Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the goals of the IdM project?
• How will the project impact me?
• What is a NetID?
• When will I begin to use my NetID?
• How does the IdM project relate to coming changes in the e-mail system (Blitz-2-Blitz)?
• Will the IdM Project allow for single sign-on?
• When will the DND be decommissioned?
• How can I learn more about the IdM project?

What are the goals of the IdM project?

The IdM project’s goals include:

1. Provide one digital identity which will serve as the foundation for consistent and universal access to Dartmouth systems and digital resources
2. Maintain relevant areas of identity management information through user self-service
3. Increase centralization of directory information
4. Increase security of passwords and digital identities
5. Improve flexibility for controlling access to online systems
6. Improve ability to track multiple affiliations and transitions between affiliations, such as students joining staff or faculty, students becoming alumni, staff taking on new roles, etc.
7. Reduce administrative time and effort
8. Improve ability to segment user population by role and risk
9. Maintain digital identity at Dartmouth for life

How will the project impact me?

The most visible initial change will be the new NetID you’ll use to log in to select Dartmouth systems. Detailed transition planning of the timing of which systems will use NetID logins is underway. Additional communication (including this FAQ) will be forthcoming as details are set.

What is a NetID?

A NetID is a permanent, personal identifier that will be unique to each individual and ultimately will be used to log in to most Dartmouth systems. For those who already have a DartID, the NetID will be “D” plus your DartID (e.g. D34567G). NetIDs will not be related in any way to real or legal names, thus eliminating the necessity to change them over time (e.g. due to marriage).

When will I begin to use my NetID?

Initial use of your NetID will coincide with your transition to the new e-mail system.

How does the IdM project relate to coming changes in the e-mail system, Blitz-2-Blitz?

The IdM project and the upcoming changes to e-mail (Blitz-2-Blitz) are two separate projects that are running concurrently. Your NetID will be used to access your mailbox in the new Blitz system. Your netID will also become your official Dartmouth e-mail address. Because NetIDs are a string of numbers and characters that are unrelated to your name, you will also be given a "primary e-mail alias" in the new Blitz system. Based on your full name, it will closely resemble your current BlitzMail (DND) account name. Your primary alias is the e-mail address that will appear in the "from" line of messages you send from your new Blitz account. So, it will be the e-mail address that your fellow students and colleagues associate with you.

Will the IDM Project allow for single sign-on?

Single sign-on, as typically defined, is the ability for individuals to provide their login credentials (NetID and password) once and have access to many systems. “True” single sign-on is not included in the initial phases of the IdM project. In most cases, you will still need to log in to each application separately but IdM will provide the benefit of reducing the complexity of different logins with increasing use of the NetID by various applications. The technology underpinnings of IdM will help enable movement toward single sign-on in the future.

When will the DND be decommissioned?

The DND is expected to remain in production beyond the initial phases of the project. Detailed analysis of when and how the DND will be decommissioned is in the early stages. We fully expect the DND to be available for use by Dartmouth systems in to the foreseeable future.

How can I learn more about the IdM project?

This FAQ will be updated periodically as new developments occur.