VPN Getting Started

All faculty, staff, and students can login to email, Canvas, NEW Murphy Online, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, Office 365, and more by going to the Apps and Tools menu of OneStThomas. This does not require the VPN and is available from any web browser. 

Starting December 8th, 2025, VPN will be REQUIRED to access Classic Murphy from off campus.  

Other university systems and devices require the use of additional security measures in order to access them from off campus. This is due to the sensitive-information contained in these technologies (such as Banner, Cognos, Optix, etc.) By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a secure, encrypted connection will be established between your computer and the St. Thomas network so that you can access these systems. 

What can I access with the VPN?

When you are off campus, you can login to the VPN to connect to the following resources:

• On-campus systems such as Banner, Cognos, Optix, and the Classic Murphy Online portal.
• Remotely access your Windows PC computer on campus (use the Remote Desktop Connection app in conjunction with the VPN) Note: at this time ITS does not support the ability to remotely access on-campus Mac devices. 
• Connect to the St. Thomas network

Minimum Requirements

• User must be Faculty, Staff, or Student Employee (XST account)
• Permissions to use the VPN
• Operating System patches up-to date
• An active high speed Internet connection
• Active and up-to date Anti-Virus software on the local computer
• If remoting into your workstation computer, both your off campus computer and the St. Thomas computer must be turned on (RDC Only)
• Permission to access the remote computer must be in place on the St. Thomas computer (RDC Only).  Follow the link "Click Here To Request Service" at the top right of this article and request to be added to the 'Remote Users Group' on your PC if you have not previously been added.

How to connect to the VPN

1. Open the Global Protect app on your computer.
2. Verify the portal is set to ust-vpn.stthomas.edu and click Connect
3. A pop-up window will appear where you can login with your university username and password. You will need to verify your identity using one of your multi-factor authentication methods.

*There is an idle time out of 2-hours and a session time out of 8-hours. Once disconnected you'll need to reconnect.

First Time Use & Installation

Software Installation (if needed).  Installation of the software is a one-time process. Once installed you need only ensure your St. Thomas credentials are current and the Portal is properly configured.

1. University Laptops off campus: Global Protect comes pre-installed on university-issued laptops.

1. Personal Computers off campus: For personal computers, you can installed this software for free. Instructions for connecting and disconnecting included.
   1. Windows 32/64 bit
   2. Mac 32/64 bit
   3. iOS
   4. Android
   5. Linux
       
2. Connect to the VPN
   1. Open the Global Protect app on your computer.
   2. Verify the portal is set to ust-vpn.stthomas.edu and click Connect
   3. A pop-up window will appear where you can login with your university username and password. You will need to verify your identity using one of your multi-factor authentication methods.

Remote Desktop Connection: If you are remoting into your workstation PC computer from off-campus, you will also need to setup and use the Remote Desktop Connection software app. This is pre-installed on university laptops and many consumer-bought models.