How to Activate your JMU eID and Okta Account

This article is to outline how to set up your account. Due to recent changes in how JMU IT manages accounts and security, we recommend reading this article in its entirety before activating your account to ensure you are able to successfully activate your JMU eID.

It is recommended when setting up your account to enroll two separate MFA methods. This provides self-service options to re-enroll your own device in the event one becomes unavailable, needs to be replaced, or otherwise changed. JMU has three main supported MFA methods: Okta Verify for mobile, Security key (JMU supports USB-A and USB-C YubiKeys), and on-device Okta Verify (for Windows and Apple macOS devices). When setting up your account, we recommend starting with Okta Verify for mobile, as this is the most flexible authenticator to allow access to different devices/locations and in different situations. 

• For Undergrad Applicants, you will receive an email from JMU (from a noreply@mylogin.jmu.edu) to the personal/home email account that you used to apply to the University once Admissions has processed your application. Click the link within the email to begin the JMU eID activation process.
• For Graduate Applicants, you will receive an email from The Graduate School when you have been processed as a student/matriculated (matriculation occurs after your acceptance to the program and after you have accepted your offer of admission, however, matriculation does not occur immediately upon admittance, but closer to class enrollment dates for the term you will begin).
  • This email will contain directions to activate your eID and next steps. See the registrar’s calendar for more information on enrollment (registration) dates and times.
  • Once you have activated your eID, access to your email account is also granted at the same time. If you are a recently graduated student and are returning, you will be notified of the reactivation of your account (if needed). 
• For Affiliates, you will receive an account activation email to your personal/home email account that you provided on your Affiliate hiring paperwork. Click the link within the email to begin the JMU eID activation process.
• For Faculty or Staff, you will receive an account activation email to your personal/home email account that you provided on your Onboarding paperwork.  Click the link within the email to begin the JMU eID activation process.

Applicants have the option to set up an authenticator. However, it is strongly encouraged to enroll at least one method as an additional form of security and self-service. If you choose not to at initial account setup, you can click Continue and a MFA method can be added later. 

Note: Upon being accepted into the University, you will be required to enroll an MFA method if you have not yet done so.  

Faculty, Staff, Affiliates, and accepted Students are required to set up a MFA method. It is encouraged to enroll in Okta Verify, and additional information on setting up Okta Verify can be found here. Alternatively, you can find information on the use of a Yubikey, as well as find additional information on setting one up here.