VPN Setup Instructions

IMPORTANT:  VPN access must be requested; please request access by creating a Helpdesk Ticket.

NOTICE: As of February 12th, 2021, we are transitioning to a new VPN software client, GlobalProtect. Pulse Secure will be phased out in March, so we encourage you to switch to the new client at your earliest convenience.

Getting Started with GlobalProtect VPN

Installing the GlobalProtect VPN client will allow you to access technology resources hosted on the Middlebury or Monterey campuses. The basic process to install the client follows:

(For more detailed instructions on setting up GlobalProtect VPN, including step-by-step instructions with screenshots, please see this page):

1. Visit https://vpnmidd.middlebury.edu
2. Download the appropriate Mac or Windows agent installer
   1. For windows users, your machine is most likely 64-bit (to double-check, you can look up About your PC in the windows start search - it will say if it’s 32 or 64 bit for System type).You can also see How to tell if your version of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit.
3. Launch the installer
4. Follow the default installation prompts
5. When prompted for “Portal Address”, please enter: vpnmidd.middlebury.edu
   1. Please ensure that you have the correct portal address, otherwise you will be unable to connect.
6. Once the installer completes, click Connect

 

What is VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network; see the Wikipedia article on VPN for more general info. Active faculty, staff and students can request permission to use VPN to access resources on the Middlebury network that are normally unavailable from off campus, such as Banner Admin or fast connections to Middfiles. (Access to library subscription e-resources is the major exception. That requires EZproxy and is described here.)

Our former VPN client called Pulse Secure is being retired soon. (The legacy client installer files for Mac and Windows can be found in the VPN Clients - Pulse Secure folder on SharePoint.)

 

 

When do I have to use VPN?

Please refer to this list of resources that require VPN to access them from off campus.

 

 

VPN Installation Instructions

Windows

If you already have Pulse Secure software installed on your computer, skip to step 4 to setup and save a connection.

1. Verify your version of Windows.
   • Windows 10 works with the latest posted version of Pulse Secure. See How to tell if your version of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit, then proceed to step 2.
2. Download the installer from the VPN Clients - Pulse Secure folder on SharePoint.
   Use the file named: ps-pulse-win-*-64bitinstaller.msi (or -32bitinstaller.msi for 32-bit Windows.)
3. Install the software. You don't need to select any special options during the install. The default checkbox at the end will launch Pulse Secure at the end of the installation process.
4. Look for the white S-shaped icon in the system tray area, at lower-right. If it doesn't show, click on the white up-arrow to show all of your tray icons.
5. Click on the Pulse Secure icon, then choose Open Pulse Secure.
6. An empty Connections window appears. Click on the + button to add a new connection.
   • In the Name field, call it whatever you want. (Example: Middlebury College VPN).
   • In the Server URL field, use: https://vpn.middlebury.edu.
7. Click either the Connect button (which will add it to your saved connections then connect immediately), or the Add button (to save settings for later use without connecting now).
8. Once added, your new connection will appear in the list beneath "Connections". Click on the [Connect] button beside it to connect.
9. You will be prompted for your username and password. Enter your full username@middlebury.edu address in the username field.
   • VPN users at our Monterey campus need to use the username@middlebury.edu format as well.
   • There is an optional checkbox to Save settings. For security reasons, we recommend NOT saving your password.
10. Once connected, the box will say as much and then vanish after a few moments. The Pulse Secure S icon in the tray will now include a green up arrow.
11. To disconnect, click on the Pulse S icon in the system tray, trace to your VPN connection name, then click Disconnect.

Once you have a saved connection, in the future you can just click on the Pulse Secure icon in the tray, trace to your connection name in the pop-up menu, then click Connect.

 

 

Mac

If you already have Pulse Secure software installed on your computer, skip to step 4 to setup and save a connection.

