Using the Virtual Private Network (VPN)

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Need to access MHC restricted tech tools (see list) from off campus? Want to enable stronger security with your campus work? There’s a tool for that — called virtual private network (VPN). Even if you’re traveling, you can still connect to MHC over the internet safely and securely to access the same resources you normally use on campus.

Connect from your computer and phone:

Using the GlobalProtect client on computers running Windows or macOS
Using the GlobalProtect mobile app on Android and iOS cellphones

GlobalProtect is VPN software that allows current faculty, staff and students to securely connect their devices to the MHC network while off campus.

VPN is available (and only necessary) from OFF Campus. You cannot connect to the VPN while connected to campus internet (eduroam, Lyonnet-Encrypt, or wired ethernet).

Once connected via VPN, you will have access to all MHC on-campus resources, including licensed software (on College-owned machines), mapped network drives on the AMBR file server, your campus telephone, printers, administrative systems and on-campus remote desktop computers. For a more detailed list, check out the FAQ section below.

Set Up and Use the MHC VPN

On Windows or macOS Computers

Download GlobalProtect for your computer:
- From off campus, you can download the software for your computer here.
  - Log in with your MHC credentials
  - Choose "GlobalProtect Agent" in the top right
  - Choose the installer file right for your machine (most PCs will use the 64 bit version)
- From on campus, log into your MHC Google account and download the software here:
  - Software for Mac OS
  - Software for Windows (most Windows 10 computers)

Follow the install prompts.
- If at any point you are struggling to successfully download the VPN software, try using a different web browser, ie. Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge.
Open the GlobalProtect Software Panel and enter the portal address: vpn.mtholyoke.edu
- Mac users: you may have a globe icon on the top right of your screen; click the globe to select Settings. Click the plus sign (+) and add vpn.mtholyoke.edu.
Choose Connect. A window will open with a Google login screen.
Enter or choose your MHC email address and select Next.
If prompted, enter your password.
If prompted, complete Google 2-step verification.
You’ll be informed that you’re successfully connected to the VPN with a screen that says “Welcome to the Mount Holyoke College VPN” and the globe icon in your system tray/status bar will have a shield on it. This means you have a secure connection back to campus and can access all the resources and services you normally would while on campus.

Make sure you have completed the software installation and configuration beforehand (instructions above).

Select the Globe icon to open the GlobalProtect Software Panel
- PC: Should be located in the bottom right system tray
- Mac: Should be located in the top right status bar
Make sure the portal address selected is vpn.mtholyoke.edu and choose Connect.
If you’re not already logged into your MHC Google account on your default browser, a window will open with a Google login screen.
- Either choose or enter your MHC email account and select Next.
- If prompted, enter your password.
- If prompted, complete Google 2-step verification.
You’ll be informed that you’re successfully connected to the VPN with a screen that says “Welcome to the Mount Holyoke College VPN” and the globe icon will have a shield on it. This means you have a secure connection back to campus and can access all the resources and services you normally would while on campus.

For full instructions with screenshots, please review this article on How to Connect to the MHC VPN.

To disconnect, select the Globe icon and choose Disconnect.

On Android and iOS mobile devices

Find and install the GlobalProtect app for your device:
- Mobile App for Android
- Mobile App for iOS

Note: Make sure that the author of the app you install is Palo Alto Networks.

Once installation is complete, open the app.
Enter the portal address: vpn.mtholyoke.edu
Tap the Connect button.
If prompted with the following notice “GlobalProtect would like to add VPN Configurations” choose Allow.
You may be redirected to your device settings application and asked to verify the VPN settings change. Please do so.
When presented with a Google login screen, enter your MHC email address and password.
You may be prompted for Google 2-step verification. Choose your means of verification and provide the appropriate information.
If successful, you’ll see a “Welcome to the Mount Holyoke College VPN” message and the app screen will be blue with a green shield. This means you have a secure connection back to campus and can access all the resources and services you normally would while on campus.

Make sure that you’ve completed the mobile app installation and configuration beforehand (instructions above).

To connect to the VPN: Open the mobile app and tap the shield to connect.

If successful, you’ll see a “Welcome to the Mount Holyoke College VPN” message and the app screen will be blue with a green shield. This means you have a secure connection back to campus and can access all the resources and services you normally would while on campus.

To disconnect from the VPN: Open the mobile app and tap the shield again.

When disconnected, the app will display a grey shield on a grey background.
You are not required to sign out in order to disconnect from the VPN.

To change settings or sign out, tap the menu icon in the top left.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not sure what VPN is or when you might need it? These FAQs are here to help.

Still have questions? Reach out to the Technology Help Desk.

VPN stands for virtual private network. MHC VPN allows us to connect to the MHC network from home (or while traveling) safely and securely in order to access campus resources.

VPN is only required if you're off-campus and trying to use an on-campus restricted software, library resource, or while connecting remotely to a campus computer.

Take a look at the examples below to better understand when you should use VPN when working off campus:

Accessing your MHC Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Moodle, Zoom, etc: NO, VPN is not necessary (but it is recommended)
Accessing files on the campus AMBR file server: YES, VPN is necessary
Remote access to your MHC desktop: YES, VPN is necessary
Making calls using the Avaya Workplace Softphone Application: YES, VPN is necessary
Accessing library research databases: VPN is SOMETIMES necessary

Services that require VPN if you're off-campus include:

Departmental folder and file access on AMBR & MHCDrive
Avaya Workplace Softphone App
Academic Software:
- Some campus software titles use a license server to run. If you have software installed on your computer that must access an on-campus license server, a VPN connection is required to successfully connect.
EMS (full client)
Remote Desktop from a home computer to a campus computer
Windows Remote Desktop to computers behind the firewall
Connection to the Avaya Self-Administration portal
Colleague
Business Objects
Informer
Lawson
OnBase
PowerFAIDS
Titanium
ARMS (full client)
Controller file server
SSH access to campus information systems
Printing to on-campus printers

Using the Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Connect from your computer and phone:

Set Up and Use the MHC VPN

On Windows or macOS Computers

Initial Software Download and Installation

Connect/Disconnect from the VPN

On Android and iOS mobile devices

Initial Installation and Set Up

Connect/Disconnect from the VPN

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VPN and when do I need it?

Which campus services require MHC VPN to access from off-campus?