Access groups in SpiderAI

Overview

Access Groups in SpiderAI allow you to control who can use your custom Assistants or other AI resources. Groups can be configured with specific users, entire user categories (such as faculty, staff, or students), or exclusion lists for more granular control. This article explains how Access Groups work, how to create them, and best practices for managing permissions.

Details / Instructions

 

What Are Access Groups?

Access Groups determine which users have permission to use a given Assistant or resource. They allow flexible management of access based on:

  • Individual usernames

  • Entire user categories: faculty, staff, or students

  • Blacklists for explicitly excluded users

  • Whether the creator should automatically be included

Access Groups make it easier to share Assistants with classes, departments, committees, or campus-wide audiences.

 

How to Create an Access Group

 

Step 1: Open the Developer Portal

  1. Log in to SpiderAI.

  2. Navigate to Developer Options.

  3. Select My Access Groups.


Step 2: Create a New Group

Click Create New Access Group to begin.


Step 3: Configure Group Permissions

You will set the following:

  • Group Name and Description
    Provide a descriptive name that clearly identifies the purpose (e.g., BIO 101 TAs, Admissions Staff, Faculty Research Group).

  • Whitelist
    Add users who are explicitly allowed access. You may enter:

    Entering a category grants access to everyone in that group.

    • Individual usernames

    • Entire categories: faculty, staff, or students

  • Blacklist
    Add users who should be explicitly denied access, even if included by category.

  • Owner Inclusion
    Determine whether the creator of the group is automatically added. This is enabled by default.

 

Step 4: Save Your Group

Once configured, save the Access Group and apply it to any Assistant you want to control access for.


Tips for Managing Access Groups

  • Use clear names so groups are easy to identify later.

  • Follow the principle of least privilege—grant access only to those who need it.

  • Review groups periodically, especially when semesters or staffing assignments change.

  • Provide accurate descriptions so others understand the group’s purpose and membership.

 

See Also

SpiderAI Full Documentation

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