Activating Your AACC Account & Setting Up Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Overview

All AACC students, faculty, and staff use the Password Management tool to activate their MyAACC account, update their password, and manage verification options. New students and employees will follow the steps below to gain access to their MyAACC account.

Activate Your MyAACC Account

To set up your account, you must complete the identity verification process by providing the following information:

• AACC ID (also called student ID or employee ID)
• One-time use Security Code
• Birth Date
• AACC Email Address

Your security code and AACC email address can be found in the “Activate your MyAACC Account” email or text message you receive after completing your application.

Example Activation Email

Welcome River Hawk:

Your MyAACC account gives you access to college computers, online services, and the tools you'll need for success—including your student email, class registration, financial aid information, online courses, and more. 

To activate your MyAACC account, please visit https://www.aacc.edu/activateMyAACC. 
You'll need the information below:

•AACC ID#: 5250476
•Security Code: 40371
•AACC Email Address: rhawk2@mymail.aacc.edu

Have a mobile device ready when activating your account. You'll need it to complete multifactor authentication setup if you're a credit student. After activating your account, sign in to MyAACC at portal.aacc.edu using your AACC email address and the password you created.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) helps protect your account by requiring a second step to verify your identity.
MFA is required for all new credit students when signing in to MyAACC and other AACC systems. You will prompted to set it up during your first login after activation, so have your mobile device ready.
To get step-by-step instructions on setting up MFA, visit our support article: Activate Your MyAACC Account
If you are a noncreditstudent, MFA is currently optional- but we will required in the nearfuture.We encourage you to opt in now using the Student MFA Opt In form.

If you need help activating your account or have other technical questions , please contact the Technical Service Desk: 410-777-HELP (4357)| aacc.edu/servicedesk
 
This is an automated message from Anne Arundel Community College. Please do not reply.

Thank you,

AACC Technical Service Desk

Provide Answers to Five Challenge Questions

• Answers can be anything memorable — they don’t have to match the actual question.
• Short, simple answers are easiest to recall and type.
• Each answer must be unique.

Create a Password

Your password must:

• Be at least 14 characters long
• Not include your name or username
• Include three of the following:
  • Uppercase letter
  • Lowercase letter
  • Number
  • Special character: ! @ ^ % $ #
• Not match any of your previous 24 passwords

Restricted characters: ? ' / [ ] \ { }

Provide Alternate Contact Information

Once you’ve set your initial password, ensure your alternate contact information is current. This information is used for password recovery.

• If you provided a mobile number or personal email address on your application, these are automatically added to your Microsoft account.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

To help protect your account, AACC requires multifactor authentication (MFA) for all new credit students. MFA adds a second layer of protection when signing in to MyAACC or Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive.

MFA options:

• Phone number – receive a code via text or phone call
• Microsoft Authenticator app – most secure
• Security Key - USB key

For detailed instructions, visit the following article: Setting Up MFA

Wait for Password Sync

Troubleshooting Access

If you are unable to log in to an AACC computer:

• Use the following temporary credentials (case-sensitive):
  • Username: help\help
  • Password: help
• Navigate to aacc.edu/password and choose an option to reset your password.
• Log out and wait 2–3 minutes before attempting to log in to the AACC computer.

Forgot or Reset Your Password?

• Forgot your password
• Reset your password

Still need help? Contact the Technical Service Desk or submit a request through MyAACC Service Offerings.

Terms and Conditions for SMS Verification

To receive password reset codes via SMS, you must enroll with a valid mobile number. Message and data rates may apply. AACC and its wireless carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.

By using SMS for verification, you agree to the college’s policies and terms.

*T-Mobile is not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.