Before utilizing either remote access service, review the Columbia University Remote Access Policy for specific requirements and guidelines. If you are a CUIT customer that pays for access to the Columbia Central Server, you can use CUIT Citrix to access certain applications and resources on the server. VPN is also is used to connect to shared files on the University network from a remote location. However, a few restricted administrative applications require the CUIT VPN. Columbia U Secure wi-fi eliminates the need to use VPN while on campus to access Columbia administrative resources. Most of Columbia’s systems can be accessed directly in your web browser without using VPN (virtual private network) or Citrix, freeing up licenses for other users. The information on this page only applies to CUIT Citrix. Please note: The Citrix software is also used by other groups at Columbia such as SIPA.
CUIT provides two methods to connect to the Columbia network from a remote location: VPN and Citrix.
