Faculty/Staff Planning to Work from Home
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 Software Center (Faculty/Staff)
Clients requiring VPN access who need to install the Cisco Secure Client can do so by searching for "Secure Client" in the Software Center.
Students, faculty, and staff can use the Software Center application to install software on a campus provided HP laptop. Please note that installations can only be performed while connected to UW-Stout's network and are not available on student or personal laptops.
- Open the Software Center by searching for Software Center within the Start Menu or Search box.
- In the Applications menu, click on the application you want to install.
- Click the Install button.
- The application will start to download and progress to the installation. Software Center will provide notifications on the progress of the installation.
Note: Software availability on this list that is determined by your login. Not all titles are available to everyone, as some are restricted by license and/or department. If you believe a title is missing please put in a self-service help desk ticket with the name of the title you are looking for.
Installing Secure Client using Company Portal (Students)
- 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).
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)
Search for Cisco Secure Client in Self Service
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.
- Enter your UW-Stout Username and Password, then click Sign In.
- Self Service opens. By default it shows you all the available software and devices. You can also choose a category from the list on the left side of the screen to narrow things down.
- To install an application, click the Install button under to the icon. Or, if you click the icon, 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.
Examples:Installing Secure Client using Managed Software Center (Students)
Search for Cisco Secure Client 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.
- Locate the Self Service app in your Applications folder and double-click it to launch it.
BEFORE Leaving Campus: Run the Cisco Secure Client VPN
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Before leaving campus, launch the VPN client and connect to ensure it's functioning correctly.
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This initial connection will also allow any necessary updates to be applied.
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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.