Admin By Request: Requesting Temporary Admin Access

Admin By Request is Oakland University's approved tool for managing temporary administrative access on university-managed Windows devices. It ensures faculty and staff can perform essential software installations or system changes while maintaining IT security, auditing, and control. It provides:

• Self-service access for authorized users
• Logging of all elevated actions
• Time-limited sessions (e.g., 1 hour)
• Online and offline access options
• Approval workflows and security controls

Overview

When Is Admin Access Needed?

Admin access may be required when a user needs to:

• Install and uninstall OU-approved software manually.
• Modify system settings or configurations.
• Troubleshoot hardware or software issues with IT support.
• Perform actions not possible with standard user rights.

All actions must comply with OU’s Acceptable Use Policy (Policy 890).

Procedures

How to Request Admin Access

Online (Standard Method)

1. Click the green Admin By Request icon in the system tray
2. Select Request administrator access
3. Enter a brief justification

4. Access is automatically granted or sent for approval, depending on configuration​​​​​​

Offline (No Internet) – PIN Code Method

1. Use this method only if the device is offline
   • See How to Grant Admin Rights Without Internet Connection for full step-by-step instructions

Permanent Access Requests

1. Submit a formal request via the Local Administrator Access Request form.
   • Requires department head/chair approval and technical justification
   • Access may be granted on a per-device basis and is subject to periodic review

Responsibilities of Users with Admin Access

• Only install licensed, OU-approved software
• Keep antivirus and required security tools active
• Do not make changes that compromise the device
• The user is responsible for local backups and recovery
• UTS may revoke or deny admin access at any time
• Administrative rights are mandatory for the termination of processes, especially those designated as system-level or protected. Attempts to perform these actions without an active Admin By Request session will result in a denial.
• All requests to run applications as administrators and requests for admin sessions will be reviewed monthly by the Security Office.

Additional Support

• OU Technology Center
• 44 Oakland Center
• Rochester, MI 48309-4479
• (248) 370-4357
• Office Hours: M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm