Note: when logging into Cisco AnyConnect for the first time, the “Duo Option” field may be called “Second Password”.
      VPN login screen with Duo option
  4. Verify your login using the Duo method chosen in the previous step. If successful you will be automatically connected to the Swarthmore VPN. If unsuccessful you will be brought back to the login screen to try again.

When ready to quit the VPN session open the minimized VPN client icon in the taskbar (Windows) or the dock (Mac) and select the End Session button. The VPN application will stay running until you exit from it. Once the client has been downloaded, there is no need to go back to the SwatVPN web page.

To use the VPN at a later time:

  • On a Mac: Open the Applications folder, click on the Cisco folder and select the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
  • On Windows: Click on Start, Programs, Cisco, and select the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.

Anti-Virus Protection

Make sure you are running up to date antivirus (AV) software whether on a PC or Mac (yes, definitely Macs too). Being up to date includes the AV software itself and the signatures. Also, be sure to schedule a periodic scan of your computer (scheduled to run at least once a week).

There are several companies that provide free antivirus software. These are just a few:

This information about antivirus updates applies primarily to personally-owned, non-ITS-managed computers.

Information Security

Keeping your account and data secure is very important. Using Duo, the Swarthmore VPN, and having up-to-date anti-virus protection is only a small part of a number of things you can do to ensure you keep your data secure. Please check our page on how to work and learn safely while remote. Please also check out our tips for better wifi.

Zoom

Zoom video conferencing with a pro license is available for all Swarthmore students. You can use this service to attend remote classes, meet with study groups, or virtually attend various campus events. You can access Zoom via the web at swarthmore.zoom.us or download the desktop or mobile applications. For more information on Zoom please visit our Zoom Video Conferencing page.

Software

Swarthmore provides software for download to assist our students in their learning. You can browse and install available software from our Software Installation page.

Please note that not all software listed on our installation page is available for students to download. Check the Access column - if it lists Students or Everyone it is available for student download. Make sure to also check the Platform column to ensure the software is compatible with your computer's operating system.





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Ways you can contact ITS or find information:

ITS Support Portal: https://support.swarthmore.edu
Email: support@swarthmore.edu
Phone: x4357 (HELP) or 610-328-8513
Check out our remote resources at https://swarthmore.edu/remote
Check our homepage at https://swarthmore.edu/its