1)      Go to https://access.cofc.edu

2)      Using the virtual keyboard, enter your cougar username and password (same as email name and password).  NOTE: You must use your pointer from your mouse to put in your username and password. If your password has capitol letters or additional symbols, click the Shift button. Click the Log in button when finished.  For further information on why we use this keyboard login, go to the link in the Q&A section of these instructions.

3)      After you login successfully, Aventail Access manager will be started.  If this is the first time you connect remotely, you will be prompted to install remote access software.  Click on the Install button to install Aventail remote access software.  

4)      A box will popup titled “File Download – Security Warning”.  Click on Run to download Aventail software.

5)      A box will popup titled “Internet Explorer – Security Warning.”  Click on Run to install Aventail software.  Once Aventail software is installed, you will be connected to remote access.  If you receive a popup message stating that you do not have Java installed, see the Java installation instructions on page 3.

Once logged in to Aventail remote access, you will see the following screen with available applications and services that are available.  Click on College Applications to access Microsoft Office and other college applications.  Please note that all remote access users have access to Microsoft Office but other applications need to be requested on the remote access form.

Q&A on CofC Remote Access

Q Why do you have to use a virtual keyboard to enter your username and password?

A View this site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_logger for details regarding keylogging and risks involved.

Q Is my information secure when connected to the remote access system. 

A  All information is encrypted to keep your information safe and secure. 

1)      If you see the following message, your machine does not have Java installed.  Click Cancel and follow the below steps to install Java.

2)      Go to http://www.java.com.  Click on Download Now to get Java software.

3)      Click on Begin Download. Check the top of your browser to see if there is this message near the top of your browser in the information bar, 'This site might require the following ActiveX control: J2SE Runtime Environment'. If you see this message, click on the information bar to enable ActiveX control and continue the Java software installation.

4)      Click on Install to install Java software.  Note that Java version number will change as it is updated often.

5)      Confirm that typical setup is selected.  Click on Accept to install Java.

6)       Google toolbar is selected by default.  Clear the checkboxes to prevent the installation of the Google toolbar and Google desktop.  Click Next when you are satisfied with your selection.  

7)      Click on Finish to complete java installation.

8)      After installation is complete, you can go to https://access.cofc.edu to log on to Aventail remote access.