The Division of IT continues to look for ways to improve both your experience with our campus technologies and the security of university data. As a part of this ongoing effort, we are currently updating the university’s virtual private network (VPN), and here some changes that will be coming soon:
- Change in experience. The new VPN system (GlobalProtect) is only available through a client installed on your computer; access via a website will not be available.
- Change in access. Because many WCU services are now accessible via the myWCU portal or WCU’s virtual desktop environment (VCAT), many of our faculty and staff will no longer need the VPN. If you find that the myWCU portal or VCAT access will not work for your needs, you may request VPN access. For more information on how to access VCAT, see the links below.
- Accessing sensitive data. In compliance with University Policy 97 and the Data Handling Procedures, sensitive (red) data may be accessed only from a managed device. To review the data handling standards, visit the links shown.
- Remote Mercury file share access. If you only need to access your data and files stored on the university’s main file share site (Mercury), we suggest using VCAT (see links below). This allows for a more secure computing experience.
- Timing and conversion process. We are working with groups across campus to understand their VPN needs and to migrate them to the new VPN; we are in the early stages, and working with each group takes time to ensure permissions are correct. Once all the groups have been migrated to GlobalProtect, we will end access to our current Pulse VPN. Stay tuned for more schedule details as we progress.
For information on how to access VCAT, please visit one of the following:
- How to Access VCAT with a Web Browser
- How to Access VCAT with macOS
- How to Access VCAT with Windows 10
If you have any questions please contact the IT Help Desk during our hours of operation listed below or visit the Technology Commons on the ground floor of Hunter Library for further assistance.
Contact the IT Help Desk
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m – 6:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and university holidays
Call: 227-7487 or 866-928-7487 (toll free)
E-mail: ithelp@wcu.edu
Log in: Online Help Desk/IT Self-Service http://help.wcu.edu
Visit the Technology Commons
On the ground floor of Hunter Library
For walk-up technology assistance for faculty, staff and students