IT - Wireless Access for Guests

Visiting campus? Having friends over? Get your campus guests connected using the UMASS wireless network.

Getting Access to Guest Wireless

There are two ways for guests to get wireless access on campus:

1) Guest Wireless SMS Self-Registration

Campus guests can self-register for wireless access.

Connect your device to the UMASS network and wait for the login page to appear.
- If a login page does not automatically appear, open a web browser and go to umass.edu
Under Guest Wireless Options, click Guest Self-Reg Form.
Follow the steps to enter your cellphone number to receive a PIN via text message.
Enter the PIN in the Access code box and accept the terms to get online.

Once campus guests enter their PIN, their device will be granted access to the UMASS network for one week. This process must be repeated separately on each device they would like to connect.

2) Sponsored Guest Wireless Accounts

UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff can create temporary sponsored guest wireless accounts in SPIRE, which can be used for 3 days. Devices may stay connected for up to 7 days after the account is logged into for the first time.

Sponsored Guest Account Details

Wireless Network Access Only: Sponsored guest accounts may be used ONLY to access the UMASS wireless network. Guests will not be able to access other UMass Amherst networks or computing services (library databases, computers in IT computer classrooms, etc.) using this account information.
3 accounts, 3 days: UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff may create up to three accounts at once. Each account is valid for three days. If you are a faculty or staff member and need a guest account that is valid longer than three days, have your guest fill out a Courtesy Account (NENS) form.

Set up sponsored guest account

In SPIRE, go to Profile > IT Accounts & Certifications > Manage Guest Accounts.
On the Manage Guest Accounts page:
- In the Guest Name field, enter your guest's full name.
- Click Create Guest Account.
On the Terms of Use page, read the IT Acceptable Use Policy and the text on the page. If you agree, click I Agree.
Take note of the Account Name. Print the confirmation page for your records. The account information is also emailed to your campus email address.
Click Set Account Password at My IT Accounts.
On the My IT Accounts - Account List page, click the Account Name for the account you just created. The type will be Guest and the expiration date will be three days away.
On the My IT Accounts - Account Detail page, click Change Password and follow the instructions. Your guest will use the password you create to connect to the UMASS wireless network.
Give your guest:
- A copy of the confirmation page (or forward the email you received when you created the account)
- A copy of the IT Acceptable Use Policy
- The guest wireless account password (the password is not included in the confirmation email).

Once your sponsored guest account has been created, your guest can use the account to access the UMASS network on campus.

Manage Sponsored Guest Wireless Accounts

In SPIRE, using either the Search in Menu bar in the upper middle or the NavBar Menu in the upper right, go to My IT Accounts.
On the My IT Accounts - Account List page, click the Account Name you want to update.
Use the My IT Accounts - Account Detail page to change the account password.

To delete a guest account:

In SPIRE, using either the Search in Menu bar in the upper middle or the NavBar Menu in the upper right, go to My IT Accounts.
Select the account you wish to delete.
Click Delete selected.

About Guest Wireless & the UMASS Network

The UMASS guest wifi network is not encrypted.
Guests from institutions that use eduroam will be able to connect to the encrypted eduroam wireless network.
Passwords & PINs: UMass Amherst IT does not keep a record of sponsored guest passwords or self-registered guest PINs.
UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff making a sponsored guest wireless account must communicate the password to their guest. You may change the password at any time.
Getting Help: Sponsored guests experiencing trouble accessing or using the network should contact the student, faculty, or staff member who created their account.
That account sponsor may contact the IT Service Desk on their behalf.

Terms of Use: Use of the wireless network is covered by the IT Acceptable Use Policy. Please inform your guest of this policy.
UMass Amherst students, faculty, and staff are responsible for their sponsored guests' activities on the network.