Your VMI email account is a critical communication tool throughout your cadetship. Typically, VMI email accounts are created after March 1 for appointed students who have paid their deposit or completed their Reservation to VMI.

When your VMI email account has been created you will receive an email from the Director of Admissions with your unique username and password needed for security setup and VMI email access. Please complete the entire process as soon as possible, as all official correspondence—including updates placement testing, communications from the Infirmary, and required tasks—will be sent to your VMI email.

Follow the steps below to set up the necessary security protocols needed for VMI email access. If you have difficulty following these instructions or have any questions about the procedure, please contact the VMI Information Technology (IT) Help Desk at 540-464-7643.

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How to get started

This process should be completed on a desktop/laptop computer using Microsoft Edge, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, or Google Chrome. Do NOT use a mobile device except when explicitly listed as a step below.

**If you do not have a mobile phone or tablet, please contact the VMI IT Help Desk at 540-464-7643 for further instructions.

KEY INFORMATION: For this process, you will need the username and password provided via email from the Admissions Office. Make sure to have them handy.

ⓘ If the password you received does not work, please visit the Network Passwords page from VMI IT for instructions on uploading your photo ID and sending a follow up email to help@vmi.edu.

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Step 1: Enroll in VMI’s Self-Service Password System & Duo Mobile

All appointed students must enroll in VMI’s Self-Service Password (SSP) system. This will register your initial password, require you to register a device such as a mobile phone or tablet** for Duo Mobile (multi-factor authentication), and handle any password changes or security question updates moving forward. Detailed SSP instructions are available from VMI IT.

You may also want to download a Duo Setup Guide for a version of the instructions that includes screenshots.

1.1 Complete the Self-Service Password (SSP) enrollment process:

1. Open your web-browser, go to www.vmi.edu/ssp.
2.  Enter your full VMI email address (this is your username followed by @vmi.edu) along with the password you were provided.
3. Select three security questions and provide the answers. Note: Answers are case sensitive. TIP: Keep a record of your responses in a secure location.
4. After enrolling in VMI’s Self-Service Password System you’ll proceed to the Duo Mobile setup (Step 1.2).

1.2 Setup Duo Mobile (Multi-Factor Authentication)

1. When prompted with the 'Welcome to Duo Security' screen, select 'Get started'.
2. On the 'Add a device screen', select 'Duo Mobile Recommended'.
3. Enter your mobile phone number and click 'Continue'.
4. Review your number on the following screen, confirming or changing as necessary.
5. IMPORTANT: Download the Duo Mobile app on your mobile device through the App Store or Google Play. Once downloaded, select 'Next' under 'Download Duo Mobile'.
6. Launch the Duo Mobile app on your mobile device and select ‘Scan QR code’ to scan the unique QR presented on your desktop/laptop computer screen.
7. Once successful, you will see the message, "Added Duo Mobile. You can now use Duo Mobile to log in using a push notification sent to your mobile device" on your desktop. Select 'Continue' to complete this process.
8. Return to www.vmi.edu/ssp on your desktop and create a new password per security standards.
9. Wait 30 minutes after changing your password before moving to Step 2 and accessing your VMI email.

 

Step 2: Access Your VMI Email

Once you have completed the required security setup above, you are ready to log in to your official VMI email account.

1. Open a web browser and go to outlook.com.
2. Click the “Sign In” button at the upper right of the screen. You will be re-directed to the Microsoft Sign-In website.
3. Enter your VMI e-mail address (this is your username followed by @vmi.edu) and click “Next”.  This will open VMI’s email login screen.
4. On the VMI login screen, enter the password you set up in Step 1.2. (If prompted, click “Work or school account”)
5. Click “Sign in” and you will be directed to your e-mail inbox, which may already contain messages from VMI offices and departments.

TIP: Remember to always properly log out after you are finished with your e-mail session if you are using a “Public” or shared computer.

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REMINDER: If you have difficulty following these instructions or have any questions about the procedure, please contact the VMI Information Technology Help Desk at 540-464-7643.