Technology

Requesting Access to Cognos

Last modified 5/7/2024

Use the following steps to request access to Cognos.

Training Needed

Please note, Student Records or Budget Center Cognos training is required before access can be granted.


  1. Select Submit Access Request.
  2. This will open the Cherwell Web Portal page.
  3. Enter your ULID in the User ID field. 
  4. Enter your password in the Password field.
  5. Click the Log In button.
  6. Under the Popular Request tab, select the Request or Change Access link. Alternatively, if you do not see this tab, please directly email eda@ilstu.edu and indicate the package(s) needed and the corresponding business need(s).
  7. Leave the Short Description and Long Description fields as is and fill out the red boxes:
    • Enter your preferred phone number in the Preferred Phone Number field.
    • Using the dropdown menu in the Do you wish to add, modify or remove access? field, select Add, Modify, or Remove.
    • Using the dropdown menu in the For which service? field, select Cognos Business Intelligence.
    • The phrase, "Please select the Cognos Package(s) you would like access to (select all that apply)" will appear. The available packages will populate below this phrase, packages are how the reports are grouped.
  8. Select the radio button next to Yes for each package for which access is needed. 
  9. For each package selected, the "Detail Business Need" field will appear along with a corresponding textbox. Enter the business need for each package. For the report type of Other, specify the package name and business need. 
  10. Once all fields in this form have been completed, scroll to the top of this page and select the Save button on the left side of the screen.

A ticket will be created for your access request and routed to Cognos administrators for processing.

How to Get Help

Technical assistance is available through the Illinois State University Technology Support Center at: