Frequently Asked Questions

The basics

Q: What is UR Online?
Q: Is there an actual person who can answer questions about UR Online?
Q: How do new users begin?
Q: I've noticed some significant changes to UR Online. Is this a new version?
Q: I've not used UR Online in a while and now my username won't work. What do I do?
Q: The system won't let me choose the username I used on the old version of UR Online. Why?
Q: What is a log-in name?
Q: What if there is a problem logging in?
Q: What is the difference between a simple and an advanced search?
Q: Why is an "authentication" question necessary?
Q: How much of a person's profile is published online?
Q: How is profile information changed?
Q: How about changing the login name and/or password?
Q: What is the difference between an e-mail account and a UR lifetime e-mail forwarding account?
Q: How does UR guard alumni privacy?

Q: What is UR Online?
A: This is a free, Web-based collection of information and services for alumni and students of the University of Richmond. It includes such benefits as an alumni contact directory, e-mail forwarding account, career assistance and more.

Q: Is there an actual person who can answer questions about UR Online?
A: Of course. UR knows the importance of personal contact. E-mail alumnioffice@richmond.edu or call 804-289-8659.

Q: How do new users begin?
A: It's easy. Go to the alumni home page, click on "New User?" and simply follow the directions.

Q: I've noticed some significant changes to UR Online.  Is this a new version?
A: Why, yes, it is.  Thanks for noticing.  As you travel through the new UR Online, please keep in mind that we continue to review and test the Web site following our transition to a new vendor on July 1, 2006.  We will continue to add features in the months ahead.  You - our end users - can provide valuable insight as well.  We welcome your comments and questions using this 2006-2007 User Survey.  Hearing from you will help us to ensure our number one goal - that UR Online provides a beneficial service to alumni - is met.  We also hope that you will bookmark this site and visit frequently - new features and services will continue to be added as we move through this transition.

Q: I've not used UR Online in a while and now my username won't work.  What do I do?
A: Due to security requirements and technical necessity, all users previously registered in UR Online before July 1, 2006, will need to be authenticated and change both their username and password in the new system.  This link will take you to the page that will allow you to enter information only you will know and will automatically generate your new username and password.  We strongly urge you to change this system generated username and password after you have logged in for the first time.  After logging in for the first time, simply select "Change Username and Password" at the bottom of the left hand navigation list and follow the instructions.

Q: The system won't let me choose the username I used on the old version (pre-July 1, 2006) of UR Online.  Why is that?
A: Please note that your old username may not work with the new system.  Your first choice will be compared to the pool of ALL of Kintera's clients (our UR Online vendor) and may in fact already be in use at another organization.  If you want a similar username as you've used before, this problem can usually be solved by putting "UR" or "spider" or something else that is Richmond-specific in front of your choice to make it unique.  Please also note that your UR Online username will not need to be related to your choice of name/address for e-mail forwarding.  The two naming conventions are unrelated.

Q: What if there is a problem logging in?
A: Your problem will be solved. On the same page where you log in, click on "Need Help?" and follow the "quick fix" suggestions.

Q: What is the difference between a simple and an advanced search?
A: A simple search looks for a person by name, school or class year. An advanced search tries to locate a person by examining information in additional sections of the person's profile. 

Q: Why is an "authentication" question necessary?
A: It's basically a memory aid. You choose an authentication question that UR Online asks if you forget your login name and/or password. Since only you know the answer, UR Online can release your login name and password, knowing the information is secure.

Q: How much of a person's profile is published online?
A: That is something you determine. Your initial profile is composed of basic information from UR's database. You may hide certain types of information by logging on to UR Online and checking "do not display" for the corresponding section on the "Update Your Profile" form. Every time you go online to update your profile, that new information is added to the University's file. And every time you make a change, you can specify whether or not you want that particular information available online. Once you have registered and logged in for the first time, please be certain to review your information in your alumni record as it will appear in the password secured online directory by selecting "Update My Profile" in the left hand navigation bar and then selecting "how others will view your profile."  We want to be certain we have the most up to date information about you and we want you to make certain that you hide the personal information you do not wish for other logged-in alumni to view.

Q: How is profile information changed?
A: Easily. Log in and click on "Update Your Profile." Select the category of information you want to edit, key in the new information, then click "submit."  Your changes will appear online immediately—unless, of course, you specify otherwise.

Q: How about changing the login name and/or password?
A: Log in with your existing name and password (first-time users after July 1, 2006 need to follow the directions for "New User?" above).  Then click on "Edit Username and Password," also the last item in the left hand navigation list.

Q: What is the difference between an e-mail account and a UR lifetime e-mail forwarding account?
A: E-mail accounts are set up through Internet service providers to receive and store your messages. You probably already have an e-mail account though AOL, a cable company or some other private provider. A UR lifetime e-mail forwarding account does just what its name implies: it forwards messages to you at whatever your current e-mail address may be. This can be a terrific advantage, because you set up your UR e-mail forwarding account only once and that address is yours for life. No matter how often you move or change Internet providers, you always receive your messages. (Of course, you must remember to update your UR  account every time you change Internet providers.)  Click here to learn more about this feature.

Q: How does UR guard alumni privacy?
A: UR Online is not a public Web site. It is designed exclusively for alumni and students who have registered and logged in. Transmission is encrypted, and the site is technologically secure and password-protected. Those who use UR Online information for marketing or commercial purposes will be denied access and may be subject to legal action.