In May 2026 Knowledge Commons will implement a new registration and login system called CILogon. This will replace our current system and will greatly improve the registration and login process, eliminating many of the common frustrations users experience. Common tasks like updating email addresses and linking to new societies will now be available to users themselves without contacting support. CILogon also eliminates the need for a separate username and password to log in to the Commons, instead relying on institutional logins or on Google, ORCID, GitHub, or Microsoft accounts. Below find a list of frequently asked questions and more about what you can expect.
What is CILogon?
Knowledge Commons is implementing a new academy-owned identity management system (IDMS) called CILogon. Operated by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois, CILogon offers the Commons the ability to support over 5,000 institutional and identity provider logins from InCommon or EduGAIN members around the world. In addition, users may choose to use their Google, ORCID, GitHub, or Microsoft account to register and log into the site.
Why CILogon?
Over the past five years, our IDMS has been increasingly under pressure. What served us well when we had 20,000 users has not scaled well now that we have over 50,000 users. Issues with registrations gone awry, password resets, and email address changes have been at the top of our help ticket statistics. Implementing this new platform will transform the registration and login process by streamlining it for users and eliminating the need to contact user support for common tasks such as email updates and joining new societies.
CILogon was developed by scholars at the University of Illinois to support secure, institution-wide access to research applications. It allows users to use accounts they already have or that are easy and free to access, and it eliminates the need for the Commons to maintain an increasingly complex and difficult system.
What does this mean for current Commons users?
For those of you who use Google, ORCID, or the Michigan State University single sign-on, you’ll simply need to link your account to the new system. When you first access the Commons after the switch, you’ll see a new login screen that will walk you through the process. For users who use a local account (KCID) or their MLA (Modern Language Association) credentials, you will need to use your institution’s single sign-on, or switch to an open login provider -- Google, ORCID, GitHub, or Microsoft. All local KCID login credentials will be deleted from our servers after CILogon has been implemented and the MLA login option will no longer be available.
If you don’t have one of the open login methods listed above, and are not affiliated with an institution that is a participating InCommon member, creating accounts with any of the open services is free and simply requires a valid email address. This also eliminates the need to have a separate username and password for the site. Once you’ve chosen your new login method, you will be able to link your account. To see if your institution’s single-sign-on is supported visit CILogon.org. Specific instructions on how to log in and associate your account or create a new one can be found on this site.
What happens to my profile, sites, groups, and uploads to KCWorks?
Your profile, sites, groups, and work deposited in KCWorks will remain the same. The only thing that will change is your login method to the Commons!
What is CILogon’s privacy policy?
CILogon’s privacy policy can be found at https://www.cilogon.org/privacy. They support the REFEDS Research and Scholarship program for minimal release of personal information to service providers.
Is CILogon secure?
CILogon uses an OpenID Connect (OAuth 2.0) interface for authentication. We use OAuth 2.0, the industry standard protocol, to connect to the CILogon service.
Can I have more than one login method?
Yes, you may manage your login methods by navigating to “Manage Login Methods and Emails” under Settings. You may also add and delete email addresses through that screen. It is advisable to set up your institution’s single sign-on and another service, such as Google or ORCID, in case of a network outage or should you change institutions. We will provide instructions for adding a new login method on our Help & Support page.
What happens when I change institutions?
Before you leave your current institution you should add a new email address to your account–if you do not know your new institution email yet, you may want to make this a personal email. After you’ve received your new institutional email address, you’ll be able to associate your account with your new institutional login (or institutional Google account).
Who should I contact if I experience an issue?
If you have any questions about CiLogin or experience an issue while accessing it for the first time, please contact us at hello@hcommons.org. If you have any issues with your login method please contact your institution or the provider, such as Google, ORCID, GitHub, or Microsoft.