Choosing Between Sponsored Guest and CalNet Affiliate Accounts
Overview
Students, faculty, and staff receive CalNet accounts automatically through their official campus affiliation. For those who need temporary campus accounts, there are two distinct account types with significantly different permission levels: CalNet Affiliates and Sponsored Guests.
Important: These account types provide different levels of system access. Research partners and collaborators should carefully review the permissions below before selecting an account type to avoid duplicating requests later.
Sponsored Guest Accounts
Limited permission level: Access to basic services only
Who needs this account type:
- Conference attendees
- Class auditors
- Short-term collaborators who do NOT need system access
- Visitors requiring only basic campus interaction
What Sponsored Guests cannot access:
- bMail accounts
- eduroam network access
- Library services and databases
- Most campus research systems and databases
- Many departmental systems and services
How to obtain a Sponsored Guest account:
To invite new guests or manage existing guests, see the Sponsor Guide (KB0015652).
CalNet Affiliate Accounts
Higher permission level: Access to most campus systems and services
Who needs this account type:
- Anyone who will be paid by the University
- Anyone requiring access to most campus services or systems
- Research partners who need system access (library databases, campus networks, etc.)
- Long-term collaborators requiring comprehensive campus resources
Examples of Affiliate account access:
- bMail accounts
- eduroam network access
- Library services and databases
- Most campus systems and services
How to obtain a CalNet Affiliate account:
- Required: Director or department manager approval.
- Required: Entry through the campus HR system (UCPath).
- Review: Some units must use specific HR forms. See the list of HR-APS forms.
- Review: Overview of the affiliate and volunteer appointment process online.
- Contact your departmental human resources partner for assistance.
Need Help Deciding?
If you're unsure whether your collaborator will need access to a specific service, contact the service owner directly before submitting your account request. This can prevent delays and duplicate requests later in your project timeline.