Overview
You should have already received your 16-digit pin. Please read through this article and at the bottom click on <Continue to Account Retrieval Tool>
NOTE: If you have already used your unique 16-digit pin to retrieve your userid and a temporary password, you will need to submit a Support Request requesting a reset as it only works once. Please provide your full name, RIN and a non-RPI email address. Your RIN (Rensselaer ID Number is 9 digits starting with 66).
We have had reports of Microsoft Edge not working well with this process. Google Chrome is recommended.
Procedures
- In order to begin the activation process you will need the 16 digit PIN number sent to your email address. Once you use your 16 digit PIN you can not use it again until it is reset by the help desk. If you need your PIN reset, please submit an online Support Request providing your full name, personal email address and RIN for identity verification. Your RIN (Rensselaer ID Number is 9 digits starting with 66).
- This process works best from a computer/laptop rather than a phone.
- After entering your PIN and date of birth (using format: DD-Mon-YYYY), the screen will show you your RCS userid and a temporary password. Write these down or you can leave this tab open on your browser and open a new tab. The password is case sensitive.
-
Wait at least 1 minute before changing this password to one of your own on the password reset page. Password criteria:
- Different from your current password
- Minimum of 15 characters and Maximum of 127 characters
- You can not use the last 24 passwords
- Passwords must not contain:
- Your RCSID
- Your first name
- Your last name
(in their entirety)
- The password contains characters from three of the following categories:
- Uppercase letters (A through Z)
- Lowercase letters (a through z)
- Numeric (0 through 9).
- Non-alphanumeric characters (special characters): '-!"#$%&()*,./:;?@[]^_`{|}~+<=>
- Keep track of your password! For security reasons passwords cannot be given out over the phone or via email.
Account Retrieval Tool
When you have your Registration PIN in front of you, click Account Retrieval Tool below to continue and follow the directions for retrieving your RCS userid and temporary password. You must change this password to one of your Please allow at least a minute before changing that password to one of your own. If you are not currently enrolled in Duo Multi-Factor authentication you will be prompted to enroll.
When entering your date of birth use the format: DD-Mon-YYYY
For example a date of birth of 10/19/1999 would be: 19-Oct-1999
To Begin - click: Account Retrieval Tool
Please visit this section of the knowledge base for useful information for those new to the community:
New to Rensselaer community - for Students, Faculty and Staff
Last Reviewed: 15-Sept-2025
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