Re: Question on student user accounts

[Mark Borrie <mark.borrie () OTAGO AC NZ>]

For quite a few years we have used 8 character names based on the
first 3 characters of their surname, the first 2 of their given name and a
3 digit random number. (some users need a 4 digit random number)

The usernames are never reused and are associated with a user for
ever. For students this username is used for theie email.

We also use a variation of this for staff, external users and role based
accounts.

The only problem we have is that certain names create interesting and
potentially offensive usernames. This year we also had 2 users object
to a username ending in 666. We have a process for in place for
changing usernames in extreme cases but in 7 years we have only had
5 complaints.

The standard naming we use has been so successful we see the
names being used in places such as hotmail and other external sites.

Mark.

On 21 Jun 2005 at 10:37, Fretz, Kerry 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

--
Mark Borrie
IT Security Officer,
Information Technology Services, University of Otago,
Dunedin, N.Z.
Ph +64 3 479-8395, Fax +64 3 479-5080, Mobile +64 27 609-6409