Student Password Requirements

When to Use?

Due to increased cybercrime, phishing, and malware, IT is improving the security of GVSU passwords by increasing the minimum required number of characters to 16. Upon receiving notice that your password is going to expire, you will be required to change your password according to the rules below.

To reset your password, please visit www.gvsu.edu/passwordreset.

Procedure

Password Rule Set for Student Accounts

1. Password length between 16 and 50 characters
2. Contains: 
   • Uppercase letter(s)
   • Lowercase letter(s)
   • Number(s)
3. Recommended, but not required:
   • Special characters allowed: ~ % ^ * _ - | { } [ ] : ' .
4. Cannot contain:
   • Part of your username
   • Part of your first name
   • Part of your last name
5. Passphrases are recommended, see Setting Strong Passwords
6. DO NOT use spaces
7. Your new password will need to be reset every 18 months.

NOTE: If you have a mobile device that accesses email and/or WiFi (iPad, iPhone, Android smartphone, non-GVSU personal computer, etc.), please be aware that the password must be changed on that device as well (possibly in multiple places: email and WiFi). If you do not change the password on the mobile device, it may lock you out of your account.