Creating and managing your Knowledge Commons account is simple, whether you're registering for the first time or logging in as a returning user. This guide walks you through the full process, from setting up your account and selecting a login method to adding additional authentication options such as Google, ORCID, or your institution's Single Sign-On.
About Knowledge Commons Logins
Knowledge Commons has implemented an academy-owned identity management system (IDMS) called CILogon. It enables the Commons to support over 5,000 institutional and identity provider logins from InCommon or EduGAIN members worldwide. In addition, users may choose to use their Google, ORCID, GitHub, or Microsoft account to register and log into the site.
If you are not affiliated with an institution or organization that is an InCommon identity provider and do not have a Google, ORCID, GitHub, or Microsoft account, signing up for one of the open methods is free and simply requires a valid email address. 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.
The New Login Screen
- Choose your preferred login method from the list or search for your institution, then follow the login process
- Checking "Remember this selection" will automatically log you into the site in the future if you are logged into that method at the time of login (e.g., if you are logged into Gmail and use Google as your login method, when you visit this screen in the future and choose Google once you've completed your first login it will automatically log you in)
- On the next screen you can associate your existing account with your new login method, or new users can create an account
First Time Logins and Account Association
Once you have associated your account with a new login method through CILogon on your first visit you will not see this screen again unless you add a new login method.
Account Setup
- For existing Commons users, enter the email address associated with your account in the box and click submit.
- For new users, enter the email address you wish to register with into the box and click submit.
- An email will be sent to your email address for verification
For new users:
- Fill out the new user form with your name, email address, and check any open Commons you may also wish to join
- An email will be sent to your email address for verification
- Check your email and click the link to verify it and complete your login
- Existing users will click the link and log in
- New users will fill out their desired username, full name, and email address
- New users may also choose to join the open Commonses, HASTAC and STEMEd+
Add a New Login Method
If you’re logged in, you will need to log out completely. Click the login button on the homepage and follow the steps below:
- Pick a new identity provider from the CILogon list that you want to use, and follow the login process
- On the next screen, associate your existing account with your new login method using your email address on record
- Verify your email by clicking the link sent to you
- You should now see the new login method on the “Manage Login Methods and Email Addresses” screen under settings.
To remove an existing login method, visit “Manage Login Methods and Email Addresses” in settings and click the delete button next to the one you wish to remove.