Personal account administration changes - Advance notice

Added security and reduced workload for administrators

Eduserv Athens will be rolling out some new functionality at the end of January, and would like to give you the opportunity to comment on the new features before the launch.

1. Account activation
   Administrators will be able to email new users an account activation link rather than emailing the username and password. Alternatively, administrators will also be able to save the accounts in the administration area with their relevant activation code for distribution at a later date. This significantly improves the security of Athens usernames and passwords at account creation time, however administrators will still be able to email usernames and passwords if they so wish. 
   
   This new feature will be available in the administration interface and in bulk upload, however, the self-registration facility, including schemes like NHS England, will retain the old functionality for the time being.

1. Forgotten passwords and email addresses
   Users will now be able to reset forgotten passwords using their username and email address via a link on the login pages, so the workload on help desks and administrators for these should be significantly reduced. In addition, the user will be able to view and change the registered email address for the account, using a new feature in MyAthens.

Please see the attached diagram and screenshots for details of these features in action. We would welcome your comments on these new features. 

If you have any queries regarding the new functionality please contact the Athens Service Desk at athenshelp@eduserv.org.uk.

4 December 2007