VPN Getting Started

NOTE – As of 12/8/25, accessing Classic Murphy from off campus will require a connection to the St. Thomas Global Protect VPN.

 

In this Article:

• About VPN
• Requirements
• Installation and Connection
  • University Mac
  • University Windows PC
  • Non-UST Mac (personal devices, directions for most students)
  • Non-UST Windows PC (personal devices, directions for most students)
  • Mobile Phone, Tablet, Chromebook
  • Linux
• Remote into your Windows Office Computer (faculty/staff)
• Computer Labs: Remote Access
  • Some courses use software that’s only available in campus computer labs. In those cases, students can be given remote access to a lab computer.
  • Faculty request access on behalf of their students through Desktop and Application Virtualization. Access is provided only for the specific class and remains active for the duration of that course.
• Troubleshooting

 

What is the VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure “tunnel” between your device and the St. Thomas network. When you connect to the VPN your Internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the university, making it appear as though you are on campus even when you’re not. This added protection helps keep university data safe while allowing you to access systems that aren’t available to the public Internet.

 

Why Some Systems Require VPN 

Certain university systems contain sensitive or confidential information. Tools such as Banner, Cognos, Optix, and other administrative systems require additional protection when accessed remotely. VPN is also required for remoting into on-campus Windows computers from off-campus and for accessing virtual computers to access some course software.

Using the Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a more secure, encrypted connection between your device and the St. Thomas network. This ensures that sensitive data stays protected and that you can safely access the systems you need while working off campus.

 

Accessing Most University Systems from Off Campus

Most everyday tools like email, Canvas, the new Murphy Online, OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Office 365 can be accessed simply by going to the Apps & Tools menu in OneStThomas. These services work from any web browser and do not require VPN.

 

Minimum Requirements for Using the VPN 

To connect to the St. Thomas VPN, you’ll need the following in place:

• Permission to use the VPN
  • Most faculty, staff, and students already have this automatically.
• A supported operating system
  • Your computer must meet the minimum OS requirements and have current system updates installed.
• Up-to-date antivirus software
  • Your device should have active, current antivirus protection.
• A reliable highspeed local Internet connection

 

Additional Requirements for Remoting Into an On‑Campus Windows PC 

If you plan to connect to your on‑campus Windows computer after signing in to the VPN:

• You must be approved to access that computer remotely
  • If you haven’t been added to the *Remote Users Group* on your campus PC, you can request access using the form provided here.
• Your on-campus computer must be powered on and connected to Ethernet
• Your local (off-campus computer) must have a stable Internet connection
• Your local (off-campus computer) can’t be running another VPN or security software that interferes with GlobalProtect.

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Installation & First Time Use

UST MAC

**All images in this article are thumbnails and can be viewed in full size by clicking on them.

1. Opening and/or installing
   1. Global may be installed already. Check your menu bar at the top right of the screen for a little silver globe icon that when pressed opens a Global Protect window. 
      • 
      1. If you do not see it, you can also open Finder and then your Applications folder and look for Global Protect and launch it. Then you should see the little silver globe icon in the top right of your menu bar.
         • 
      2. If Global Protect is not on the menu bar or in the Applications folder then you may need to install it from the Self Service app.
         1. Open Finder and then your Application folder and locate and open the "Self Service" app.
         • 
         1. Look for and select "Global Protect" and then "Install" or "Reinstall".
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         1. After it is completed, restart your computer and check your top right menu bar and/or Finder>Applications folder to locate and start Global Protect.
2. Set up and connect
   1. In the Global Protect window you will be asked for a portal. The VPN portal you will need to use is "ust-vpn.stthomas.edu"
   • 
   1. You should now be able to select the Connect button
   2. A window should now open in your default browser and prompt you to log in with your university credentials. Enter your university email (username@stthomas.edu) in the first window and your password in the second. 
   • 
   1. You will now need to complete multifactor authentication (MFA) 
   2. It should now finish connecting you to the VPN!

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UST PC

**All images in this article are thumbnails and can be viewed in full size by clicking on them.

1. Opening and/or Installing
   1. Most University Windows computers will already have the Global Protect VPN app installed. You can check by clicking on the tray icon and looking for the little silver Global Protect globe in the system tray
      • 
   2. If you do not find the app in the tray as shown in  the above image, then you can install it from to Software Center app. You can find the Software Center app on your UST Windows computer either from the applications list or by searching "software" and selecting "Software  Center" from the list of search results.
      • 
   3. In Software Center you can then find "Palo Alto GlobalProtect VPN" and click it, then on the next screen select to "install" or "reinstall".
      • 
   4. When it completes you should restart your computer. You should then find the silver globe icon in the system tray as  shown above in the image under step 1.
      1. 
2. Set up and connect
   1. In the Global Protect window (after clicking on the silver globe) you will be asked for a portal. The VPN portal you will need to use is "ust-vpn.stthomas.edu"
      • 
   2. You should now be able to select the Connect button
   3. A window should now open in your default browser and prompt you to log in with your university credentials. Enter your university email (username@stthomas.edu) in the first window and your password in the second. 
      • 
   4. You will now need to complete multifactor authentication (MFA) 
   5. It should now finish connecting you to the VPN!

