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

Summary

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.

Body

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.

Important: As of July 7, multifactor authentication (MFA) is required for all new credit students to access AACC online services.

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

Account activation website.

Your AACC ID, security codem and AACC email address can be found in the “Activate your MyAACC Account” email or text message you receive after completing your application. This message is sent 10 times every two weeks until the account is activated.

Example Activation Email

From:passwordmanagement@aacc.edu

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. To get step-by-step instructions on setting up MFA, visit our support article: Activate Your MyAACC Account

If you are a noncredit student, MFA is currently optional—but will required in the near future. 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

Enter or Confirm your Recovery Information

  • Add, change or confirm your recovery email address and phone number. If you ever forget your password, you can use your recovery information to reset your password. 
  • If you change your recovery information, you will receive an email/text to confirm.

Account activation confirm information.

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: ? ' / [ ] \ { }

Account activation website at the step to create a password.

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?

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.

Details

Details

Article ID: 140585
Created
Wed 7/20/22 4:35 PM
Modified
Mon 3/9/26 3:17 PM
Audience
Target audience for article content.
Students
Faculty
Staff

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Instructions for resetting a known password.