There are a number of tools University employees can leverage to stay connected with colleagues and students while working remotely.
Computers
A laptop or desktop computer and Internet connection are required. Test your connections and access to resources ahead of time. Ensure all operating systems and applications are up to date.
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
Employees with a University-owned computer are permitted to use the computer from their home, as normal. |
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
As many business-critical applications are available via the Internet, University employees will be able to perform most of their duties using a personal computer. |
Work from home securely
During the coronavirus crisis, you may be asked to work from home to limit exposure to other people.
It is important that your home computing environment is secure.
Remote access to resources
Panel | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||
|
Collaboration tools available to all University employees
Microsoft Office 365
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
All University students and employees have a Microsoft Office 365 account that provides anywhere access to commonly used collaboration and productivity applications (e.g. Word, Excel, OneDrive). Create, collaborate on, and share your files quickly and securely. Log in to your account at https://portal.office.com to:
Alternatively, you can visit your App Store to download Office 365 apps to your mobile device. Visit our Microsoft Office 365 website to learn more or get support. |
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
With Microsoft Teams, you can quickly schedule and participate in virtual meetings that support audio, video, and sharing. Request a TeamComplete the online form to request a Team. Join a Teams meeting Join a Microsoft Teams meeting from your calendar, via dial-in number and conference ID, or sign in as a guest on the web. |
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
Initiate a meeting with members of your Team or start an instant meeting with another University employee, directly. |
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
Teams lets you invite people outside The University, including those who don't have a Teams license. You'll need their full email address to invite them. |
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
|
Skype for Business
All University employees and students have access to a basic Skype for Business (S4B) account that offers many collaboration options, including:
Instant messaging
Skype-to-Skype voice and video calling
Skype meetings/conferencing
Desktop/screen sharing
Employees with a Skype for Business telephone extension are also able to make or receive calls from on-campus extensions and off-campus numbers.
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
If you are using Skype for Business on a machine at home while using Remote Desktop to connect to a workstation in the office:
|
Please see the installation and configuration articles for additional information and support.
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
You have a Skype extension if your phone extension begins with a "4" e.g. 44358 Using a device that is capable of running a Skype for Business client (i.e. iPhone, Android phone, Windows PC, or Mac), you can perform all telephone and collaboration-related actions, regardless of your location (i.e. VPN not required). Calling 911 from off campus using S4B If you are using Skype for Business from off campus and need to call 911 for an emergency, it is highly recommended to call 911 from another device, such as a home phone or mobile device. If you do call 911 from Skype for Business , if possible, you will need to:
|
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
You have a traditional phone and extension if your extension begins with a "3" e.g. 34358 Using a device that is capable of running a Skype for Business client (i.e. iPhone, Android phone, Windows PC, or Mac), below is a list of the actions you can and cannot do: Collaboration features that do work with Skype for Business "basic":
Collaboration features that do not work with Skype for Business "basic":
|
Telephones
Traditional phones
There are many ways to make and receive phone calls/messages from a traditional, office-based phone.
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
Set up a voicemail message letting callers know how best to contact you (e.g. mobile or home phone) |
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
Configure your voicemail settings to receive an email notification when you miss a call to your office phone Alternatively, you can access your voicemail from a telephone or mobile device
|
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
All employees have access to Skype for Business and Microsoft Teams.
|
Skype for Business phones
Skype for Business (S4B) phone extensions can be accessed anywhere with an Internet connection. Interested in Skype for Business phone? Contact your department telephone administrator to see if there are plans to migrate your department.
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
|
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
|
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
Skype for Business is A VOIP phone solution, meaning it uses the Internet to operate. Be sure to connect your device to a wireless network when using S4B to avoid using cellular data or incurring data overage fees. |
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
|
Panel | ||
---|---|---|
| ||
|
Duo two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your University accounts. Verifying your identity using a second factor (like your phone or other mobile device) prevents others from accessing your accounts, even if they know your password. Visit our Two-factor Authentication (2FA) website to learn more about your options and enrol your device.
What if I have a Duo 2FA fob and I forget it at work?
IST recommends that users set up the Duo mobile app on their smartphone
Contact the IST Service Desk and we will help get a secondary device set up
IT help and support
Info |
---|
Need in-person assistance? Due to the developing COVID-19 situation, Information Systems & Technology (IST) has transitioned to providing IT support remotely. Please see our article about Common requests for in-person IT support for a list of requests and suggested solutions. |
Did you know?
The W Store has printers, laptops, external drives, headsets, noise-canceling headphones, cables, and much more available for purchase. Can't find what you're looking for on their website? Email wstore@lists.uwaterloo.ca for assistance.
Faculty Specific Resources
Additional Resources
Info |
---|
Need help?Contact the IST Service Desk online or 519-888-4567 ext. 44357. |
Tip |
---|
Article feedbackIf you’d like to share any feedback about this article, please let us know. |