Webster University: Frequently Asked Questions

Connections Frequently Asked Questions

What is Connections?
What is a Connections ID?
What are the benefits of a Connections ID?
Can I use my current username and password as my Connections ID?
How do I obtain my Connections ID?
For what do I use my Connections ID?

What is Connections? [top]

Connections is a "web portal;" a single point of access to all the electronic services that Webster University offers. It integrates e-mail, online courses, online registration, grade entry, and billing information into a single web-based interface that can be accessed from any internet-capable computer, using a single username and password (your Connections ID). It also provides personal productivity tools like a calendar, address book, customized content channels and news feeds. There are community collaboration tools including campus announcements and group tools that offer forums for file exchange, discussion, and chat.

What is a Connections ID? [top]

It is a single username and password that is assigned to every Webster person (we often refer to this as a Single Sign-On, or SSO). It will eventually provide access to most of our electronic systems, including e-mail, webmail, WebCT, Online Registration, wireless network access, and the Connections web portal.

By contrast, Webster users currently have a different password (and sometimes a different username) for each one of these systems. The Connections ID will gradually replace all of these disparate usernames and passwords.

What are the benefits of a Connections ID? [top]

Each user only has to remember one username and password
If a user forgets his Connections password, it can be reset quickly without having to call the Help Desk
Having a single password increases security. If a password is ever misplaced or stolen, it an be reset quickly by the user in central location, without intervention by IT.
IT can provision services more quickly, because credentials are centrally managed.

Can I use my current username and password as my Connections ID? [top]

For faculty and staff, your e-mail username becomes your Connections ID. You can choose a different Connections password if you like, or keep the same one as long as it meets new password requirements. (For security, we will begin requiring that passwords be at least a certain length, not contain easily guessed words, and so on.)

For students, the username that is currently used for WebCT and Webster e-mail becomes the Connections ID; you will have to select a new password.

How do I obtain my Connections ID? [top]

If you are a new student, you are eligible for a Connections ID when you enroll in classes. If you are a new faculty or staff member, you become eligible when the hiring process has been completed.

As soon as your enrollment or hire is complete, you may go to the Connections Account Management web site and set up your account. You will need your student, faculty, or staff ID number that appears on official correspondence from the University, and on Webster ID cards.

If you encounter problems setting up your account, you may contact our Help Desk at 314-968-5995 or 1-866-435-7270. If you can verify your address, phone number, and other biographical information, you will be issued an activation code that allows you to set up your Connections ID immediately.

For what do I use my Connections ID? [top]

Your Connections ID and password gives you access to your Email, Webct, Connections Web Portal, Access to wireless network "hot spots".