CBS Account Access for Alumni

Those who have alumni status with CBS enjoy a range of benefits, many of which are accessed through a centralizaed Columbia University username and password.  At Columbia, your username is also known as a "UNI". Your UNI is the same username you use to access University alumni resources.

Executive Summary for CBS Alumni

Here are the four key things you need to know:

  1. Previously your username to access Business School resources (i.e. Community) was your LifetimeID (e.g. JSmith20). Now, your UNI (e.g. js1234) is your username.
  2. You can look up your UNI.
  3. If you have not done so in the last 180 days, you will need to change your password here.
  4. Your CBS email forwarding address remains unchanged as [email protected] (e.g. [email protected]), and you can update your forwarding any time.

If you have any questions, please check out the FAQs immediately below.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following items should assist you in accessing any CBS or CU resources needed:

What is a UNI?

A "UNI" is the term Columbia University uses for referring to your username. The format is your initials, either first and last or first, middle and last, and a 4-digit number. If you do not know your UNI, you can look it up online. This username along with your password will grant you access to any University and Business School resources.

I don't know my UNI, how do I get it?

If you are an alumni with no other affiliation: If you are an alumni and a current student or employee:
  • Go to alumni.columbia.edu
  • Click "UNI Login Help"
  • Click "GET STARTED", under "I don't know my UNI and/or password".
  • Go to uni.columbia.edu
  • Click on "Activate My UNI or LionMail Account"
  • Click "Accept" to acknowledge "Your Responsibility on the Columbia Network"
  • Click "Accept" for the Computer and Network Use Policy
  • Click "HERE" next to the question "Don't know your UNI?"

How do I reset my password?

If you are an alumni with no other affiliation: If you are an alumni and a current student or employee:
  • Go to https://tools.alumni.columbia.edu/uni/
  • If you know your current password:
    • Click "LOG IN", under "I know my password and want to change it."
  • If you do not know your current password:
    • Click "GET STARTED", under "I don't know my UNI and/or password."

What are the password requirements?

Columbia University maintains the following password requirements:

  • A password must be between 8 and 64 characters long
  • A password must have at least three of the following:
    • Uppercase letter, lowercase letter, number, or special character
  • A password less than 12 characters cannot contain common words or personal identifiers (name and UNI)
  • Passwords of any length may not contain your first or last name
  • To set a new password, it must be different from the previous five that were used

For more information, please see Using Strong Passwords on the Columbia University Information Technology website.

What if I Can't Find My UNI?

If you are unable to locate your UNI using the tools above, please contact the Business School's Alumni office at [email protected] or 212-854-8815.

What is My CBS Email Address?

Your CBS email address remains as your LifetimeID+GRAD YEAR at GSB dot COLUMBIA dot EDU, such as [email protected]. Please note that this is a lifetime email forwarding service.

How Do I Access the CBS Alumni Community and Manage My Profile?

The Business School's alumni community site is located at https://www6.gsb.columbia.edu/community/. Once logged in, click "My Profile" in the left-hand menu to manage your profile, and check out the other options available!

How Do I Access the CU Alumni Community and Manage My Profile?

The University's alumni community site is located at http://community.alumni.columbia.edu/columbiaalumni. Click the arrow next to your name in the top-right corner of the screen to manage your profile, and check out the other options available!

I am an Executive Education Certificate holder, how do I reset my password?

If you do not know your username or password, please see https://www6.gsb.columbia.edu/community/network/accountlookup.cfm to determine your current account status and next steps.