University Technology

VPN Requirement for Off-Campus Access to WIUP and WIU Reports

In order to improve the security of accessing mainframe data, a VPN is required to access data from WIUP 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?

WIUP

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

  • If you are accessing WIUP on the web (at http://wiup.wiu.edu), you will log in via WIU's "clientless" VPN, 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 WIUP.
  • If you are accessing WIUP via QWS3270, you will need to download/install WIU's client VPN (downloads are available at wiu.edu/vpn) and launch it (logging in with your ECom username/password) prior to launching QWS3270.  
WIU Reports

Accessing WIU Reports requires the use of WIU'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 http://reports.wiu.edu.

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

So I Will Need to Log in Twice to Access WIUP from Off Campus?

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