Home /

Campus Active Directory

On This Page

NOTICE: Dec. 20, 2023

ITS is in the process of transitioning away from the Campus Active Directory (AD) service and replacing it with a new and improved service called "Au" (au.ucsc.edu). The new "Au" system is more secure, efficient, automated, and integrates seamlessly with your CruzID Gold password login. As we transition from the old system to the new one, we'll keep you informed about any changes that may affect your existing service request.

NO NEW AD ACCOUNTS WILL BE CREATED AT THIS TIME

Campus Active Directory (AD) is a centralized directory service from Microsoft. AD helps simplify and standardize management of Windows systems by holding information and settings about computers, users, and groups in a centralized repository.

At UCSC the Campus Active Directory is used to manage users, computers and printers, and to provide Enterprise File Services across campus.  Active Directory also provides a management and integration platform for some applications in use at UCSC.

Features and Benefits

  • Enterprise File Services — AD provides a centralized file service, with single sign-on for Windows computers and users that are part of the Enterprise Active Directory.
  • Printers — Universal print drivers are defined in AD. Windows computers that are members of the Campus AD can use these printer definitions without having to map individual printers.
  • Backups — AD is backed up regularly and securely, both on-site and off-site.
  • Physical Security — the servers supporting the AD infrastructure are located in the UCSC Data Center.

ITS uses the Campus AD for configuration, management, and security-policy enforcement for the servers managed by the Windows team.

For desktop users, the Windows team works with Local IT Support and Standard Desktop Support.

Availability

This is a 24x7 service supported by the Data Center Operations Windows team. Escalation is provided through Data Center Operations and the Windows on-call rotation.

For planned maintenance, the UCSC Data Center follows the ITS Change Management Process, and planned changes are posted on the ITS Maintenance Calendar.

Data Security

This service is appropriate for P1 - P4 data, excluding EAR/ITAR and PCI.

Eligibility

The Campus Active Directory is available to all UCSC faculty and staff, and to students with a faculty or staff sponsor.

Costs

The Campus AD is provided free of charge. ITS covers this cost to encourage departments to use the central service, rather than incurring the costs for a departmental AD service.

Request this Service

Most levels of access are provisioned by the Accounts team; requests for highly-sensitive levels of access are escalated to the DCO Windows team for implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I change my Campus Active Directory account password?
  2. How do I map a Network Drive?
  3. How do I restore a File or Folder?

Get Help

Campus Active Directory  - Reset Your Password