Student VPN access

From WSU Technology Knowledge Base
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Caution.JPG REVISION IN PROGRESS: This article contains useful information, but is being revised to reflect recent updates. Direct questions to TLT (tlt@winona.edu).

Winona State University Information Technology Services provides student VPN access to those studying from off-campus locations. To maintain data security, access to some online systems and services requires a direct connection to our private campus network. Using our virtual private network (VPN), students working remotely can emulate this direct, private connection and access these services as if they were on campus. Most students do not need a continuous VPN connection when working remotely. Students cannot establish a VPN connection using a personally-owned device. Students with personal computers can access VPN but will need to install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.

How do I connect to the student VPN?

VPN will not work on the Winona State campus networks: warrior, WAZOO, and WSU Guest. You do not need the vpn network if you are on campus and can connect to these networks. This network does not provide you with a wireless network, you need to be connect to a wireless network to use.

Windows

These instructions are for WSU laptops.

  • Open the start menu and type Cisco.
  • Select 'Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client' when it appears.
    • If it does not appear, as shown below, contact Tech Support or refer to the section below regarding personal computers.

CACVPNPC.png

  • Make sure you are connecting to WSUtunnel.winona.edu and select Connect on the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client.

(if you see tunnel.winona.edu, add WSU in front of tunnel)

  • The vpn will use your Microsoft credentials, e.g. students will log in with their starid followed by @go.minnstate.edu (ab1234cd@go.minnstate.edu) and employees will log in with their starid followed by @minnstate.edu (ab1234cd@minnstate.edu).
  • Note: the first time you connect AnyConnect will run updates and ask you to restart your machine, be sure to save your documents before restarting.
  • After the restart, connect again and it will auto connect to the network.
  • To confirm the computer is connected to the vpn network, the AnyConnect icon will display on the system tray icons, located on the lower right corner by the date and time. You may have to click on the arrow.

  • To disconnect, click on the AnyConnect icon on the system tray and choose Disconnect.

macOS

  • On your WSU leased laptop, if you have not used the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client before, you will need to install the client from the Manage Software Center on your mac.
  • Once installed, click on the Spotlight icon (magnify glass) in the upper right corner on the menu bar.
  • Type "Cisco" and Select "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client"

VPN Mac Cisco Search.png

  • Connect to WSUtunnel.winona.edu (if you see tunnel.winona.edu, add WSU in front of tunnel), click Connect and you will be redirected to a Microsoft Sign in page.

  • The vpn will use your Microsoft credentials, e.g. students will log in with their starid followed by @go.minnstate.edu (ab1234cd@go.minnstate.edu) and employees will log in with their starid followed by @minnstate.edu (ab1234cd@minnstate.edu) and your starid password.
  • The first time you use it, it will install updates.
  • To confirm the computer is connected to the vpn network, the Cisco AnyConnect icon will be located on the menu bar in the upper right corner, next to the date and time. The icon will appear with a "small lock" over the icon when the computer is connected to the vpn network.

Screenshot 2024-02-16 at 9.04.41 AM.png

  • To disconnect, click on the AnyConnect icon on the menu bar and choose Disconnect. If you don't want the Cisco AnyConnect icon to appear on the menu bar, choose Quit Cisco AnyConnect.

Personal Computers

Students with personal computers can access VPN but will need to install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.

  • To install, open an internet browser and go to https://wsutunnel.winona.edu. This page only works off-campus. If you are on-campus, come to Tech Support in Somsen 207 to install it.

Related information