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UC Merced VPN

Please follow the instructions here to download and install the UC Merced VPN client. 

Please note that you must log in with 2-Factor Authentication in order to access this new VPN. If you have difficulties downloading and accessing the VPN service, please call the OIT Service Desk at (209) 228-HELP (4357).


Remote Access for Students, Faculty and Staff

The Office of Information Technology is pleased to announce the official launch of an updated Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that replaces Janus VPN that allows UC Merced users a secure, encrypted connection back to the campus network from remote locations.

The new VPN service adds an extra layer of protection to your login by utilizing the same Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) that is used by the UC Merced Single Sign-On (SSO). Current students, faculty, and staff are able to utilize the VPN service to allow remote access to resources that are limited to the UC Merced campus network such as library journals, instructional software, and administrative systems.

To aid in the transition to the new VPN service, the legacy VPN service (janus.ucmerced.edu) will remain available through May 2020.

Before you get started with setting up your VPN service, please note the following:

  • Only one VPN connection can be used at a time. Please disconnect any other VPN connections before you start.
  • The UCM VPN client will require you to authenticate using your UCMNetID credentials and 2FA each time you connect.
  • Your 2FA authentication will be sent to your default device. Please check your default device for your 2FA notification and approve the request to complete your connection.
  • If you are connecting using a device with power management enabled (e.g. sleep on close lid, shutdown after 30m, etc.) and you are connected with the VPN client, you will be required to login with your UCMNetID credentials and authenticate with 2FA (using Duo) to complete your connection.

Benefits of VPN

  • Once connected to VPN, your device will be assigned a UC Merced IP address as if it was physically on the UC Merced campus, so you are able to access on-campus services that are not allowed outside or through the  campus network border.
  • Your communications with UC Merced are encrypted and secured.
  • Helps protect passwords and reduces the risk of exposing sensitive data.
  • You don't need to use a web proxy to access campus-restricted materials.