MAC Client VPN Connection Setup

This article explains how to configure the Randolph College VPN connection on a Mac using the built-in macOS VPN client.

Applies to: macOS Ventura, Sonoma, and later versions
Authentication: Username/Password + Duo MFA
VPN Type: L2TP over IPsec with Shared Secret

Prerequisites

• Active Randolph network account

• Duo two-factor authentication enrolled

• Internet connection (hotspot recommended for testing)

• macOS administrator access

Step 1 — Open Network Settings and Add VPN

1. Click the Apple menu

2. Go to System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)

3. Select Network

4. Click Add VPN Configuration… (or the + sign and choose VPN)

Configure the connection as follows:

• Interface: VPN

• VPN Type: L2TP over IPsec

• Service Name: Randolph VPN

Click Create if prompted.

Step 2 — Enter VPN Server Information

Enter the following details:

• Server Address: vpn.randolphcollege.edu

• Account Name: your Randolph username

Click Authentication Settings…

Step 3 — Enter Authentication Details

In Authentication Settings:

• Password: your Randolph network password

• Shared Secret: R@1ny-D@y-at-Randolph!!

Click OK

Step 4 — Configure Advanced DNS Settings

1. Click Advanced…

2. Go to the DNS tab

3. Verify DNS servers are present (provided automatically by VPN)

4. In Search Domains, add:

This allows you to use short hostnames instead of full names, such as:

• chilhowie instead of chilhowie.randolphcollege.edu

Click OK, then Apply to save settings.

Step 5 — Connect to VPN

1. From System Settings → Network

2. Select Randolph VPN

3. Click Connect

4. Approve the Duo MFA prompt on your phone

You are now connected to the campus network.

Step 6 — Connect to Campus Servers (Finder)

To access network servers:

1. Open Finder

2. Click Go in the menu bar

3. Select Connect to Server…

4. In Server Address, enter the server name

Because you added the search domain, you may use either format:

• Short name: chilhowie

• Full name: chilhowie.randolphcollege.edu

5. Click Connect

6. Enter your Randolph username and password

7. Choose whether to save credentials to Keychain (optional)

   
   

Troubleshooting Tips

• Ensure Duo MFA device is available

• Verify username and password are correct

• Re-enter Shared Secret if connection fails

• Confirm Search Domains includes randolphcollege.edu

• Make sure VPN type is L2TP over IPsec