If you need to install an application or make configuration changes that require administrator access, you can use Admin By Request (ABR). There are two ways to use ABR:
- One-Time Prompt - When you attempt an action that requires privileged access, you will see a prompt to request that access. Simply fill in the forms and submit.
- Administrator Session - If you are performing a series of tasks that will require administrator access, or if you are attempting an action that prompts you for a username/password and ABR does not automatically step in, you can start an Administrator Session. This option gives you 15 minutes of administrator access. You can find details for starting an Administrator Session below.
Admin by Requet FAQs:
- How long will the request take? Many common applications and trusted developers are approved automatically. Requests that are not automatically approved are processed as quickly as possible, usually within a few minutes. Outside of business hours (M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) there is no one to review requests.
- What gets approved? Common applications such as top web browsers, and applications from trusted developers like Microsoft, Adobe, and Apple are approved automatically. Similarly, identified threats and malicious software are automatically denied. For everything else, an IT representative will review and evaluate the safety of the application.
- What do I do if my request is denied? If you believe your request has been denied in error, please contact the IT Support Center: 325-674-5555, support@acu.edu.
When a non-administrator tries to do something that requires administrator privileges, the operating system will prompt for elevation. On Windows this prompt comes from a process called User Account Control. On macOS, it's Finder.
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| Finder prompts for admin elevation |
UAC prompts for admin elevation |
Windows
Admin By Request integrates into User Account Control, so whenever a UAC window opens, ABR will be available in the window to request admin access or will allow you to proceed without a request for applications that have been whitelisted.
To start an administrator session, click the Admin By Request icon in the taskbar corner icons located in the bottom-right of the screen. It looks like a check mark. If it is not visible, you may have to click the up-arrow icon.
When completing the request, please use your ACU email address (e.g., aaa00a@acu.edu).
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| UAC with ABR request |
UAC with ABR whitelist |
macOS
Most installers will be package files (.pkg) or disk image files (.dmg). Running either of these will open a pop-up where you can request access with Admin by Request. Enter the credentials you use to log in to the computer, check the box to agree to the code of conduct, and enter your ACU email address and a reason for the installation.
Sometimes a software developer will provide a macOS application bundle file (.app). If the developer's instructions are to run this file, you will need to request an administrator session before doing so. You will also need to request an administrator session for other tasks that require admin access, but do not automatically open the Admin by Request pop-up.
Click the Admin By Request icon in the menu bar. It looks like a check mark. Click Request Administrator access. Enter your ACU email address, e.g., aaa00a@acu.edu, and the reason you need access. Do not use your email alias (e.g., john.doe@acu.edu).
