Access to ARC systems for people external to VT

Research is often a collaborative enterprise and researchers at Virginia Tech may find it useful to have the ability to collaborate with external researchers on the ARC computational systems.

There are three components that all users (both internal and external) need to access and use ARC resouces:

  1. VT Username (PID)

  2. Access to VT networks

  3. Access to a Project/Allocation on Coldfront

VT Username (PID)

In most cases, former VT students who have graduated, alumni, and retirees retain a VT Username (PID), so they do not have to obtain a new PID.

For all other external collaborators, a VT PI will need to request a sponsored PID for the external user.

Note

Individuals that are not Virginia Tech students or employees may have a need for a VT username. These individuals cannot create their own usernames, but the department with which they are associated can sponsor them and request a PID for them by requesting this service.

Note

Users with existing VT Usernames are not eligible for sponsorship. Please verify that this user does not have an existing VT Username. If they were involved with VT in the past as a student or employee they may already have a record.

Access to VT networks

ARC resources must be accessed through VT networks either eduroam (on-campus) or Ivanti Secure VPN (off-campus).

The VT PI will need to complete and submit a Non-Paid Affiliation (P86) form to give VT network access to the external user.

Access to a Project/Allocation on Coldfront

The sponsoring VT PI will need to login to their ColdFront account to manage their Projects and Allocations. They then will need to add the sponsored PID of the external user to an active project.

External persons not in collaboration with a PI at VT

At this time, an account for an external person is only available for those in active colloboration with a PI at VT who is a member of a VT department which is willing to approve and sponsor the external person. In short, if you are not sponsored by a qualified person at VT, then there is not any way to get a VT Username (PID) or an account with ARC.

Still having issues?

If you have completed all three of these processes and the external user still can’t access ARC resources, please submit a help ticket via 4help.