Requesting an OHIO guest account

Description

An OHIO guest account allows individuals associated with the university to gain access to Ohio University resources. Examples of individuals that may need an OHIO guest account could include, but not be limited to: visiting scholars, faculty handbook adjuncts (as defined in the OHIO faculty handbook), vendors, or other individuals that may be affiliated with the university but are not paid through the University's payroll system. Access to OHIO resources can include network access, library access, email, Blackboard, Canvas, and other academic or administrative services as deemed appropriate. Requests for an OHIO guest account can be initiated and sponsored by current OHIO faculty or staff members and exist for up to one year with the option to regularly renew. Renewal notices are sent automatically to the faculty or staff member sponsor two (2) weeks prior to the account expiration date.

Environment

Android, iOS, PC, Mac, web browser, various applications

Table of Contents

1. Ohio guest accounts

   1. Guest account requests

   2. Guest account renewals

2. Types of guest accounts

   1. Additional account access upon request

   2. Desktop vs. web-based Microsoft 365 applications

Ohio guest accounts

The sponsoring OHIO faculty or staff member needs to complete the Request an OHIO guest account form. 

In order to create an OHIO guest account, the sponsoring OHIO faculty or staff member will need to acknowledge and agree to the Sponsor and Guest Responsibilities, as part of the Request an OHIO guest account form.

The Request an OHIO guest account form will begin by asking you if you are requesting a new guest account, or if you are renewing an existing guest account.

Guest Account Requests

For a Guest Account Request, you will need to provide:

• The sponsor name

• The first and last name of the guest

• The date of birth of the guest

  • Note: Date of Birth is not required if the guest does not wish to provide it. A generic date can be provided instead.

• The end date of your guest's stay at Ohio University, up to a maximum of one year (guest accounts can be renewed)

• The guest account: basic, standard, premium, or student (more information about each account type can be found below)

  • If you select the standard account, you will be asked if the guest account is for a visiting scholar. 

  • If you select premium account, you will asked to indicate why your guest needs a premium account to fulfill their job duties.

• Any additional comments or questions

  • Note: Please do not provide any personal information such as passport or driver's license information at any point in your request.

Note: If you would like to request multiple guest accounts at the same time, please download and complete the Bulk Guest Account Excel sheet and email it to the OIT Service Desk with the subject line reading "Bulk OHIO Guest Account Request".

Guest Account Renewals

For a Guest Account Renewal, you will need to provide:

• The sponsor name

• The guest OHIO ID

• The first and last name of the guest

• The end date of your guest's stay at Ohio University, up to a maximum of one year

• Any additional comments or questions

  • Note: Please do not provide any personal information such as passport or driver's license information at any point in your request.

Types of Guest Accounts 

Access to university resources is dependent upon the guest account type as outlined below. On the Request an OHIO guest account form you will be required to indicate what type of guest account you are requesting.

*Note: An OHIO University account (OHIO ID or email address and password) is not required to connect to the Guest Wi-Fi network.

Additional account access upon request:

• Library access:

  • Visiting scholars automatically receive library access, however, they will need to provide identification to the library when they check out physical library items.

• VPN:

  • VPN access is available upon request with legitimate need.

Desktop vs. web-based Microsoft 365 applications

Microsoft 365 web-based applications meet most users' needs. However, there are some differences in functionality:

• The online version of Word does not support mail merge, Visual Basic for Applications and Forms scripts, SmartArt, or captions.

• The online version of Excel does not offer Visual Basic for Applications and Forms scripts, "What if" analysis tools, external references, workbook protection, or slicer and timeline filters.

• When utilizing web-based applications, your files are stored in OneDrive, and not locally on your computer. 

Get help from OIT

• Visit the Accounts, Passwords, and IDs page to create a ticket

• Submit the Request an OHIO guest account form.