diff --git a/univcloud/settings.py b/univcloud/settings.py
index aeac299..bcfd118 100644
--- a/univcloud/settings.py
+++ b/univcloud/settings.py
@@ -20,6 +20,11 @@ DATABASES = {
     }
 }
 
+# the proxy can add a custom HTTP header that tells Django whether the request
+# came in via HTTPS
+# https://docs.djangoproject.com/en/1.4/ref/settings/#secure-proxy-ssl-header
+SECURE_PROXY_SSL_HEADER = ('HTTP_X_FORWARDED_PROTOCOL', 'https')
+
 # Hosts/domain names that are valid for this site; required if DEBUG is False
 # See https://docs.djangoproject.com/en/1.4/ref/settings/#allowed-hosts
 ALLOWED_HOSTS = []