ESS Portal password information for Commonwealth University users
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania

PASSHE/ESS Portal Password Info

You've come to this page from the PASSHE/ESS Portal's "Account Self-Service Portal" link, which you shouldn't have to click since CU Users use their CU account password to access the PASSHE/ESS Portal. There is no need to change/reset your password through use of the link PASSHE provides because you will be changing your password through the use of another CU network resource through normal use of your account.

When you change your CU account password, it will change your password for all systems including campus computer login, email, ESS, Brightspace, Banner OneSIS, Single Sign-On, and Remote Access Service (VPN).

If you'd still like to proceed with a password change at this time, please read the options below carefully.

Immediately after you change/reset your password, you should log off any other CU computers you are logged into and log back on with the new password. Also remember to update your password on any personal laptops, smartphones, or other devices which are connecting to the wireless network or your email account. If an outdated password is persistently used to try to authenticate to any CU resource, it will lock out your CU account for 15 minutes at a time.

After you set a new password, you will be able to log in to the PASSHE/ESS Portal successfully. Please remember to enter your full email address as the username and your new password as the password. If you still have a problem accessing your account or have a question, please contact the CU technology helpdesk at 877-435-7280 or x4357 from a campus phone.

If you know your current password and would like to change your password right now, do one of the following:
  • If you are on-campus and already logged in to a campus computer, press Ctrl+Alt+Del and click "Change a password" to change your password.
  • If you are off-campus, you may change your password over the web.


If your password has already expired and the PASSHE/ESS Portal will not allow you to log in, there are still CU resources that will allow you to log in with the expired password and will then prompt you to change your password. This is the best way to handle the change. If your password has already expired, do one of the following:
  • If you are on-campus, log into a campus computer with your expired password. If you are already logged in, first log out.
  • If you are off-campus, log into Outlook on the web with your expired password.
  • If you can't remember your expired/current password at all, you may reset your password over the web.