Connecting to the Encrypted Wireless Network

Secure Wireless at Vassar

Wireless encryption provides a high level of assurance that only authorized users can access the network.   This will allow us to ensure the security of our data as we use the wireless network on campus.  NOTE: Before you can begin using the new secure SSIDs, you must follow the simple, one-time installation instructions as outlined below. 

Encrypted SSIDs

  • FacStaff will be replaced by FacStaff-Secure - For Faculty, Staff and Administrators
  • Student will be replaced by Student-Secure - For Students
You will use one of the aformentioned encrypted SSIDs on your handheld devices as well.  You will only have to set up and authenticate to this SSID the first time and your connection should be re-established whenever you come on to campus. 

Please Note: You may have to change your password if it doesn't meet security standards.

You can attempt to follow the steps below to connect to the encrypted wireless but, if it doesn't work, you may need to reset your password at https://controlpanel.vassar.edu.  You will be required to make a new password to meet our security requirements as outlined on the Control Panel page.  

Changing Your Password At controlpanel.vassar.edu

You will be required to make a new password if your password doesn't meet our security requirements as outlined on the Control Panel.  

  1. At Control Panel (controlpanel.vassar.edu), login with your Vassar username and password.
    control panel
  2. Click Change Password on the left.
    password
  3. Enter a password that fits the criteria outlined.  Click Change All Passwords to reset the passwords for all of the services listed.
    Change All

Connecting on Mac OS

  1. Click the Wireless Networks icon to view the available wireless networks.
  2. Choose the appropriate SSID for your role.
    • FacStaff-Secure - For Faculty, Staff and Administrators
    • Student-Secure - For Student
      Available Networks
  3. You will be asked to authenticate with your Vassar user name and password.  If this is your first time connecting to Vassar's secure wireless network and you did not sync your password at Control Panel as outlined above, please do so before attempting to authenticate. Be sure that "Remember this Network" is checked. Enter your Vassar user name and password and click OK.
    auth
  4. You will be asked to accept a certificate.  Click Continue.
    cert

  5. You are now successfully connected to Vassar's secure wireless network!  You will not be prompted for wireless authentication in your browser as you would be on unencrypted wireless and your credentials will be remembered by each device you use to connect so that you do not have to authenticate again.

Connecting on Windows 7

  1. Download the appropriate wireless profile for your role from the links below.
  2. Double-click to install the profile.
    installer
  3. You will see the following Security Warning.  Click Run.
    cert 
  4. You will see the following message pop-up over the wireless icon in your task bar.  Click the message.
    authenticate
  5. When the profile has finished installing, you will be asked to authenitcate.  Login with your Vassar user name and password.  No domain is required.  Click OK.
    auth 
  6. You are now successfully connected to Vassar's secure wireless network!  You will not be prompted for wireless authentication in your browser as you would be on unencrypted wireless and your credentials will be remembered by each device you use to connect so that you do not have to authenticate again.
    connected

Connecting on Windows 8

  1. Download the appropriate wireless profile for your role from the links below.
  2. Double-click to install the profile.

  3. You will see the following Security Warning.  Click Run.
    Windows 8 Security Warning
  4. You will then see the following Security Warning. Click Run Anyway.
    Windows 8 Security Warning
  5. When the profile has finished installing, click on network profiles in the lower right hand corner.
    Location of Wirelss Networks Icon
  6. Click on the student-secure profile. Click connect and login with your Vassar user name and password.  No domain is required.  Click OK.
    Student-Secure Network Profile

    Network Login
  7. You are now successfully connected to Vassar's secure wireless network!  You will not be prompted for wireless authentication in your browser as you would be on unencrypted wireless and your credentials will be remembered by each device you use to connect so that you do not have to authenticate again.
    Student-Secure Network Profile


Connecting on Windows XP

  1. Download the appropriate wireless profile for your role from the links below.
  2. Double-click to install the profile.
    installer
  3. You may see the following message as the profile is installing.  You don't need to do anything.
    cert 
  4. When the profile has finished installing, you will be asked to authenitcate.  Login with your Vassar user name and password.  No domain is required.  Click OK.
    authenticate
  5. You are now successfully connected to Vassar's secure wireless network!  You will not be prompted for wireless authentication in your browser as you would be on unencrypted wireless and your credentials will be remembered by each device you use to connect so that you do not have to authenticate again.
    connected

Connecting on Windows Vista

  1. Download the appropriate wireless profile for your role from the links below.
  2. Double-click to install the profile.
    installer
  3. You will see the following Security Warning.  Click Run.
    cert 
  4. Click the wireless icon in your task bar and click Network and Sharing Center.
    networks 
  5. In Network and Sharing Center, click Manage Wireless Networks on the left menu.
    manage 

  6. When you see the list of available networks, right-click on the appropriate network for your role and click Properties. 
    properties

  7. In properties, next to the drop-down for "Choose a network authentication method" click Settings. 
    settings 

  8. UNCHECK the box beside "Validate server certificate" and click OK. 
    validate 
  9. Click the wireless icon in your task bar again and click the network to authenticate.  Login with your Vassar user name and password.  No domain is required.  Click OK. 
    login


  10. You are now successfully connected to Vassar's secure wireless network!  You will not be prompted for wireless authentication in your browser as you would be on unencrypted wireless and your credentials will be remembered by each device you use to connect so that you do not have to authenticate again.
    connected

Connecting on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad

  1. Click the Settings icon.
    settings
  2. Choose the appropriate SSID for your role.
    • FacStaff-Secure - For Faculty, Staff and Administrators
    • Student-Secure - For Student

      Available Networks
  3. You will be asked to authenticate with your Vassar user name and password.  If this is your first time connecting to Vassar's secure wireless network and you did not sync your password at Control Panel as outlined above, please do so before attempting to authenticate. Enter your Vassar user name and password and tap Return.
    auth
  4. You will be asked to accept a certificate.  Tap Continue.
    cert

  5. You are now successfully connected to Vassar's secure wireless network!  You will not be prompted for wireless authentication in your browser as you would be on unencrypted wireless and your credentials will be remembered by each device you use to connect so that you do not have to authenticate again.
    connected

(Students) Why Is Wifi Spotty In Some Places?

If you find that wifi is unreliable in some parts of campus, particularly the residences houses, click here for more information about reducing RF Interference.