Anytime, Anywhere Access

Project Description

This project represents a major step forward in providing anytime, anywhere access to students. ITS installed a secure Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) with the ability to handle 500 concurrent, secure network connections to the campus. Access to campus resources that were previously available to students only while on campus are now opened for students from anywhere with an Internet connection. Students can now access site licensed software and Library resources via cloud computing. Students are able to leverage the software library, and access specialized department software and databases they need for assignments, without requiring a visit to the campus or the purchase of the software.

Student Benefits

This project greatly expands access to vital infrastructure and application technologies. Students can access research resources, including the Library databases, as well as servers run by faculty for research and development. In addition, student can access servers and resources related to specific disciplines, such as computer science and engineering. Since a physical presence on campus is not required, this will be especially beneficial for students with disabilities, service personnel on active duty or in the reserves, Early Start students, students studying abroad and the Summer Bridge program.

How Do I Get Started?

Information on how to get started will be posted here soon.

Training

Instructions for connecting to the campus network are available via the VPN Access for Students handouts.

Measuring success

Each quarter ITS will update the status of the following three measurements:

Measurement Value	Description
Technical implementation	Status of the implementation and any subsequent upgrades or updates. New enhancements as they become available for students.
Perception of value and usefulness	(We welcome your feedback on the Anytime, Anywhere Access project, as well as any of the other five student success fee projects. Click on "Contact ITS" at the bottom of any ITS web page to submit feedback.)
Quantitative Data Analysis	Usage data, traffic data or other quantitative data that outlines trends or provides a measurement of success.

• Technical Implementation Status

  Installation of the Juniper SSL VPN, which provided 500 concurrent, secure network connections to the campus, was completed on September 24, 2012.

• What's Coming Next

  The Anytime, Anywhere project is focused solely on adding secure VPN connections. However, this project works hand-in-hand with the myCSULA Tools SSF project that allows students to use these secure connections to access software applications that are critical tools for student success. A list of currently available applications can be found on the myCSULA Tools (Anywhere, On-demand Applications) SSF project page.

  Going forward ITS will work with faculty to identify additional applications that can be added to myCSULA Tools. These could be new applications or existing applications that currently must be accessed from a specific campus location. The SSL VPN may also be used to provide a higher level of security through authentication via the VPN and thereby allow access to some department and campus servers that were previously inaccessible to students.

• User Feedback

  No user feedback has been submitted to date.

• Quantitative Data Analysis

  Because this is a new offering, there are no significant statistics to present at this time.