Summary
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.
Information Applies to
Current Students, New Students
How do I connect to the student VPN?
VPN will not work on the Winona State campus networks: warrior, WSU, WSU-User 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.
1. Open the start menu (windows key) and type Cisco.
NOTE: If you are on a new HP24 or HP25 you will have to install Cisco before continuing. Follow the below instructions otherwise continue with opening Cisco from the Start Menu.
2. Open Company Portal by going to the Start Menu (windows key) and searching Company Portal.
3. Once Company Portal is open apps will appear on the home screen.
4. Select WSU-PC-Cisco (VPN).
5. Select Install.
6. A "Download Pending" message will appear with a progress bar.
7. Once the progress bar disappears the app is finished installing.
8. Cisco VPN will now appear under "All Apps."
9. Search and Select 'Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client' when it appears.
10. 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)
11. The vpn will use your Microsoft credentials.
Username:
Students: StarID@go.minnstate.edu
Employees: StarID@minnstate.edu
Password:
StarID password
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.
12. After the restart, connect again and it will auto connect to the network.
13. 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.
14. To disconnect, click on the AnyConnect icon on the system tray and choose Disconnect.
MacOS
1. On your WSU 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.
2. Once installed, click on the Spotlight icon (magnify glass) in the upper right corner on the menu bar.
3. Type "Cisco" and Select "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client"
4. 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.
5. The vpn will use your Microsoft credentials
Username:
Students: StarID@go.minnstate.edu
Employees: StarID@minnstate.edu
Password:
StarID password
6. The first time you use it, it will install updates.
7. 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.
8. 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.
Learn More
Need additional information or assistance? Contact WSU Tech Support by email or call 507.457.5240, option 1.