Remote Access at SIUE - Overview and Options

How to Get Access

You need an approved request in the System Access Request (SAR) app before you connect. You or your supervisor can submit the request, and your supervisor must approve it. You also need to sign the required agreements. After approval, ITS emails you setup instructions. See Remote Access - How to Request VPN or Remote Desktop at SIUE for the full process.

Prerequisites

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): All remote access options require Microsoft Authenticator with app-based notifications. See Multifactor Authentication (MFA) if you haven't set it up.
• Approved Access Request: You or your supervisor must submit a Remote Access request in SAR, and your supervisor must approve it. You also need to sign the required agreements. See the How to Request article above.
• SIUE E-ID and password: You need active SIUE credentials.

Remote Access Options at SIUE

The right option depends on your device and what you need to access.

Understanding Your Options

FortiClient "Remote Clients" VPN

Provides a full network connection like being on campus. Use this for SIUE Windows laptops that need access to department shared drives and all campus resources.

• Best for: SIUE Windows laptops needing full campus resource access, including shared drives
• Setup: FortiClient VPN (Windows) - Installing and Connecting

FortiClient "Work from Home" VPN

Provides network access for remote connections to campus computers. Works on both Windows and Mac.

• Best for: SIUE Mac laptops and personal computers needing to connect to a campus computer
• Setup: FortiClient VPN (Windows) - Installing and Connecting or FortiClient VPN (Mac) - Installing and Connecting

Remote Desktop Gateway

Connect to your campus computer using Remote Desktop. No VPN connection required (works with the Remote Desktop client built into Windows or the free Windows App for Mac).

• Best for: Users who only need to access their office computer from a personal device
• Setup: Remote Desktop Gateway (Windows) - Connect to On-Campus Computer via RDP or Remote Desktop Gateway (Mac OS) - Connect to On-Campus Computer with Remote Desktop Protocol

FortiClient "ITSVPN"

VPN for ITS staff with access to IT systems and resources.

• Best for: ITS staff only
• Setup: Contact ITS for setup instructions

Choosing the Right Option

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between "Work from Home" and "Remote Clients" VPN?

"Remote Clients" provides a full network connection like being on campus, including access to shared drives. "Work from Home" allows connections to on-campus computers with limited access to other resources.

How do I access department shared drives from home?

If you have an SIUE Windows laptop, use FortiClient "Remote Clients" VPN. If you are using a personal computer or Mac, remote into an on-campus computer that has access to the shared drives.

Which option provides the most complete access?

An SIUE Windows laptop with FortiClient "Remote Clients" VPN gives you the most complete access to campus resources.

Do I need MFA for remote access?

Yes. All remote access options require Multi-Factor Authentication using Microsoft Authenticator. See Multifactor Authentication (MFA) if you have not set this up.

Can I use remote access as a retiree or emeritus faculty member?

Emeritus faculty may be eligible for Remote Desktop access. See Microsoft 365 (Retirees and Emeritus Faculty) - Technology Access Changes After Retirement for details.

Related Articles

• Remote Access - How to Request VPN or Remote Desktop at SIUE
• FortiClient VPN (Windows) - Installing and Connecting
• FortiClient VPN (Mac) - Installing and Connecting
• [Link for document 144930 is unavailable at this time]
• Remote Desktop Gateway (Windows) - Connect to On-Campus Computer via RDP
• Remote Desktop Gateway (Mac OS) - Connect to On-Campus Computer with Remote Desktop Protocol
• Microsoft 365 (Retirees and Emeritus Faculty) - Technology Access Changes After Retirement
• Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Need Additional Support?

This guide aims to provide useful information, but as technology changes, interfaces or steps might vary. Please use the Comment button to let us know if anything differs from your experience. Your feedback helps us keep this information accurate. Thank you!