The Cisco AnyConnect VPN service provided by SUNY New Paltz is only available to faculty, staff, and students enrolled in specific majors or courses. At this time only students who are enrolled with an Engineering or Computer Science major or are enrolled in specific courses can use the VPN service.
Follow the instructions below to use Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software:
Step 1: Locate and select the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Software.
In Windows - that will be in your Start Menu - or system tray.
On Mac - Within the Applications folder find the Cisco folder. Within this folder you will find the Cisco AnyConnect Mobility Client application. You can place this application on your dock.
Step 2: Make sure vpn.newpaltz.edu is placed in the box as per the screenshot below - then click Connect
Step 3: Choose the connection group (Split - Home Computers, Full - Wireless or On-Campus, AdminLAN Campus Issued)
The VPN software will default to using the same connection group that you last used. If you need to change your connection group (i.e. you last used the Split group, and then need to connect with the Full group) then you will need to get to the group selection window.
To change the selected Group:
Windows and Mac: Use the drop down next to "Group" to select the group to use. This group selection window may be hidden behind the login window. You may need to move (not close!) the login window out of the way so you can find the group window.
iOS (iPhone/iPad): To go back to the group selection tap "Back" on the top left hand corner for the app while on the login screen.
Android: You will have to click at the top of the window where the AnyConnect logo comes up with a left facing arrow (as shown in the screenshot below):
Step 4: Login - a login window will pop-up (the same as is used for Office 365, my.newpaltz.edu, and other college services. The only difference is that you cannot 'remember' your session for the VPN, and will have to verify your login (via the MFA service) each time you login.
That's it - you should be connected.
Note: Once you are connected - how to disconnect (or check if you are connected) depends on whether you are using Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS.
Windows: When you connect you'll see a message at the bottom right of your screen like:
Mac OS: AnyConnect icon in the Dock should have a padlock visible while the VPN connection is established.
Android: To check your connection status - go back into the Cisco AnyConnect application.
iOS (iPhone/iPad): A VPN indictator will appear in the top bar next to the wifi/cellular indicator while the VPN connection is established.