Dear Asbury Seminary Community,

Last Thursday, we shared an announcement regarding the upcoming transition to Microsoft authentication and the requirement to complete Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This message is a reminder for anyone who has not yet completed the MFA setup.

If you have not already done so, please log in to https://myATS.asburyseminary.edu and complete your MFA setup as soon as possible. Completing this step now will help prevent interruptions as Seminary systems continue transitioning to Microsoft authentication.

If you are unsure whether MFA is already set up on your account, go to https://myATS.asburyseminary.edu and sign in using your full ATS username (for example, charles.wesley@asburyseminary.edu) and your regular ATS password. If you are prompted with a message stating “More Information Required,” this indicates that MFA setup has not yet been completed and you will need to finish the setup process. Step-by-step instructions are available here: MFA Setup Instructions.

Why This Matters

Over the coming weeks, Asbury Theological Seminary will continue transitioning system authentication to Microsoft. To continue accessing Seminary systems, all users must have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) set up on their account. To prevent interruptions, users should set up MFA before these changes occur.

Setting up MFA as soon as possible is the best way to avoid disruption. Systems will transition in phases. By completing MFA setup promptly, you can avoid access issues and help ensure a smooth transition for the entire Seminary community as systems are updated.

When Will Things Change?

Below is an estimated timeline for systems transitioning to Microsoft authentication:

• Beginning Monday, January 12:
  Some Seminary systems have already transitioned to Microsoft authentication, and others will do so shortly.
• Tuesday, January 20:
  ATS Gmail, Asbury Connect, Canvas, and Simple Syllabus will transition to Microsoft authentication.
• By the end of the month:
  All remaining systems are expected to be fully migrated.

What You Need to Do Now

If you have not yet completed MFA setup, please log in to https://myATS.asburyseminary.edu and complete setup as soon as possible. Users who have not configured MFA before services transition may experience interruptions in their ability to access tools and resources. Completing the setup process now ensures that you are ready before transitions begin. Step-by-step instructions are available here: MFA Setup Instructions

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security process that requires users to verify their identity using two or more factors, such as:

• Something you know (your password)
• Something you have (a security token)
• Something you are (a fingerprint or other biometric verification - this is not currently supported for ATS MFA)

Most commonly, MFA works by sending a verification prompt or code via text message or an authenticator app (Something you have) after successfully entering your Username and Password (Something you know).

Why Is This Happening?

As part of the Seminary’s ongoing commitment to protecting institutional and community data—and in response to increasing cybersecurity threats—Asbury Seminary is revising its authentication procedures and expanding the use of MFA across its systems. In addition, consolidating services behind a single, secure login will help simplify and streamline the user experience over time.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you have not already done so, log in to https://myATS.asburyseminary.edu to confirm that MFA is set up and that you can successfully access your account. Step-by-step instructions are available here: MFA Setup Instructions.

MFA setup is quick and straightforward. You may choose between any of the following options:

• An authenticator app (such as Microsoft or Google Authenticator)
• A text message
• A phone call
• A hardware security key that you purchase (USB or USB-C)

Note: Microsoft will default to the Microsoft Authenticator app. If you prefer a different option, select “I want to use a different authenticator app” to choose text messaging, a different authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator), a phone call, or a hardware security key.

Once MFA is configured, future logins through Microsoft will prompt you to verify your identity using your selected method.

Need Help?

The Seminary has used Microsoft authentication for several years and has required MFA for Microsoft products for several months. While many users find MFA easy to set up and use, we understand the process can feel intimidating. The Help Desk is available to assist anyone who has questions or needs help configuring MFA.

These changes will significantly improve account security and help protect Asbury Seminary’s systems and data. Thank you for your prompt attention and partnership in this important effort.

Thank you,

Asbury Theological Seminary
Library Information and Technology Services (LITS)