Set Up Your Bowdoin Account as a Class Auditor

Questions

  • I've been approved to audit a class — how do I set up my Bowdoin account?
  • I received an email from the Registrar's Office about my auditor account — what do I do now?
  • How do I find my auditor account username and password?
  • I'm a class auditor and need to log in to Canvas — where do I start?
  • What is the 1Password link in the Registrar's email for?
  • How do I set up multi-factor authentication for a Bowdoin auditor account?
  • I set up my auditor account but can't log in — what should I do?
  • What do I get access to as a class auditor at Bowdoin?
  • Do I need a smartphone to set up my auditor account?

Environment

This article applies to community members who have been approved by the Registrar's Office to audit a Bowdoin College course and are setting up their Bowdoin account for the first time. Auditor accounts provide access to Canvas (for course materials) and a Microsoft 365 mailbox for class-related communication.

All Bowdoin accounts are protected by multi-factor authentication (MFA) using Okta Verify. A smartphone is required to complete MFA setup. If you do not have a smartphone, contact the Service Desk before proceeding.

Resolution

Setup happens in two stages: first, retrieve your account credentials from the secure link in the Registrar's email; then, complete MFA enrollment and sign in for the first time.

Before you begin: You will need the email from the Registrar's Office, your smartphone, and a few minutes without interruption. Have all three ready before starting.

Stage 1 — Retrieve your account credentials

  1. Open the email you received from the Registrar's Office. It contains both a link and an attached PDF with instructions. You will use the link first.
  2. Click the link in the email. It will open the 1Password website — this is the secure system Bowdoin uses to share your initial credentials with you.
  3. On the 1Password page, enter the email address that the Registrar's message was sent to, then click Send code.
    Image of the 1Password website with a field to enter an email address.
  4. Check your email for a verification code from 1Password and enter it on the next screen, then click See item.
    Image of the 1Password webpage with a field to enter a verification code.
  5. Your auditor account username and temporary password will be displayed. Write these down or copy them somewhere safe — you will need both to complete the next stage.
Note: The 1Password link is single-use and expires. If you click it a second time or the link has expired, contact the Service Desk for assistance.

Stage 2 — Complete MFA setup and sign in

With your credentials in hand, the next step is to enroll in Okta Verify (Bowdoin's MFA system) and sign in to your account for the first time. This process is the same as for new students and is covered step by step in Enrolling in Okta Verify for new accounts in the Related Articles section.

When that article asks for your username and password, use the auditor credentials you retrieved in Stage 1 above.

Note: Once MFA setup is complete, you can access Canvas at bowdoin.instructure.com and your Bowdoin email at outlook.office.com.

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.
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Related Articles (3)

Enrolling in Okta Verify for New Accounts
Step-by-step instructions for setting up Okta Verify on a mobile device when activating a new Bowdoin account for the first time. Covers downloading the app, logging in with temporary credentials, completing multi-factor authentication enrollment, and adding a recovery email address. Applies to all incoming faculty, staff, and students.
How long does a Bowdoin account stay active after leaving?
Explains when Bowdoin accounts are disabled and deleted for faculty, staff, and students after they leave the college. Timelines differ by role: staff accounts are disabled immediately, faculty accounts remain active for 30 days, and student accounts are disabled on October 31 of their graduation year and deleted the following February 1. Account extensions may be available.
Resetting your Bowdoin account password
Explains how to reset or change your Bowdoin account password through the Okta portal, covering three scenarios: changing a known password, resetting a forgotten password using self-service recovery options, and requesting an assisted reset through the Service Desk.