VPN - Coastal Carolina University
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ITS for Faculty and Staff


Virtual Private Network Access

What is VPN?

VPN is a Virtual Private Network. VPN gives you access to specific network resources from a different location, for instance, from off-campus or a wireless network. VPN access protects user data while giving similar access as if on campus.

Why use VPN?

VPN access is an excellent alternative to taking sensitive data off campus. A VPN application is required to securely access many information resources like shared network drives and Enterprise Resource Planning Management (ERP) systems when working from off-campus locations or from a wireless connection. VPN gives you access to specific network resources as described below.

Examples

Needs VPN:

To access resources off-campus or on wireless, such as:

  • Accessing confidential data (PCI, GLBA, etc)
  • Databases and many faculty and staff forms
  • Ellucian Colleague (Datatel)
  • Perceptive Content
  • T: drive
  • TerminalFour (T4)

Does Not Need VPN:

You do not need VPN to access various public resources, such as:

  • CCU’s website: www.coastal.edu 
  • MyCCU: myccu.coastal.edu
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Office 365 (Outlook email, OneDrive, Office programs online, etc)
  • Self-Service
  • Zoom

How to obtain VPN access

The prospective VPN user completes the online VPN request form.

  • Once the request is received, ITS will contact the user within three business days to assist in setting up VPN access. 
  • You will receive an email from ITS providing you with detailed instructions to download and install VPN, if needed. Most CCU laptops will already have the VPN software installed.

If you need further assistance, please submit an Online Service Request or call the Help Desk at x5000.