Sign-in methods reference
This page describes the sign-in options available on the MapleGather sign-in screen (/sign-in) and the rules that govern each one.
Sign-in methods
Section titled “Sign-in methods”| Method | Who it’s for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Magic-link (email link) | Members, once this option is available (it is not in this version: no member sign-in email is sent) | You enter your email and select Send sign-in link. If MapleGather issues a member sign-in link for that address, it sends the one-time link there. Selecting a member sign-in link you receive signs you in to member access — no password to type. |
| Sign in with a password | Admins and board members, when the site’s sign-in service is available | Select Sign in with a password. MapleGather takes you to your organization’s sign-in service, which collects your credentials; the MapleGather sign-in screen has no password field. |
When a method is unavailable
Section titled “When a method is unavailable”In this version member email sign-in is not available on any live site: the sign-in page shows the notice “Email sign-in isn’t available yet — it’s coming in an update.” instead of the email field and Send sign-in link. A test site may still show the form, but selecting Send sign-in link there sends no email. Sign in with a password accepts admin and board accounts only. If the site’s password sign-in service is unavailable, its button is replaced by this notice: “Password sign-in isn’t available yet — it’s coming in an update.” The available method appears first when only one works. If neither works, the page shows one notice instead of two inactive choices. Ask your organization’s administrator when the method you need will be available.
Magic-link details
Section titled “Magic-link details”| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Token validity | 15 minutes by default from when the link was sent. Your organization may set a different window (5 minutes to 30 days). |
| Uses per token | One — the link stops working once clicked |
| Response for unknown or ambiguous email | The sign-in screen always shows the same “Check your email” confirmation whether the address resolves to one eligible account, none, or more than one. The confirmation does not say that a link was sent. This protects your organization’s account list. |
| Sender address | Your organization’s email domain, not maplegather.com |
| Resend | Not available yet — the confirmation screen shows a Resend in 60s… button that stays inactive. To get another link, select ← Back and then Send sign-in link. |
Sign-in link states
Section titled “Sign-in link states”| State | What you see | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Checking your link | “Signing you in…” with a spinner | MapleGather is validating the link from your email. |
| Link valid | Automatic redirect to your portal home | You’re signed in. |
| Link expired | “This sign-in link has expired.” + Request a new link button | The link has passed your organization’s validity window (15 minutes by default). Request a new one. |
| Link used or invalid | “This sign-in link has already been used or is invalid.” + Request a new link button | The link cannot be used. Request a new one; the message does not tell you which check failed. |
| Email field needs correction | A message beneath Email address | Correct the address using the message shown. |
| Request could not be started | “We couldn’t start your sign-in. Nothing was sent. You can try again; if it keeps happening, contact your organization’s administrator.” | The request could not be accepted; try again, then contact the administrator if it keeps happening. This does not say whether an account exists. |
| Rate limited | “Requests are temporarily limited. Please wait and try again.” | The request was limited. Try again when the Send sign-in link button becomes available. |
Password sign-in states
Section titled “Password sign-in states”The states above belong to the email sign-in link. The password lane has one of its own: if you come back from your organization’s sign-in service without being signed in — you cancelled, or the service had a problem — the sign-in screen shows “We couldn’t sign you in. Nothing about your account has changed.” with a Try again button. The message doesn’t name a cause, because from MapleGather’s side a cancellation and a service error look the same. Nothing about the email sign-in link changes when this happens.
Where you land after signing in
Section titled “Where you land after signing in”| Persona | Redirect destination |
|---|---|
| Member | /portal (member home) |
| Admin | /admin (admin dashboard) |
| Board member | /board (board dashboard) |
If you reached sign-in from another page in MapleGather, Sign in with a password can return you to that page. An email sign-in link takes you to your portal home. Choosing a different destination for an emailed link isn’t available yet: it could let someone send you a genuine sign-in email that takes you to a page they chose. Any return page must be inside MapleGather and available to your role.
Privacy note
Section titled “Privacy note”MapleGather does not confirm whether an email address belongs to an eligible account. This is by design — the sign-in screen always shows the same “Check your email” confirmation whether the address identifies one eligible account, no eligible account, or multiple eligible accounts. It does not confirm delivery or reveal which accounts are registered.