How to connect to the MHC VPN

Overview

This is what you can expect when you're connecting to the MHC VPN through GlobalProtect on Windows and macOS computers and via the mobile application. Remember that you can only connect to the MHC VPN from OFF CAMPUS.

How to connect

Jump to instructions for the mobile app.

Windows and macOS Computers

  1. Select the GlobalProtect globe iconGlobalProtect globe icon

    • On MacOS: The globe icon is located at the top right corner of your screen. 
    • On Windows: The globe icon is located on the bottom right corner of your screen. If it is not there, click on the upward pointing arrow to view more icons.
  2. Choose Connect on the GlobalProtect panel window 

screenshot of the GlobalProtect panel open on a macOS computer

  1. If prompted, log in with your MHC username and password on the blue and white MHC login screen:

    1. Enter your MHC username (don't include the @mtholyoke.edu) and password and choose Login
    2. Then, if prompted, complete Duo multi-factor authentication
  1. Next, a Palo Alto Network Page will appear as the VPN attempts to connect
  2. If prompted, choose to "always allow vpn.mtholyoke.edu to open links of this type in the associated app."
    • If no new page has opened on your browser and it seems like it's been attempting to connect for a while, you should select the blue click here link.

global protect palo alto page that appears mid-connection

  1. Once you see the two interconnected squares on the GlobalProtect globe icon GlobalProtect icon with shield icon indicating it's connected, you're connected! The GlobalProtect panel window will also show you that you're connected. Close the Palo Alto browser tabs and continue on your way.

    • If it doesn't connect you right away (i.e. it shows ‘Still Working…’), select the click here option on the Palo Alto page again. It may run through steps 4 and 5 again, but it should connect.

GlobalProtect panel window open with a shield icon with two interconnected squares on it over the globe above the word "Connected" 

 

Mobile devices

  1. Open the GlobalProtect app.
  2. Tap the shield icon in the center of the screen under the words TAP TO CONNECT.
    • You’ll be directed to the blue and white MHC login screen in your default browser
  3. Enter your MHC username [don't include the @mtholyoke.edu] and password in the blue and white MHC login screen
  4. Complete Duo multi-factor authentication
    • You may need to manually go back to the GlobalProtect app after entering the verification code
  5. If prompted, select whether the device is yours or a shared device
  6. If prompted, choose OK and Open.
    • You should be redirected back to the app displaying a note "Welcome to the Mount Holyoke College VPN" in blue. When you close that note, you should see that the text now says CONNECTED above the shield icon which is now green, and TAP TO DISCONNECT below. 
  7. Minimize the app and continue with what you were doing. 
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Useful for employees who are fully remote or who have part time work from home schedules.
Install and configure GlobalProtect on your devices.
How to prepare your on-campus computer for remote access for the first time.
Instructions for Mac and Windows to remote into on-campus computer from personal computer at home.
For computers that get stuck trying to connect to VPN.
Not sure if you need VPN to access your work from off campus? This article explains when VPN is required and when it's just recommended.

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Even if you’re traveling, you can still connect to MHC's network over the internet safely and securely to access the same resources you normally use on campus.