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Non-UST MAC

**All images in this article are thumbnails and can be viewed in full size by clicking on them.

1. Installing and Opening
   1. To get started please go here Mac 64 bit and make sure to select the "Download Mac 32/64 bit GlobalProtect agent" download option.
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   2. After downloading the correct installer for your version of computer, run it from either the "Downloads" icon on your browser or from your computer's Downloads folder in Finder
      • 
   3. Follow the installation prompts to complete the install
      • 
   4. Restart your computer after installation 
   5. When your computer boots back up, check your menu bar at the top right of the screen for a little silver globe icon that when pressed opens a Global Protect window.
      • 
      1. If you do not see it, you can also open Finder and then your Applications folder and look for Global Protect and launch it. Then you should see the little silver globe icon in the top right of your menu bar.
         • 
   6. Click on the silver globe to open the Global Protect window.
2. Set up and connect
   1. In the Global Protect window you will be asked for a portal. The VPN portal you will need to use is "ust-vpn.stthomas.edu"
      • 
   2. You should now be able to select the Connect button
   3. A window should now open in your default browser and prompt you to log in with your university credentials. Enter your university email (username@stthomas.edu) in the first window and your password in the second. 
      • 
   4. You will now need to complete multifactor authentication (MFA) 
   5. It should now finish connecting you to the VPN!

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Non-UST Windows PC

**All images in this article are thumbnails and can be viewed in full size by clicking on them.

1. Installing and Opening
   1. You'll first want to identify if you need the basic Windows 64 bit version or the Windows ARM version. To identify if you have and ARM-based processor you can follow the directions here Does my Windows computer have ARM?
      1. For non-ARM computers please go here Windows 64 bit and make sure to select the "Download Windows 64 bit GlobalProtect agent" download option.
         1. Do not choose the 32 bit option
         • 
      2. For ARM computers please go to here Windows ARM and click "Download"
         1. Don't be alarmed if there is an error that says it can't provide a preview. The download option should be  right below it
         • 
   2. After downloading the correct installer for your version of computer, run it from either the "Downloads" icon on your browser or from your computer's Downloads folder (usually located in File Explorer at C:\Users\profile name\Downloads)
   • 
   1. Follow the installation prompts to complete the install
   2. Restart your computer after installation 
   3. Global Protect should now show up in your task bar's system tray as a little silver globe. To launch and connect to Global Protect click on the tray icon and look for the little silver Global Protect globe in the system tray as shown in the screenshot below.
      • 
   4. Click on the silver globe to open the Global Protect window.
2. Set up and connect
   1. In the Global Protect window you will be asked for a portal. The VPN portal you will need to use is "ust-vpn.stthomas.edu"
   • 
   1. You should now be able to select the Connect button
   2. A window should now open in your default browser and prompt you to log in with your university credentials. Enter your university email (username@stthomas.edu) in the first window and your password in the second. 
   • 
   1. You will now need to complete multifactor authentication (MFA) 
   2. It should now finish connecting you to the VPN!

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Mobile Phone/Tablet or Chromebook

**All images in this article are thumbnails and can be viewed in full size by clicking on them.

1. On mobile devices you can often install the Global Protect VPN app from your devices app store.
2. Open the app store and search for Global Protect. The correct app should have an icon resembling this one:
   • 
3. Install the app and open it when installation is complete
4. You will be asked for a portal address. The VPN portal address you will need to use is "ust-vpn.stthomas.edu"
5. After successfully entering the portal address you should be brought to the University of St. Thomas log in page, enter your university email (username@stthomas.edu) in the first window and your password in the second.
6. You will now need to complete multifactor authentication (MFA) 
7. It should now finish connecting you to the VPN!

• Popular app store download links/info pages:
  • iOS
  • Android

 

Linux

• Installer download for Linux

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Troubleshooting

Windows ARM:

1. Open Settings
2. Select System
3. Select About
4. Look under Device specifications → System type
   1. 64‑bit operating system, x64‑based processor - Your computer is NOT ARM
      1. Install the Windows 64 bit version of Global Protect
   2. 64‑bit operating system, ARM‑based processor - Your computer IS ARM
      1. Install the Windows ARM version of Global Protect

 

Authentication Issues

• Try setting an alternative browser as your default

 

Installer list

1. Windows 64 bit
2. Windows ARM (Does my Windows computer have ARM?)
3. Mac 32/64 bit
4. iOS
5. Android
6. Linux

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