How to Create a Special Purpose Account (SPA)

Overview and Requirements

A Special Purpose Account (SPA) is a functional CalNet ID used for departmental business. Unlike personal accounts, SPAs are owned by a department and managed via CalGroups (KB0015418).

• You must be a current employee (Faculty or Staff) to create a SPA.
• Identify at least one additional person to add to the SPA to ensure departmental continuity.
• Your new SPA can have a bConnected account and a campus email address.

Naming Conventions

Your SPA name (CalNet ID) is permanent once created and must follow these rules:

• Choose a name between 3 and 15 characters.
• Start with a letter and use only lowercase letters and numbers.
• Avoid using "spa-" as a prefix, as this is automatically added to the display name.
• Make the name descriptive of the function (e.g., "geology-admin" rather than a person's name).

How to Create a SPA

1. Log in to the Special Purpose Account Admin App.
2. Select Create New SPA from the dashboard.
3. Enter your desired SPA Name (this will be the permanent CalNet ID).
4. Enter a Display Name (the friendly name shown in the directory).
5. Enter a Department Name and a brief Purpose for the account.
6. Click Create SPA to finalize the request.
7. Note the Success Message confirming your new SPA and the creation of its associated management group in CalGroups.

Next Steps