The Cisco Secure Client 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.
Note: The Cisco Secure Client is the same software that was formerly known as "Cisco AnyConnect". The maker of the software has rebranded the software and now the icon is labeled as "Cisco Secure Client". The way you use the software is the same as before.
Follow the instructions below to use Cisco Secure Client software:
Step 1: Locate and select "Cisco Secure Client" application:
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 Secure Client application. You can place this application on your dock.
Step 2: Make sure vpn.newpaltz.edu is in the text box next to the Connect button as shown in the screenshot below. Then click the Connect button.
Step 3: Choose the connection group:
Which group to select:
- If you're using a campus issued and managed laptop select "AdminLAN Campus Issued"
- If you're on a personal device while offcampus (such as at home or while traveling) select "Split - Home Computers"
- If you're on a personal device while using on-campus WiFi (such as eduroam) select "Full - Wireless or On-Campus"
To change the selected Group:
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.
Use the drop down next to "Group" to select the group to use. This group selection window may be hidden behind the larger login window. You may need to move (not close!) the login window out of the way so you can find the group window underneath.
Step 4: Login - After clicking the Connect button a login window will appear. Use the same username and password as you use for other campus services such as Office 365 and my.newpaltz.edu, The only difference is that you cannot 'remember' your session for the VPN and will need to verify your login (via the MFA service) each time you connect using the VPN.
That's it - you should be connected.
To disconnect the VPN repeat the above steps on opening the Cisco Secure Client app to reopen the Cisco Secure Client window. The Connect button will have changed to a Disconnect button. Click the Disconnect button to turn off the VPN connection.
