Introduction
Pima Community College assigns each student and employee a unique account name. This account name allows individuals to log into campus networks and software applications. This article explains what the Unique Identifier (UID) is, how the college creates it, and the current rules regarding changes to account names.
Details
What is a Unique Identifier (UID)?
The Unique Identifier is the official name used to identify you across all Pima Community College systems and is typically referred to as your Username. Your username links all your accounts together across different platforms. You will see the UID used as the first part of your Pima email address, your MyPima portal login name, or your Banner login ID. Students and employees must know their assigned UID to access college technology resources.
How Does the College Create a UID?
The college system automatically creates a UID by combining the first letter of the user’s first name with the user’s full last name. The system adds a number to the end of a name if it matches an existing username, ensuring that every person has a unique username. The system follows these specific formatting rules when creating a username:
- The system removes all special characters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes.
- The system cuts usernames off after 20 characters to ensure the name works with older college computer systems.
- For example, a new student named John Smith may receive the UID: jsmith256.
Can I Request a Custom Username?
No. Pima Community College creates all UIDs automatically using a fixed formula. Changing a username requires complex automated updates across many different college systems at the same time. For this reason, Pima Community College does not offer custom usernames.
Username changes and updates are not currently available. While Pima Community College IT may bring back username changes in the future, the department cannot change or rename accounts at this time. In the event the college offers this service again, the process will require users to first officially update their legal name in the Banner database through the Registrar’s Office (for students) or the Employee Service Center (for employees).