Off-Campus Access to UWSP Network-Specific Resources

To securely access computer network resources when working off-campus, UWSP employees must use the Cisco Secure Client VPN.

Examples of network-specific resources that require access through the Cisco Secure Client when working off-campus include:

• Department shares.
• Printing services.
• Software licensed for select products.
• Software hosted on IT servers.

► How will I know if I need to use the Cisco Secure Client? If you have not started the Cisco Secure Client and are unable to access a UWSP resource from off-campus, you should start the Cisco Secure Client and try again. If you are still unable to access the resource please submit an IT workorder.

Using the Cisco Secure Client VPN

The Cisco Secure Client supports Win 11 and 10, and the three most recent Mac OS.

Secure Client Instructions:

• Install the client on a UWSP Computer.
• Install the client on a Personal Computer.
• Start the client. (Note: You do not need to use the Cisco client when you are connected to the UWSP network).
• Troubleshooting

Install the Cisco Secure Client VPN on a UWSP Computer

The Cisco Secure Client VPN is automatically installed on most UWSP managed computers.  If you find that it is not installed, install the client from the Windows Software Center (PC) or Self Service for Macs. 

Back to the Secure Client instructions list

Install the Cisco Secure Client VPN on a Personal Computer

1. In your browser, go to ciscovpn.uwsp.edu.
2. Download and install the client.
3. in the Cisco Secure Client box that opens, enter ciscovpn.uwsp.edu.
4. Click Connect, then sign in with your UWSP account and MFA.

5. The Cisco Secure Client will close. 

Back to the Secure Client instructions list

Start the Cisco Secure Client before accessing UWSP network-specific resources

Note: You do not need to use the Cisco client if you are already connected to the UWSP network.

On Windows

1. From the System Tray at the bottom-right on the Windows Task Bar, click Show Hidden Icons (the Caret symbol: ^ ) and select the round Cisco Secure Client icon.

2. The Cisco Secure Client box opens. Click Connect, then sign in with your UWSP account and MFA.
    

On Mac

1. Select the Cisco Secure Client icon from the Menu bar at the top of the screen.

2. In the Cisco Secure Client box that opens click Connect, then sign in with your UWSP account and MFA.

Back to the Secure Client instructions list

Troubleshooting - Unable to access a specific service while using the Cisco Secure Client VPN

Check to see if you have started the Cisco Secure Client VPN.

To do this, open the Secure Client:

• On Windows:  From the System Tray at the bottom-right on the Windows Task Bar, click Show Hidden Icons (the Caret symbol: ^ ) and select the round Cisco Secure Client icon.
• On Mac: Select the Cisco Secure Client icon from the Menu bar at the top of the screen.
   

If you see a Connect button

If you see a Connect button and the text, "Ready to connect" in the Secure Client box you have not yet started the Secure Client.

1. Close the UWSP resources which you were attempting to access, then,
2. Start the client.
    

If you see a Disconnect button

If you see a Disconnect button and the text, "Connected to..." in the Secure Client box. the Secure Client is already started. If you are still unable to access a UWSP networked service you will need further help troubleshooting.

For help troubleshooting, please enter an IT Workorder and include the following:

• Add a Title: For example, Cisco Secure Client - Unable to connect to {add your specific service} 
• Add a Description: Add information on what service you are unable to access or otherwise utilize. Example: I'm unable to connect to the Widgets database, on database.uwsp.edu. If needed, include if this is a service utilized to perform routine job related duties, or if the service is being accessed on an ad-hoc basis. 

Back to the Secure Client instructions list