Preparing for Your Visit

Start here (brief overview of the process)

1. Confirm your Argonne username and password (required for online training, eLog, ATLAS computers, and Wi‑Fi).
2. Complete any expired training (including the RWP briefing, if due).
3. On arrival: pick up your gate pass and proximity (“prox”) card at the Welcome Center. If the Welcome Center is closed, pick up your gate pass at the main gate.
4. At ATLAS: pick up your dosimeter in Building 203, Room G‑134 (User Room).

Questions? Email ATLAS-​admin@​anl.​gov.

1. Checklist

The on-site checklist is divided into three sections: tasks to complete before, during, and at the end of your visit. To ensure a smooth experience, complete all tasks listed under ​“Before you arrive at Argonne” as soon as possible.

• On-site user checklist (PDF)

2. Access to Argonne (site entry)

Argonne National Laboratory is a controlled-access facility. To enter Argonne, you must be pre-authorized. Site access requests may take up to 10 weeks to process, depending on your legal status and other factors.

In addition to site access, a user facility agreement between your institution and Argonne must be in place before we can finalize your user appointment. Because the agreement list is not publicly available, the ATLAS User Office will verify the status for you. Please contact ATLAS-​admin@​anl.​gov before you make any travel arrangements to confirm the status of the user facility agreement. If an agreement is not in place, we will contact you with next steps.

See Argonne’s site entry requirements (acceptable IDs and entry rules): https://​www​.anl​.gov/​s​i​t​e​-​e​n​t​r​y​-​r​e​q​u​i​r​e​ments .

3. Access to ATLAS (Building 203)

ATLAS is located in Building 203. View the Argonne campus map.

Unescorted access at ATLAS requires all of the following:

• Required training is current (Section 3.1)
• RWP briefing is current (Section 3.1)
• You have a dosimeter (Section 3.2)

3.1 Required training (on-site users)

For on-site access (in-person visits), the following online training is required:

• ESH100U – Argonne National Laboratory User Facility Orientation (valid for 2 years)
• ESH223U – Cyber Security Education and Awareness for Non-Resident Users (valid for 1 year)
• PHY101 – ATLAS site-specific (valid for 2 years)
• ESH700 – Radiological Worker Training Level 1 (valid for 2 years)
• RWP – Radiological Work Permit Briefing (valid until January of next year)

If you are unsure whether your training is current, email ATLAS-​admin@​anl.​gov.

3.2 Dosimeter (on-site users)

For on-site users, Jason Clark will provide instructions for obtaining your dosimeter. Please wait for his instructions before attempting to register, since you may already be registered. Dosimeters are picked up in Building 203, Room G‑134 (User Room).

4. Lodging and on-site dining

The Argonne Guest House and cafeteria are open, but on-site dining options may be more limited than before the pandemic.

The Argonne campus is relatively isolated, with limited lodging and dining within walking distance. Many users stay off site and use a rental car or rideshare to travel to Argonne. Some hotels provide a shuttle. Public transit options (including Pace Route 715) are very limited.

See Argonne area accommodations. Using the BOOK buttons on that page will apply discounted rates.

5. What to expect when you arrive at Argonne

5.1 Gate pass and proximity (“prox”) card

On-site users typically need two cards from the Argonne Welcome Center:

• Gate pass – scanned at the Argonne gate for site entry
• Prox card – used at card readers to unlock ATLAS doors at all times, and Building 203 doors outside regular office hours.

5.2 If your prox card does not work, or if you receive a new prox card

If you have completed all access requirements (Section 3) but your prox card does not unlock the ATLAS doors, ask your collaborators to meet you at the door. Then find the number on the back of your prox card that looks like 07#### or 08#### (example: 081234) and email it to ATLAS-​admin@​anl.​gov. We will update the ATLAS door access database.

5.3 Common arrival scenarios assuming you informed the ATLAS user office of your travel plans

• Scenario 1 — You have a gate pass and a prox card
  • Proceed to the Argonne gate, then go to ATLAS (Building 203).
  • Use your prox card at the ATLAS door reader. If it does not work, see Section 5.2.
• Scenario 2 — Missing gate pass and/or prox card; Welcome Center open
  • Go to the Argonne Welcome Center (Northgate Rd).
  • At the front desk, say you are an ATLAS user and request the card(s) you need (gate pass and/or prox card).
  • Note: Prox cards do not have an expiration date printed on them. If you already have a prox card, please do not request a new one.
  • Then follow Scenario 1.
• Scenario 3 — You have a prox card; no gate pass; Welcome Center closed
  • Go to the main gate and tell the guard you are an ATLAS user; the guard should have your gate pass. Then proceed to ATLAS.
  • At the ATLAS door reader, use your prox card to unlock the ATLAS door. If it does not work, see Section 5.2.
• Scenario 4 — You have a gate pass; no prox card; Welcome Center closed
  • Enter Argonne using your gate pass, then proceed to ATLAS.
  • Note: Prox cards can only be issued at the Welcome Center Badging Office.
  • If you need immediate entry to ATLAS, contact your collaborators to meet you at the ATLAS door.
  • When the Welcome Center is open, follow Scenario 2 to obtain a prox card.
• Scenario 5 — No gate pass; no prox card; Welcome Center closed
  • Go to the main gate and tell the guard you are an ATLAS user; the guard should have your gate pass. Then proceed to ATLAS.
  • Note: Prox cards can only be issued at the Welcome Center Badging Office.
  • If you need immediate entry to ATLAS, contact your collaborators to meet you at the ATLAS door.
  • When the Welcome Center is open, follow Scenario 2.

If your gate pass does not have your picture, bring an additional government-issued photo ID. See Argonne’s site entry requirements.

For the most streamlined access experience, consider arriving when the Welcome Center Badging Office is open.