51±¬ÁÏÍø

University Technology

VPN Requirement for Off-Campus Access to 51±¬ÁÏÍøP and 51±¬ÁÏÍø Reports

In order to improve the security of accessing mainframe data, a VPN is required to access data from 51±¬ÁÏÍøP from off-campus.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a network that provides remote users secure access to their organization's network. The goal of a VPN is to provide the remote user with the same capabilities as the local user, using existing technology and infrastructure. For more details on a VPN and the benefits of using one, visit wiu.edu/vpn.

How Does This Affect Me?

51±¬ÁÏÍøP

If you access 51±¬ÁÏÍøP from your home computer, a mobile device connected via a cellular connection, or any other non-51±¬ÁÏÍø internet connection, you are required to log in to 51±¬ÁÏÍø's VPN using your personal ECom username and password before accessing 51±¬ÁÏÍøP.

  • If you are accessing 51±¬ÁÏÍøP on the web (at http://wiup.wiu.edu), you will log in via , which requires no additional software be installed on your computer.  You will simply log in to one web interface using your ECom username/password, and then be able to access and log in to 51±¬ÁÏÍøP.
  • If you are accessing 51±¬ÁÏÍøP via QWS3270, you will need to download/install 51±¬ÁÏÍø's client VPN (downloads are available at wiu.edu/vpn) and launch it (logging in with your ECom username/password) prior to launching QWS3270.  
51±¬ÁÏÍø Reports

Accessing 51±¬ÁÏÍø Reports requires the use of 51±¬ÁÏÍø's client VPN (downloads are available at wiu.edu/vpn). The use of the clientless VPN is not recommended as reporting features do not function properly. Download and install the VPN client and launch it (logging in with your ECom username/password) prior to visiting .

The use of a VPN is not required if you access 51±¬ÁÏÍøP or 51±¬ÁÏÍø Reports from the 51±¬ÁÏÍø campus using a device connected to 51±¬ÁÏÍø's network.  For example, employees that use their 51±¬ÁÏÍø workstation to update their time card will not need to use a VPN.

So I Will Need to Log in Twice to Access 51±¬ÁÏÍøP from Off Campus?

Yes.  You will first log in to 51±¬ÁÏÍø's VPN service using your ECom username and password (the same username and password you use to access your 51±¬ÁÏÍø email).  Once authenticated, you will then be able to launch 51±¬ÁÏÍøP and log in with your 51±¬ÁÏÍøP username and password.

Does This Affect STARS?

No, access to STARS was not affected by this change.

I Need Help.  Who Can I Contact?

Please contact the uTech Support Center at (309) 298-8324 (298-TECH) or e-mail support@wiu.edu if you have any questions or concerns.