When traveling outside of the U.S. all students need to consider their ability to connect to university services like email, STAR, or any other service that requires login using a UH Google Account.
For Students Traveling Outside the U.S. Who Need Access to UH Services That Require Multi-Factor Authentication
The University of Hawaii Information Technology Services (ITS) department provides information on how to navigate use of Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (required for UH Login) for students who are planning to travel outside the U.S. through their ASK US resource:
Traveling with Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If you're having any difficulty logging in when traveling, please contact the ITS Help Desk. Support available 24x7.
Duo Blocks Authentications in OFAC-Sanctioned Countries and Regions
Current Areas Affected*:
- Cuba (CU)
- North Korea - Democratic People's Republic of Korea (KP)
- Iran (IR)
- Sudan (SD)
- Syria (SY)
- Crimea region (43)
- Donetsk region (14)
- Luhansk region (09)
- Sevastopol region (40)
*Area list provided by ITS article on Traveling with Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
At this time, due to sanctions from the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), access to DUO Mobile Authentication software and Zoom Meeting software is unavailable and could be illegal to use in certain areas. This is important because the University of Hawaii requires the use of DUO Mobile Authentication for secure login of UH Account, including any service that requires login via UH Email.
Students will be unable to access their accounts while within these areas. New students will need to leave the sanctioned areas in order to activate their accounts and use services which require their UH Email.
How to communicate with UH Staff/Faculty when you cannot access your UH email account
Students who cannot access their UH email account may use their personal email address temporarily to communicate with UH staff and faculty. Here are recommendations for successful communication when using a non-UH system email address:
- Use the email address connected to your UH admissions application: That email address was added to your student record and can be attributed to you until the UH address is available.
- Provide a brief explanation: UH staff and faculty only expect to receive emails from your UH email address due to privacy concerns. Briefly explain that you are currently in an OFAC country without access to your UH email. You are welcome to link this page for reference.
- Use your name as written in your official passport: All F or J international student records are created using the official passport name. Do not use your preferred name or nickname when communicating with a UH staff or faculty member.
- Include your UH student ID number: All admitted students receive a unique UH student ID number. We recommend that you include this ID number in your email communication so UH staff and faculty can reference your official student record.