Re: Question on student user accounts

["Kenneth G. Arnold" <bkarnold () CBU EDU>]

We try various combinations to generate a username based on the user's
first, middle and last names with a maximum of eight characters:

first letter of first name + last name
first letter of first name + first letter of middle name + last name
first two letters of first name + last name
first two letters of first name + first letter of middle name + last name
and so on...

When the account is deleted the username can be used again unless it is
being used as an alias for forwarding email.  We will provide forwarding
for a period of at least three months after the account is terminated if
the student requests it. We have had minor problems with this in that the
new person sometimes receives email directed to the previous person.  We
have not had enough problems to warrant changing our methods yet.  What
sort of issues has your institution seen regarding the reuse of usernames?


At 09:37 AM 6/21/2005, you wrote:
> Our institution has been using a specific format for student network
> accounts for many years.  Our format has always been the last name
> followed by a sequential number.  For example, we would use SMITH11,
> SMITH12, SMITH13 with the email set as the same format.  After the user
> would graduate, we would remove the accounts and eventually, the username
> would be reused by another incoming freshman.  This has created some
> issues over the years.
>
> I was just curious what you are using for the network username format at
> your institution and what you've found that works well for you.  Do you
> reuse network accounts or do you have a unique username for each student
> coming in?
>
> Any input is appreciated.
>
> Kerry Fretz
> Manager, Network & Systems
> Philadelphia University


Brother Kenneth Arnold
System Administrator
Information Technology Services
Christian Brothers University
(901) 321-4333