About this Website

Raven Authentication

Raven is a service run by the University Computing Service, which allows people to authenticate themselves to multiple web-based resources using a single account and password.

The Graduate Union uses Raven to control access to some parts of its website. This allows us to restrict access to editing features to members of the University, and sometimes specific individuals. The GU also uses Raven for authenticating users of its computing and wifi facilities, and for online voting.

All new students are automatically given Raven passwords. If you do not have a Raven password, but you do have a Hermes e-mail address (or one on the Engineering or Biological Sciences systems), you can collect your password online. If this is the first time you've requested a Raven password, your password will be shown on screen and you will then be able to use it immediately. If you have forgotten a previous Raven password, and require a new one to be issued, then it will be sent via UMS to one of your registered postal addresses. This may take a a day or so.

In the unlikely event that you do not have other Computing Service accounts, you will have to complete an application form and wait to receive your Raven password before you will be able to edit anything here. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Once you have collected your Raven password, you are encouraged to change it to something it is easy for you to remember but difficult for anyone else to guess. You can edit your Raven account settings online.

When using Raven with this website, a cookie will temporarily be stored on your computer. To use our Raven-protected pages, your browser must accept cookies from us. To log out you should simply close your web browser; this will also delete the cookie. We do not collect any personal data from you, nor would it be possible for us to do so, other than that you specifically supply. The username and IP address may be stored in our server access logs, but we do not receive your password or any other information.

For details of how personal information may be recorded as a result of using Raven, please see the GU Website Privacy Policy and the Raven Privacy Policy. Technical information about Raven can be found on the Raven Project pages.