Swarthmore Account
All employees of Swarthmore College are provided an employee ID and username after their employment requirements are completed by Human Resources (staff) or the Provost's Office (faculty). Once the account is created, your hiring manager will contact you with instructions. If you are an employee and have not received your account username, notify Human Resources for staff (humanresources@swarthmore.edu) or the Provost's Office for faculty (provost@swarthmore.edu). Your username and password can be used to access most campus digital services, such as: For guidelines on responsible conduct while using Swarthmore accounts and services, please review our Acceptable Use Policy for Swarthmore College computer systems and networks.Account Usage
Setting Your First Password
- Visit password.swarthmore.edu.
- Enter your Swarthmore Username (example: jsmith1) and click submit.
- Choose to verify your account By providing answers to my secret questions.
- Enter your 9 digit student/employee ID Number.
- 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.
- You will now be able to reset your password. Choose Reset my password to continue.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- You may now close this browser window.
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.
Requesting Computers, Equipment, and Services
Discuss with your supervisor what computer, peripheral equipment, and access to services you may need. Some of these can be set up during your account creation, your supervisor may be able to grant you access to some services, and some requests may need department approval. Departments can request equipment and services for new staff through our support portal (support.swarthmore.edu). The Service Catalog requires login with a Swarthmore account.
Some everyday things departments request for new staff on our support portal include:
- Access to department groups/listservs, Drive folders, and calendars
- Office phone and number
- Computers and peripheral equipment
For additional resources on purchasing a computer, you can check out our guide on buying a computer.
Once services are set up for you, such as office phones, you will receive notifications at your Swarthmore email address. Please make sure you check there for updates and further instructions. If you requested physical equipment, we would coordinate how to get that equipment to you through the request process.
If you need assistive technology or equipment, please review the Human Resources page for Faculty and Staff Disability Resources.
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: On a mobile device:
Connecting to the Swarthmore VPN
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:
Information Security
Keeping your account and data secure is very important. Using Duo, the Swarthmore VPN, and having up-to-date anti-virus protection are only a few things you can do to keep your data safe. Please check our page on how to work and learn safely while remote. Please also check out our tips for better Wi-Fi.
Zoom
Zoom video conferencing is available for all staff. You will use this service to provide virtual class access and attend meetings. 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
The most commonly used software should already be loaded onto any college-issued computer you receive. Still, if you need additional software, you can see what is available to download from our software installation page.
Contact the Help Desk
Below is a list of all of the ways you can contact ITS or find information:
