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Accessing Valpo's VPN

Accessing Valpo's VPN

IT uses a system from OpenVPN Connect to provide Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology. This tool establishes a secure connection through an otherwise unsecure or untrusted network, and extends certain protected features of the local network to remote or mobile devices.  OpenAccess Connect will authenticate your account using your Valpo email, so please be sure to log into your @valpo.edu email before attempting to connect to the VPN.

This new VPN will allow for a faster connection to campus but the initial set-up will take a few moments, and differ from device type. For example- Valpo-Owned devices have a different process for installation than personally-owned devices. Please find the corresponding steps for each device type, below.

 

FROM YOUR VALPO-OWNED DEVICE:

From a campus location, while connected to our network (WiFi or ethernet) your device will automatically receive the OpenVPN Connect client needed for connection. 

If you are off-campus and unable to return to campus to receive the update, please email helpdesk@valpo.edu to schedule a remote support meeting to assist with the installation of this client. You will not be able to connect to VPN without this step as you need administrative access to the device for the installation.

For your first time accessing this VPN you will need to complete the following steps to set-up your account but after initial enrollment, you will be able to very easily access the VPN from your Desktop, using the OpenVPN Connect application, which should appear like one of the images below.

 

 

 

 

FOR INITIAL SET-UP OF A VALPO-OWNED DEVICE, ALREADY CONNECTED TO CAMPUS NETWORK:

Before you begin, be sure you are logged into your Valpo.edu email address. This will be required for authentication of your account and privileged access to the VPN. Only Valpo faculty, staff and students will be provided access to the VPN.

 

  1. On your desktop, you should see the OpenVPN Connect application.

  1. Click the application to open.

  2. You will then need to enter vpn.valpo.edu into the “Type Server Address or Cloud ID” line and click “NEXT”

image-20250826-195852.png

 

  1. Now you will click “SIGN IN” on the authentication page.

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  1. The next step is to authenticate your account. Users should select the blue “Sign in with SAML” option.

image-20250826-184443.png

  1. Next, you will be prompted to select the Google Account you would like to authenticate and connect to the VPN with. You will only be able to connect to the VPN using your @valpo.edu email. If you are not already logged into your @valpo.edu email when you attempt to connect the to VPN, the connection will fail.

  2. Once you select your Valpo email, the next steps is to import your profile. Click “Import Profile”

image-20250826-200212.png

  1. From there, you will need to confirm that you are connecting to vpn.valpo.edu.

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  1. Initially, you will not automatically be connected to the VPN. You will need to toggle the gray circle, to initiate the connection.

image-20250826-200531.png

 

  1. After you toggle that circle, you will be connected and should see the following screen.

image-20250826-200912.png

  1. Once the Authentication is successful, move back to the OpenVPN Connect application (circled in red below). This will show your connection details. From here, use this same screen to toggle the now green circle, to sign out of the VPN.

image-20250826-201908.png

 

 

 

FOR INITIAL SET-UP OF A PERSONALLY-OWNED DEVICE:

  1. Visit https://vpn.valpo.edu/login

c92f93e3-c701-4b44-b7b2-d16f1c8e3547.png

  1. Choose your Valpo.edu email from the list.

  2. Next you will need to download the OpenVPN Connect application to your device. Follow the provided instructions to do so. NOTE: You may be asked if you want to “allow this app to make changed on your device” if so, click “Yes”.

image-20250826-194510.png

  1. Now that you have completed the download, you will see a  “Get Connected” screen, where you will need to enter vpn.valpo.edu in the server address line and click next.

  1. Once you select your Valpo email, the next steps is to import your profile. Click “Import Profile”

image-20250826-200212.png

  1. Initially, you will not automatically be connected to the VPN. You will need to toggle the gray circle, to initiate the connection.

image-20250826-200531.png

 

  1. After you toggle that circle, you will be connected and should see the following screen.

image-20250826-200912.png

  1. One the Authentication is successful, move back the OpenVPN Connect application (circled in red below). This will show your connection details. From here, use this same screen to toggle the now green circle, to sign out of the VPN.

image-20250826-201908.png

 

Still need help?

For additional assistance, contact the IT Help Desk.

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