A Virtual Private Network (VPN) at the University of Michigan creates a secure and encrypted connection to the U-M network; providing greater security for access to the university resources. ITS-Provided UM-VPN service is available at no cost to all university students, faculty, and staff on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses.
Important Note
- Effective March 2024, ITS-Provided UM-VPN is the only VPN permitted on the Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn campuses.
- ITS-Provided UM-VPN provides encryption between your computer and the U-M network that allows you to connect to the U-M network as a private network from wherever you are to access the university resources, enhancing privacy and security.
- Units that require to run their own dedicated VPN for any technical or business needs, must submit an exception request to ITS for review and approval.
- The following TDX article provides information about the procedure that units need to follow to submit the exception request.
- ITS will be monitoring for any unauthorized VPN usage and will block such usage without prior notification. See Guidance on use of unauthorized VPNs or similar extensions of U-M networks.
ITS-Provided UM-VPN Service Features & Benefits
- Remote Access: Allows secure access to university resources when connecting from off-campus networks.
- Security: Permits full access to many U-M internal services and resources such as file servers and websites. Note: if you are unable to reach a campus resource, try connecting to the VPN first. Some of the university services and Restricted, High, or Moderate data require VPN to be accessed from outside the university network except when connected via the on-campus wired connection.
- Encryption & Privacy: Uses encryption to secure the data transmitted between your personal device and the VPN server over the network to protect your data and ensure privacy.
VPN Access Information (or Who Can Access)
- ITS-Provided UM-VPN service is available to all university students, faculty, staff, and some sponsored affiliates with a valid uniqname and UMICH (Level-1) password on the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses.
- Michigan Medicine network has its own VPN server that specifically controls access to the health system-protected resources. Both VPN connections cannot be used simultaneously. To access Michigan Medicine resources, you will need to disconnect from the UM-VPN and connect to the Michigan Medicine VPN. For more information visit Michigan Medicine VPN.
- Retiree, Alumni and Friend accounts don't have access to the UM-VPN.
Visit Getting Started with VPN to connect to UM-VPN.