Note: All faculty, staff, and students already have VPN access — there's no need to request it. You only need to request access for a contractor, research associate, or other guest.
What This Service Is
Bowdoin's Virtual Private Network (VPN) uses Palo Alto GlobalProtect to give you a secure connection to the campus network when you're off campus. It lets you reach resources that are normally only available on campus, such as:
- Files and folders stored on the network
- The High Performance Computing (HPC) environment
- License-managed software
- PaperCut and Copy Center services
Who It's For
All faculty, staff, and students are provided VPN access automatically. Contractors, research associates, and other guests with a Bowdoin username and password can be granted access with approval from a supervisor or faculty sponsor.
How to Get Started / Get Help
- Having trouble installing or connecting GlobalProtect? Use Report a VPN Problem.
- Need to set up VPN access for a contractor, research associate, or guest? Use Request VPN Access for a Contractor or Guest.
- Want setup and how-to instructions? Use Bowdoin VPN Information.
Not What You're Looking For?
- Trouble connecting to Wi-Fi on campus? See Campus Wi-Fi in the Related Services section.
- Not sure whether you even need VPN? Many services work off campus without it — see the Related Articles section.
Service Promise
VPN help requests are typically acknowledged within 1 business day. Contractor and guest access requests are processed after the required approval is confirmed. For urgent issues, contact the Service Desk at (207) 725-3030 or servicedesk@bowdoin.edu.
Provided By
Front-line support for this service is provided by the Service Desk (Front Line Support), which escalates to IT Network Services when needed.