Questions
- What is Okta and why does Bowdoin use it?
- What is single sign-on (SSO)?
- Why do I have to use multi-factor authentication to log in?
- Do I need to use my full Bowdoin email address to log in?
- Which web browsers work with Bowdoin's login page?
- What happens if Okta goes down?
- Who do I contact if I can't log in to my Bowdoin account?
- How do I organize apps on my Okta dashboard?
- How do I create or delete sections on my Okta dashboard?
- How do I find an app I can't locate on my dashboard?
Environment
This article applies to all Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students. Bowdoin uses Okta to provide a single sign-on (SSO) login experience for most campus applications. The login portal is available at login.bowdoin.edu from any modern web browser.
Resolution
About Okta and Single Sign-On
What is Okta, and why does Bowdoin use it?
Okta is the platform that powers Bowdoin's single sign-on (SSO) login experience. It allows you to log in once with your Bowdoin credentials and access most campus applications — including Canvas, Workday, Outlook, and others — without being prompted to log in again for each one. Okta also provides multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds a critical layer of security to your account by requiring a second form of verification at login.
Do I need to use my full Bowdoin email address each time I log in?
Yes. You must enter your full Bowdoin email address (for example, jdoe@bowdoin.edu) every time you log in. Usernames without the domain (such as jdoe alone) are not accepted.
Is multi-factor authentication (MFA) required?
Yes. MFA is required when signing in to Bowdoin's login portal. It protects your account by ensuring that even if your password is compromised, an attacker cannot access your applications without also having your second factor. See Sign In Using Okta Verify in the Related Articles section for step-by-step instructions on completing MFA.
Which web browsers work with Bowdoin's login portal?
Okta supports all modern web browsers, including Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Bowdoin recommends keeping your browser up to date for the best experience and strongest security.
Troubleshooting Login Issues
What happens if Okta goes down?
Okta is built on an always-on architecture and has strong reliability. If Okta were to experience an outage, you would be unable to access applications through single sign-on. Some applications may still be accessible via a direct URL depending on how they are configured. You can check Okta's current service status at trust.okta.com.
Who do I contact if I can't log in?
Contact the Bowdoin Service Desk immediately:
MFA factor reset: If you have lost access to your Okta Verify app and cannot complete MFA, a factor reset must be done by phone or in person after verifying your identity. See Restoring Okta Verify to the Same Device or Setting Up Okta Verify if the App Has Been Deleted in the Related Articles section.
Account Settings
Should I add a secondary (non-Bowdoin) email address to my Okta account?
Yes — this is strongly recommended. A secondary email address allows Okta to send password reset links to an address you can access even if you are locked out of your Bowdoin email. See Add a Recovery Email Address to Your Okta Account in the Related Articles section for steps.
How do I change my Bowdoin password?
Sign in to login.bowdoin.edu, click your name in the upper-right corner, select Settings, and use the Change Password section. See Resetting Your Bowdoin Account Password in the Related Articles section for more detail.
Managing Your Okta Dashboard
After signing in to login.bowdoin.edu, you have access to a dashboard that shows all the applications available to you. You can organize these apps into sections and rearrange them to suit your workflow.
How do I create a new section?
Click Add Section in the left menu. Enter a name for the new section (for example, Personal or Teaching) and click Save. You can have up to five sections.
How do I delete a section?
Move all applications out of the section you want to remove. Once the section is empty, a Remove Section option will appear. Click it to delete the section.
How do I rearrange apps or move them between sections?
Click and hold an app icon, then drag and drop it to the position or section where you want it to appear.
How do I find an app I can't locate?
Use the Launch App search bar at the top of your dashboard. Type the name of the app and select it from the results to open it directly.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources