Local Administrator Rights
Also known as: Administrator Access, Security Access Levels on Workstations, Installing Software

There are two security access levels to a University owned computer: Standard User and Local Administrator. By default, UNF faculty and staff have standard user access rights to their individual workstations. In some cases, they will require local administrator access in support of their teaching, research, business, or service work.   

Local administrator access allows the employee to have complete and unrestricted access to the computer. This includes the ability to install any hardware or software, edit the registry, manage the default access accounts and change file level permissions. Local administrator access can make the workstation vulnerable to malware and viruses.

Faculty and staff may request temporary or long term rights to be local administrators of their computers.  

1. For immediate and temporary local administrative rights: 

Call the Help Desk at 904-620-4357 (HELP). Provide your name, UNF ID, and the decal number of the computer, and explain the need for elevated access (e.g. need to update software already installed on the computer).  

To request local administrator rights on a computer, faculty and staff must complete an online form.

Completing the Request Form:  

1. Printable instructions for completing the request form.  
2.  To make a request, youmust be on campus or using a VPN connection remotely to be able to access the form.
• Login to the portal (http://myWings.unf.edu) and click on the "Staff" tab.
• Look in the channel called "Online Forms" for "Local Administrative Rights Request" - click on the link to access the request form.
• Review the instructions for completing the request form: Printable instructions for completing the request form.  

The Approval Process:  

• The form is forwarded to the supervisor to "Approve" or "Disapprove". If the supervisor "Approves" the request is sent to the Local Admin Request Board. If the supervisor "Disapproves" the request, the request is denied. The supervisor may add comments on the request.
• Click here to review the approval process for supervisors.   
• The form includes notification of the employee’s college or departmental technician. 
• A decision is expected within 3-5 business days from submission of the request. The decision and detailed rationale are conveyed to the employee by the chair of the review board. 
• If the request was approved, local administrator rights are granted by ITS. 
• If the request is denied, an appeal may be made to the VP (or designee) of the respective organization for a final decision. 

The review board is comprised of: 

• The chair of the University Technology Committee (or their designee) who also acts as the chair of the review board.
• One faculty representative
• One representative appointed by the Provost
• Two resources: One representative from ITS-User Services and One representative from ITS-IT Security

The following recommendations are also adopted:  

• Once approved, employees retain local administrator rights as long as they exhibit appropriate and responsible behavior with respect to local administrative rights and do not jeopardize the integrity of the University’s resources. 
• Those individuals currently operating as a local administrator shall submit a request to retain these rights.
• ITS has the authority to take away an individual’s privileges in cases where exceptional risk has been introduced by a user with local administrator rights.