The directory service contains entries for all staff, faculty, and students at the University. Each one of these people is identified by a special name, the alias. You will automatically be assigned an alias as part of your directory service entry. This ID will be composed with parts of your first and last name with a digit to ensure uniqueness. If at any time you do not like this ID you may change, provided you do not violate any of the restrictions below.
Aliases serve as login names for the directory service, mail storage, and mail home.
If you wish to make changes to your directory service entry, you must first tell ph your alias so that it knows who is trying to log in. Your alias can also be used to address mail to you at purdue.edu. If colleagues are using your alias to send you mail, you should not change your alias. If you do change your alias anyone is free to use your old alias. If someone takes your old alias there is no way to get it back.