University of Southern California

USC Computer Accounts

The library provides help with obtaining, setting up, and using your USC computer account. Answers to frequently asked questions about computer accounts are provided below.

Why do I need a USC computer account?

A USC computer account gives you access to eResources licensed specifically for USC users, in addition to email and other USC electronic services.

Other accounts are available for special purposes such as for departmental or organizational email, maintaining a site on the USCweb server, and specialized web data maintainer services. Separate application forms are required for these accounts.

Who can get a USC computer account?

All USC students, faculty, and staff are issued a USC computer account.

Voluntary faculty, residents, fellows, and visiting scholars are eligible for accounts. Employees of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Doheny Eye Institute, LAC+USC Medical Center, Norris Cancer Hospital and USC University Hospital may be eligible if they work for a USC department. Visiting students are eligible if they are at USC for more than three months.

Accounts are to be used for clinical, educational, or research efforts for USC.

How do I get an account?

Accounts are automatically created for registered students and USC paid employees and are maintained as long as you are registered or employed.

Others eligible for accounts must complete a Computer Account Application and submit it in person to the Technology Support Center Monday through Friday, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Applications also can be submitted at the Wilson Dental Library and the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Library.

USC faculty, staff, or students with high performance computing needs may apply for a research computer account by applying online at USC Center for High Performance Computing and Communications (HPCC) webpage. These accounts are intended for the development of long-running programs or simulations, analysis of large data sets using statistical software, or extensive graphical and numerical analysis.

How long does it take to get an account?

Your account will be ready 5-10 days after you submit the application. Entering students receive their accounts at the beginning of the semester, and new employees wait approximately one week after inclusion in the USC payroll system.

How will I know what my username and password are?

Before using the account, you will need to activate it from the ITS Account Activation page. You may activate your account from any computer. If you need assistance, come to the Technology Support Center.

I’m sure I’m putting in my correct username and password, but I’m not able to get into my account. What should I do?

Remember that your username is not your entire email address, so make sure you're not including the @usc.edu when asked to login. Also remember that your password must contain 7 to 8 characters, of which at least one is upper case, one lower case, and one a number. Make sure the Caps Lock key is not on. Try another computer if possible. If it still doesn't work, call the Technology Support Center at (323) 442-1968.

What if I forget my computer account password?

For security reasons, you'll need to have your password reset in person at the Norris Library Technology Support Center, the Wilson Dental Library, or the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Library. Be sure to bring along picture identification.

How do I change my password?

If you know your password but want to change it, use the ITS Password Change page.

Be sure to follow the guidelines provided for selecting a password.

Use this form also if your password has been reset. Use your 10 digit USC identification number for your current password. If you don't know your 10 digit USC ID number, please contact the Technology Support Center at (323) 442-1968.

The USC Information Technology Services Key Topics page is also an excellent resource for information on computing, networking and data storage at USC.

For additional help, contact the library at (323) 442-1968 or hscaccts@usc.edu.

Revised 6/18/09

HOME - JOURNALS - BOOKS/MULTIMEDIA - DATABASES - eRESOURCES - CATALOGS - COMPUTING - LIBRARY INFO - LIBRARY SERVICES -  CONTACT US

©2009  Norris Medical Library   2003 Zonal Ave,   Los Angeles, CA 90089-9130    (323) 442-1116   medlib@usc.edu