B-Number Help and PODS Reset Instructions

B-Number and PIN

New students and applicants (both undergraduate and graduate)
Log into BU BRAIN using your B-Number and PIN (which you received from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions or The Graduate School). If you have forgotten your PIN, simply log in with your B-Number and click the “Forgot my PIN” button. You will be prompted to answer the original security question you provided when you first created your PIN or changed it.

If you've lost your PIN number before you logged into BU BRAIN for the first time, or never received one,  go to http://bannertools.binghamton.edu/pin. You will receive your PIN via email by the next business day. Note: You must have your B-Number to log in.  

Current students
Current students are able to view their B-numbers by logging into BU BRAIN with their PODS username and password. The B-Number is located in the upper right-hand corner on many of the system screens, or by simply clicking on the link on the Main Menu screen, "What's My B-Number?" If you have forgotten your PIN, log in with your B-Number and click the “Forgot my PIN” button. You will be prompted to answer the original security question you provided when you first created your PIN or changed it.

Faculty and staff
The preferred method for faculty and staff to log into BU BRAIN is with a PODS username and password. 

PODS Username/Password Reset

In addition to a B-Number and PIN, all current students, faculty and staff have a PODS username and password. Your PODS user ID is the prefix before the @binghamton.edu.  BU BRAIN Self Service, Blackboard, Webmail, and various other online tools use the PODS username and password. Reset your PODS password here>>

Still can’t log in?

 Contact the Help Desk.

More About Your B-Number

The B-Number is the primary identification number for students, faculty and staff at Binghamton University to assure the safeguarding of personal identification information and to limit possible personal identity theft.

Your B-Number:

• Is not generated by Binghamton University using your Social Security Number, date of birth, or other personal information.
• Will always be the same number and used to identify you as a new, current or alumnus of Binghamton University. Even if you return later to the University, your B-Number will be used. 
• Is generated by the University because of the New York State and U.S. Government mandate to transition from the use of the Social Security Number (SSN) as a primary identifier at public and private higher education institutions. The University is legally and ethically bound to limit the use of SSNs and safeguard the University's community.
• Is unique and valid only at Binghamton University. The B-Number alone is not a sufficient identifier for releasing data or applying record changes at the University. The B-Number is intentionally designed to restrict unauthorized access to records, even if another person is in possession of it.

Your Social Security Number (SSN)

In accordance with U.S. federal law, student disclosure of a Social Security Number is generally voluntary. However, federal and state laws require the University to collect and communicate your SSN in some specific instances. For example, University offices must still obtain your SSN for student financial aid, proof of enrollment, work-study employment, state/federal tax forms and documentation, and U.S. Visa documentation. If you have any questions about the request and use of your SSN on University form, it is your right to ask the campus office about its use, and how it is secured.