CSUSM Student Account Setup | Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS)

Step 1: Retrieve Your Login Information

Your CSUSM username will be what you will use to log into all CSUSM services.
Please follow the instructions below to find your username.

Check your inbox for an email from techsupport@csusm.edu or with the subject line, Your CSUSM Log-in Information.
Review the instructions provided in your welcome email.
Keep your login information in a secure and accessible place.
Please click the button below if you cannot find your information
Once you have your username, you will need to set up your password.
I can't find my username

Step 2: Set Up Your Password

Please follow the instructions below to create your password.
Create Your Password

Click the Create Your Password button above.
In the Email or Username section, type in the campus username that was provided to you with "@csusm.edu" at the end.
Follow the steps on the screen to create your CSUSM Student password.
Your password needs to be atleast 15 characters and no more than 32 characters. No special characters are required.
The verification method will be the phone number you provided when you applied. You can choose to either receive a text message or an automated call for verification.
If you did not provide a phone number or if the phone number looks incorrect or if you are unable to create a your password, please fill out the following form for assistance.
I need help with my password

Step 3: Log into MyCSUSM

MyCSUSM is your student portal for important tasks, updates, and next steps.
Open MyCSUSM

Go to MyCSUSM.
Sign in using your CSUSM username and password.
Select "Student Center" after logging in.
Review your "To-Do" list, alerts, and notifications carefully.
Complete any outstanding tasks and return often for updates.

You can also review the MyCSUSM help page for portal guidance.

Step 4: Enroll in DUO Multi-Factor Authentication

All students accessing CSUSM systems and application are required to use DUO Multi-Factor Authentication.
Please follow the instructions below to set up DUO.
DUO Setup Page

Log into MyCSUSM.
Go to the Quick Links section and click on DUO Self Enrollment.
Under "How do you want to enroll in MFA?" select "Register Smartphone with app" in the dropdown menu.
At the bottom of that screen, select the mobile phone number that you will use for DUO.
Click "Enroll".
You will get two text messages, one to install the DUO app and one with a DUO activation link.
Please make sure you install the DUO Mobile App before clicking the activiation link.
Once you have the app installed, click on the activation link. And follow the prompts on the mobile app.
If you are getting prompted for a bypass code or got a new device, please fill out the following form for assistance.
I need help with DUO

You can also review the CSUSM DUO Page for more information.

This is what will appear on the page when you sign in.
DUO Prompt on account sign in

You will have to input the numbers from the screen into the notification in the DUO Mobile App on yout mobile device.

DUO Prompt Walk Through

Once you enter the 3 digit code into your mobile app and click "Verify" you will have successfully logged in.

DUO Authentication Success

Step 5: Enroll into Microsoft Self Service Password Reset

Enrollment in Microsoft Self Service Password Reset (SSPR) is required for all students.
SSPR allows you to securely reset or unlock your account without contacting the Helpdesk.
You may be prompted to enroll into SSPR on your first sign into your email or when you first change your password.

Please follow the instruction below carefully.

Set up password recovery tools now so you can reset your password later if needed.
Sign into Microsoft Account Security Info with your CSUSM account to see/configure you authentication and recovery options.

On the setup screen, select "Next" to begin.

SSPR Setup Step 1

2. If you do not wish to set up Microsoft Authenticator, select: “Set up a different way to sign in”.

SSPR Setup Step 2

3. We recommend choosing “Email” or "Microsoft Authenticator" as your sign-in method.

The use of Microsoft Authenticator is encouraged but not required. To enroll with Microsoft Authenticator, please make sure you have the Mobile App installed on your mobile device before set-up.

For more detailed instructions on setting up Microsoft Authenticator please visit the following page.
Account Recovery Page

Continue to the next steps if you selected "Email".

4. If you selected “Email”, please add your personal email in the following screen and select “Next” and continue with the following instructions on your screen.

Email Recovery Method Step 1

5. A code will be sent to the personal email used.
Email Recovery Method Step 2
6. Enter the code into the box and select "Next".

Email Recovery Method Step 2

7. If successful, you will see "Email Added". Select "Done".
Email Recovery Method Step 3

I need help with Microsoft Authenticator/Recovery Methods

Sign into Microsoft Account Security Info with your CSUSM account to see/configure you authentication and recovery options.

Microsoft Security Info

Step 6: Access your Outlook Email

To sign into any CSUSM Microsoft services, you will need use your CSUSM Email and Password.

Your CSUSM email will be the campus username that was provided to you with "@csusm.edu" at the end.

You password is the same password you created to access your student portal.

Your campus email account will be created in April for Fall admits and November for Spring admits, once you have accepted your offer of admissions.
Sign Into Outlook

Sign in using your CSUSM email and password.
Read your messages and check your inbox regularly.
Click the following for a short video on how to navigate Outlook.

For more information about your Cougars email, visit the CSUSM Email Page.

Set Up Your CSUSM Student Account

Welcome Cougars!