About Bowdoin's VPN Service

Questions

  • What is VPN?
  • What does Bowdoin's VPN allow me to do?
  • Which Bowdoin resources require VPN when I'm off campus?
  • Do I need VPN to access Canvas, Workday, or email from home?
  • What VPN software does Bowdoin use?
  • Where do I get the VPN software?
  • Can I use VPN on my personal computer or phone?

Environment

Bowdoin's Virtual Private Network (VPN) service is available to all current Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff. VPN can be used on Bowdoin-issued devices and personal devices that meet minimum security requirements. The VPN software Bowdoin uses is called GlobalProtect, made by Palo Alto Networks.

Resolution

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted connection between your device and Bowdoin's network over the internet. When connected to Bowdoin's VPN, your network traffic is routed through Bowdoin's network, giving your device access to resources that are only available on campus. You authenticate using your Bowdoin username, password, and Okta multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Bowdoin's VPN portal address is remoteaccess.bowdoin.edu.

VPN does not work while on campus. GlobalProtect will not connect if your computer is already on the Bowdoin network — either via Ethernet, BOWDOIN wireless, or eduroam. This is expected behavior.

What requires VPN when off campus?

The following Bowdoin services are only accessible from off campus when connected to VPN:

  • Microwave (network file storage — H: and J: drives)
  • PolarFlix (campus video streaming)
  • Some software license managers
  • The High Performance Computing (HPC) environment
  • Printing to campus printers from off campus
  • Other services that originate from Bowdoin's internal network

What does NOT require VPN?

Many Bowdoin services are hosted externally and accessible over the internet without VPN. These include:

  • Microsoft 365 (Outlook email, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint)
  • Canvas
  • Workday
  • Campus Groups
  • Virtual Lab environment
  • Xfinity on Campus
  • Most web-based Bowdoin services

How do I get started?

Installation and usage instructions are available in the Related Articles section. Find the article that matches your situation:

  • To install GlobalProtect on a Bowdoin-issued Mac, Windows computer, or iPad, see Install GlobalProtect VPN on a Bowdoin-Issued Computer or iPad in the Related Articles section.
  • To install GlobalProtect on a personal Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad, or Android device, see Install GlobalProtect VPN on a Personal Device in the Related Articles section.
  • For instructions on connecting to VPN, see the platform-specific Use articles in the Related Articles section.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
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Related Articles (7)

Off-campus and VPN printing
How to print to a Bowdoin campus printer from off campus using the Bowdoin VPN. Covers connecting to the VPN, sending a print job, and releasing it through the PaperCut web portal when you return to campus or release remotely. Applies to all Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff on Bowdoin-issued computers.
Troubleshooting GlobalProtect VPN
Troubleshooting steps for Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff who cannot connect to the GlobalProtect VPN, receive error messages, or can connect but cannot access Bowdoin resources such as Microwave from off campus.
Use eduroam At Other Institutions
Explains how Bowdoin students, faculty, and staff can use their Bowdoin credentials to connect to Wi-Fi at other colleges, universities, and research institutions that participate in the eduroam network. Covers what to expect, when VPN is still needed, and how to troubleshoot a failed connection.
Using GlobalProtect VPN on iPadOS / iOS
Step-by-step instructions for setting up and connecting to Bowdoin's VPN using the GlobalProtect app on an iPhone or iPad for the first time and on subsequent uses. Requires GlobalProtect to already be installed.
Using GlobalProtect VPN on macOS
Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Bowdoin's VPN using the GlobalProtect app on a Mac. Covers first-time setup, connecting on subsequent uses, and disconnecting. Requires GlobalProtect to already be installed.
Using GlobalProtect VPN on Windows
Step-by-step instructions for connecting to Bowdoin's VPN using the GlobalProtect app on a Windows 11 computer. Covers first-time setup, connecting on subsequent uses, and disconnecting. Requires GlobalProtect to already be installed.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) Policy
Bowdoin College's official policy governing the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology to access the Bowdoin network from off campus. Covers security requirements for remote computers, user and administrator responsibilities, and enforcement.