Faculty/Staff Planning to Work from Home

If you plan to work remotely and need access to secure departmental files, folders, or applications like ImageNow/Perceptive Content, it's essential to prepare your device before leaving campus. These resources require a secure connection to the campus network via the Cisco Secure Client VPN.

The Cisco Secure Client VPN may require updates that can only be performed while connected to the campus network. Attempting to install or update the VPN client from an off-campus location may result in access issues.

Cisco Secure VPN is only available for download on Stout issued devices

Any Faculty/Staff that do not have a Stout issued device can request a loaner by filling out the Computer Loaner Request Form

Install the Cisco Secure Client VPN (WINDOWS)

Requirements

The Secure Client VPN client requires that your computer be provided by the University and managed by IT.

Installing Secure Client using Company Portal (Faculty/Staff)

Clients requiring VPN access who need to install the Cisco Secure Client can do so by searching for "Cisco Secure" in the Company Portal.

Launching Company Portal

Click the Windows Start Menu or use the Taskbar Search Bar.
Type Company Portal and select the app from the results.
Company Portal will open. By default, it displays the Home tab. This will show you featured software, as well as the newest software added to the Company Portal.

Installing Software

Select the software you want to install
Click the Install button

Uninstalling Software

Select the software you want to uninstall
Click the Uninstall button

Installing Secure Client using Company Portal (Students)

How to install software on Student PCs using the Company Portal.

Click on the Company Portal Icon in your Start Menu.
Company Portal will open. By default it displays the Home tab. This will show you featured software, as well as the newest software added to the Company Portal.
To view all available apps, click the Apps tab on the left hand side.
To install an application, please select the app you want and then click the Install button.
Wait for the installation to complete.

Using Secure Client VPN

Once the client is installed, you can launch it from the Start Menu or the Notification Area of the Windows Task-bar (near the clock).

Secure Client Start Menu

Off Campus Students and Faculty/Staff

For off-campus users without a Stout device, we offer an Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD). This virtual desktop mimics using a campus device and provides access to necessary tools.

To request an AVD, please email the helpdesk at techdesk@uwstout.edu with the following details:

For Students:

Instructor's name
Class name and section
Purpose for AVD (e.g., Microsoft Project, accessing files)

For Faculty/Staff:

Purpose for AVD (e.g., Microsoft Project, accessing files)

Install the Cisco Secure Client VPN (MAC)

Installing Cisco Secure Client

The Cisco Secure Client can be installed from Self Service (Staff) or Managed Software Center (Students). See Below:

Installing Secure Client using Self Service (Faculty/Staff)

Find Cisco Secure Client in the "Security and Remote" category of Self Service.

Cisco Secure Client Install Icon

Faculty and staff can independently install many campus-licensed software titles using the Self Service application on your campus-owned Apple computer.

Locate the Self Service app in your Applications folder and double-click it to launch it.
Choose your UW-Stout Account (if needed) and enter your password, then click Sign In. You may have to do second factor authentication if this is the first time you've signed in for a bit.
Self Service opens. Click Catalog from the column on the left. Then you can click All or choose a particular category for the software you're looking for.
To install an application, click the Install button next to the icon. Or, if you click the icon or title, you can read the description first, and then click Install. Once installation is complete, you're ready to use the application. You will find the application in your Applications folder.

Installing Secure Client using Managed Software Center (Students)

Search for Cisco Secure Client in Managed Software Center

Cisco Secure Client Icon in Managed Software Center

Double-Click the Managed Software Center icon in your Applications folder.
You can see the software available for installation through Managed Software Center. (If this is your very first time opening Managed Software Center, it will take you to the Updates page first. Just click Software on the left side of the screen once the update process completes.)
In this example, we'll install the Chrome web browser. Click the Install button under Chrome.
The software will download and install.
That's it! Chrome is now installed on your computer, and you will receive a notification when an update is available.

Connecting to VPN using Cisco Secure Client

To connect to VPN from your Apple computer:

Run Cisco Secure Client located in the Cisco folder in your Applications Folder.
Click on Connect.
Enter your UW-Stout username and password when prompted.

BEFORE Leaving Campus: Run the Cisco Secure Client VPN

- Before leaving campus, launch the VPN client and connect to ensure it's functioning correctly.
- This initial connection will also allow any necessary updates to be applied.

Need Assistance?

If you encounter any issues during installation or connection, please contact the UW-Stout Technology Help Desk at 715-232-5000 or Create a Ticket before departing campus.

By taking these steps proactively, you can ensure seamless access to necessary resources while working remotely.