University Computer Help Desk

Overview of guest accounts at Illinois State University

Visiting scholars, consultants, and others who have business with the University may be granted temporary guest access to campus network resources.

Before You Begin

Guest accounts grant access to the campus network and may provide additional access to campus systems and resources. While a guest account might provide the same access as a ULID account, it is subject to different policies and procedures.

Guest accounts are available to visiting scholars, consultants, and others who have official business with Illinois State. To obtain a guest account, one must be sponsored by a full-time employee of the University. The sponsor is sometimes referred to as the "owner" of the guest account and takes a level of responsibility for how the account is used.

Guest Accounts

There are two types of guest accounts at Illinois State:

  • Network Guest Account - Network guest accounts only provide guests with Internet access. A network guest account allows you log on to the "isu-guest" wireless network and to designated computers and wired network ports. Network guest accounts do not include access to University email, iCampus, or any other services typically associated with a ULID account.
     
  • ULID Guest Account - ULID guest accounts are full-fledged accounts that provide guests with the same access as that offered to members of the University. A ULID guest account allows you to use both wired and wireless connections on campus and grants you access to University email, iCampus, and all other services granted to a regular ULID account.

Which type of guest account should I request?

If you need only temporary access to the Internet, then a network guest account is best. However, if you need access to resources hosted by the University or if you need additional resources beyond basic Internet access, a ULID guest account might be appropriate. Computer Infrastructure Support (CIS) can assist you in determining the best type of guest account for your needs. 

How do I request a guest account?

As a visitor to Illinois State, you should request guest access through a full-time employee of the University with whom you have an established working relationship. This person is known as your faculty/staff sponsor. The sponsor should make the decision as to which type of guest account to request for you. 

More Information

More information about each of these account types is available below.

Network Guest Accounts

For more information about network guest accounts, refer to the following:

ULID Guest Accounts

For more information about ULID guest accounts, refer to the following: