Password Help

How to Change Your COE / ECE Password

There are several ways you can change your password on the COE / ECE system.

  • In Webmail
    • Log in to COE Webmail. Click on Account in the bottom red bar, then choose Password from the top bar.
  • On the Unix/Linux command line
    • Log in to gateway.coe.neu.edu using ssh. Type “passwd” on the command line to change your password.
  • Password Change Website

Password Change Website Video Instructions

If you have forgotten your COE username

If you have forgotten your COE username, send an email to help@coe.neu.edu and include in the message your Name and NUID.

How to Choose a Strong Password

Complexity Requirements

To comply with University rules and protect your account and our computer system, your COE and ECE passwords must meet minimum complexity requirements.

Your password must:

  • have at least 15 characters
  • include at least one UPPERCASE letter, one lowercase letter, one numeral, and one special character (see below)
  • NOT include any part of your name or username
  • NOT include common words like Husky, RedSox, etc., or the current year
  • You may use any of the following special characters: @ % – _ +

Tips for choosing a password you can remember

Here is one way to pick a password that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Think of a phrase, such as the first line of a song. Take a few letters (eg, the important consonants) of each word in your phrase. Work in a numeral or two and mix up the CapitaLizatioN. Now the password will look like a random string of characters, but you can remember it by saying the phrase to yourself.

Example phrase: Take me out to the ball game

Resulting password: Tkmeo2tBallgm

Please don’t use this exact password! Choose your own favorite song or phrase.