1. Download the installer from the VPN Clients - Pulse Secure folder on SharePoint; you want the file named: ps-pulse-mac-*-installer.dmg. Double-click to open it.
   • Note: If you are on campus, Pulse Secure software may easily be installed using the Self Service utility.
2. When the disk image mounts and opens, right-click on the file PulseSecure.pkg then select Open.
3. Just step through the install. There is no need to select or change anything.
4. Once installed, you'll find the Pulse Secure client in the Applications folder (you may want to drag and drop it to the desktop or dock to create an alias for easier access). Launch this.
5. An empty Connections window appears. Click on the [+] button in the lower-left to add a new connection.
   1. For the Name, call it whatever you want. (Example: "Middlebury College VPN")
   2. For the Server URL, use: https://vpn.middlebury.edu
6. Click either the [Connect] button (which will add it to your saved connections and connect immediately), or [Add] (to save it for later use without connecting now).
7. Once added, your new connection will appear in the list beneath "Connections". Click on the [Connect] button next to it to connect.
8. You will be prompted for your username and password. Effective 11/29/18, enter your full username@middlebury.edu address in the username field.
   • VPN users at our Monterey campus need to use the username@middlebury.edu format as well.
   • There is an optional checkbox to Save settings. For security reasons, we recommend NOT saving your password.
9. You should now see an S icon in your top menu bar -- an accompanying green arrow means you are connected.
10. Once connected, you can close the Pulse Secure window. The icon in the menu bar now controls the Pulse Secure client.
11. To disconnect, click the S icon in the menu bar, then the VPN connection name, then "Disconnect."

Once you have a saved connection, in the future you can just click on the Pulse Secure S icon in the top menu bar, trace to the connection name in the drop-down menu, then click Connect.

 

Android

1. Install the app from https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.pulsesecure.pulsesecure or search for Pulse Secure on the Google Play Store.
2. Launch the app. On the Welcome screen, fill in https://vpn.middlebury.edu for the URL, then touch the Submit button.
3. The Add a Connection dialog box will appear.
   • For Connection Name: You may change this to whatever you want (e.g., "Middlebury College VPN").
   • The URL should be provided already (https://vpn.middlebury.edu).
   • For Username, enter your full username@middlebury.edu address.

   VPN users at our Monterey campus also need to use the username@middlebury.edu format.

   • For Authentication: Keep the default setting of Password.
   • Realm and Role can be left blank.
4. Touch the Add button to save your settings.
5. Touch the Connect button to start a VPN session.
6. The Login screen appears with your username already filled in. Provide your network password, then touch the Sign In button.
7. You will get a Connection request notification saying Pulse Secure wants to set up a VPN connection that allows it to monitor network traffic. Only accept if you trust the source., etc. Touch OK to continue.
8. Once it has finished connecting, you should see a key icon in your notification area (either the top or bottom of your screen, depending on the model).
9. To end the session, touch the Disconnect button. You will be returned to the Pulse Secure Home screen.

Once you have a saved connection, you can simply launch the Pulse Secure app, then touch the Connect button to start your VPN session.

 

iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad, etc.)

1. Launch App Store on your iOS device. Locate and install the app Pulse Secure.
2. Launch the app. On the Welcome screen, fill in https://vpn.middlebury.edu for the URL, then touch the Submit button.
3. The Add a Connection dialog box will appear.
   • For Connection Name: Call it whatever you want (e.g., "Middlebury College VPN").
   • The URL should be provided already (https://vpn.middlebury.edu).
   • For Username, enter your full username@middlebury.edu address.

   VPN users at our Monterey campus also need to use the username@middlebury.edu format.

   • For Authentication: Keep the default setting of Password.
   • Realm and Role can be left blank.
4. Touch the Save button.
5. Touch Allow when you receive the notice that "Pulse Secure Would Like to Add VPN Configurations". You may be asked to enter your device's passcode.
6. Touch the Connect button to start a VPN session.
7. The Login screen appears with your username already filled in. Provide your network password, then touch the Sign In button.
8. You will see messages about Authenticating, then Connecting to VPN. Your device will show VPN along the top, indicating a successful connection.
9. To end the session, touch the Disconnect button. You will see the message "Stopping the VPN" then be taken back to the Pulse Secure Home screen.

Once you have a saved connection, you can simply launch the Pulse Secure app, then tap Connect to start your VPN session.