SoE Shared Drives: (macOS, Windows)

This document describes the new file share structure that the MERIT infrastructure team began migrating existing file shares to in 2026, and how to connect to them from macOS and Windows devices.

    About SoE File Shares

    Requirements

    GlobalProtect VPN

    Unless you are connected to the University's network via wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi, you will need to connect the GlobalProtect VPN client using the WiscVPN (uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu) portal to access the standard Shared Drive. To access the Restricted Drive, you must always connect via the WiscVPN portal, regardless of your network connection method or location.

    The table below illustrates this concept.

    Share Type Network Connection Location GlobalProtect VPN Needed?
    standard drive (S: or SOE) Ethernet Campus No
    standard drive (S: or SOE) Ethernet Off Campus Yes
    standard drive (S: or SOE) Wi-Fi Campus No
    standard drive (S: or SOE) Wi-Fi Off Campus Yes
    restricted drive (R: or R-SOE) Ethernet Campus Yes
    restricted drive (R: or R-SOE) Ethernet Off Campus Yes
    restricted drive (R: or R-SOE) Wi-Fi Campus Yes
    restricted drive (R: or R-SOE) Wi-Fi Off Campus Yes

    If you do not have GlobalProtect installed on your device, please use the link provided below:

    Connecting the Standard Share

    Mac Instructions - Standard

    REMINDER: Unless you are connected to the University's wired or Wi-Fi network, you will need to connect the GlobalProtect VPN client using the WiscVPN (uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu) portal to access the Shared Drive.

    1. Open the Finder:
        • Click the Finder icon in your Dock.
        • From the top menu bar, choose Go > Connect to Server…
    2. Connect to Server window:
       • Server Address:  smb://education.drive.wisc.edu/SOE
       • Click on the + (plus) icon to add the server name to your Favorite Servers.
       • Click Connect
      Connect to Server- Standard Share


    3. Authenticate (if prompted)
      • Ensure Registered User is selected.
      • Name:  AD\<Your NetID> (example: AD\bbadger)
      • Password:  Your NetID password
      • Click Connect to continue
      Enter NetID crentials if prompted


    4. If this device has never connected to this server before, you will be prompted before continuing. Press the Connect button.


    5. Optional: Show connected servers on desktop:
      • Under the Finder menu, choose Finder Settings...
      • Check the box for "Connected servers"
      Finder > Settings: General

    Windows Instructions - Standard

    REMINDER: Unless you are connected to the University's wired or Wi-Fi network, you will need to connect the GlobalProtect VPN client using the WiscVPN (uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu) portal to access the Shared Drive.

    1. Open File Explorer
       • Right-click on This PC
       • Select Map Network Drive
    2. Within the Map Network Drive window:
       • Drive: Select S:  (choose another letter if S: is unavailable)
       • Folder:  \\education.drive.wisc.edu\SOE
      Check the following boxes:
       • Reconnect at sign-in
       • Connect using different credentials
    3. Finish:
       • Click the Finish button.
      Map the standard "SOE" share


    4. Enter your credentials when prompted:
       • User name:  AD\<Your NetID> (example: AD\bbadger)
       • Password:  Your NetID password
       • Check the box for:
          • Remember my credentials
      Finish:
       • Click the OK button.
      Enter NetID credentials

    Connecting the Restricted Share

    Mac Instructions - Restricted

    REMINDER: You will need to connect the GlobalProtect VPN client using the WiscVPN (uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu) portal to access the Restricted Drive, no matter how or where you are connected to the network.

    1. Open the Finder:
        • Click the Finder icon in your Dock.
        • From the top menu bar, choose Go > Connect to Server…
    2. Connect to Server window:
       • Server Address:  smb://education-restricted.drive.wisc.edu/R-SOE
       • Click on the + (plus) icon to add the server name to your Favorite Servers.
       • Click Connect
    3. Connect to Server - Restricted Share


    4. Authenticate (if prompted)
      • Ensure Registered User is selected.
      • Name:  AD\<Your NetID> (example: AD\bbadger)
      • Password:  Your NetID password
      • Click Connect to continue
      Enter NetID credentials if prompted


    5. If this device has never connected to this server before, you will be prompted before continuing. Press the Connect button.


    6. Optional: Show connected servers on desktop:
      • Under the Finder menu, choose Finder Settings...
      • Check the box for "Connected servers"
      Finder > Settings: General

    Windows Instructions - Restricted

    REMINDER: You will need to connect the GlobalProtect VPN client using the WiscVPN (uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu) portal to access the Restricted Drive, no matter how or where you are connected to the network.

    1. Open File Explorer
       • Right-click on This PC
       • Select Map Network Drive
    2. Within the Map Network Drive window:
       • Drive: Select R:  (choose another letter if R: is unavailable)
       • Folder:  \\education-restricted.drive.wisc.edu\R-SOE
      Check the following boxes:
       • Reconnect at sign-in
       • Connect using different credentials
    3. Click the Finish button.
      Map the restricted drive "R-SOE"



    4. Enter your credentials when prompted:
       • User name:  AD\<Your NetID> (example: AD\bbadger)
       • Password:  Your NetID password
       • Check the box for:
          • Remember my credentials
      Finish:
       • Click the OK button.
      Enter network credentials- restricted drive

    Troubleshooting

    Common error messages and likely solutions are provided in the table below:

    Error Message Platform Solution

    The server may not exist or is unavailable. 

    macOS
    Windows
    • The server address or network path has been entered incorrectly.
    • GlobalProtect is not connected

    The username or password is incorrect

    		 macOS
    Windows
    • Verify that you are using your NetID credentials
    • Add the "AD\" domain qualifier to your NetID (example: AD\bbadger)

    You do not have permission to access this server (Access Denied)

    		 macOS
    Windows
    • Verify with your supervisor or MERIT IT support that you have been granted access to the desired share.

    If you have any trouble connecting to the School of Education file shares, please get in touch with MERIT IT support (helpdesk@education.wisc.edu)

     

    Related Documents


    Keywords:
    S:,R:, SOE, R-SOE, secure, restricted, drive, N, shared, standard, projects, departments, collaboration, MERIT 
    Doc ID:
    158043
    Owned by:
    Dave P. in MERIT
    Created:
    2026-01-22
    Updated:
    2026-02-09
    Sites:
    MERIT, School of Education, WCER