UConn's Guide for Telecommuting

This resource, https://confluence.uconn.edu/ikb/it-guide-to-telecommuting, has many tips and tools to help staff and faculty work remotely.

Configuring Remote Desktop to connect to UConn

Please see these instructions explain how to configure the device you are using to connect to your UConn office PC.https://confluence.uconn.edu/busnit/tools-and-support-for-online-teaching/connecting-to-barc-vm-with-rdp

What files will you need access to

Do not store Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or FERPA data  on personal devices.  Instead use RDP to securely remote into your office PC.

How to setup a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

To install the VPN client and connect to UConn’s network please see this page, https://confluence.uconn.edu/ikb/remote-access/virtual-private-network-vpn/accessing-the-uconn-network-through-a-vpn-client

Accessing P:\ and Q:\ remotely

To access you School of Business P:\ and Q:\ please remote into your Office PC using RDP or establish a VPN session and manually run the login script by following these instructions.

https://confluence.uconn.edu/busnit/how-to/mapping-the-school-of-business-p-and-q-drive

Configuring Microsoft Outlook

There are several ways to check your UConn email.

• Use RDP to check email. Use the instructions above to configure a remote connection to your office PC.
• Log into https://www.office.com/, sign in with your UConn email credentials, click on the Outlook icon.
• Install and configure Outlook, https://confluence.uconn.edu/busnit/tools-and-support-for-online-teaching/configuring-microsoft-outlook-2016-2019

Common Software

Productivity Software

Here are three resources for accessing or installing commonly used productivity (Office Suite) software.

• Office 365 - Online apps and/or local installation
• Libre Office - Microsoft Office compatible local installation for macOS, Windows, Linux
• Google apps (online apps)

PDF Editing Software

• Microsoft Word – Print PDF, some minor PDF editing
• Adobe Acrobat DC – Now supports digital signatures 
• PDFescape – Edit, annotate, fill in forms, sign and view PDFs             

Other Software

 If you require software, please go to https://software.uconn.edu/. If you are faculty please click “Faculty Software.” If you are staff, please click on “Staff Software.” You will be brought to a catalog of available software. Click on the software required. Review your eligibility.

If you meet ALL eligibility requirements click on  “I meet the eligibility requirements above >”. You will be prompted to enter your NetID and NetID password. Follow the prompts and provided instructions to install the software and apply appropriate licensing if required.

Is the Network you are using capable of supporting remote work?

Go to https://fast.com/

Run a speed test to see if the network you are using has a download speed of at least 5Mbps.

Click on “Show more info” to display the average values.

WebEx requires 3MBps upload and download speed to maintain acceptable audio and video quality.

For additional information regarding bandwidth requirements please see, Minimum network speeds to use WebEx for Web Conferencing

If the device you are using does not have at least 5Mbps download speed move as close to the wireless gateway / router as possible. If practical connect to the gateway or router with an Ethernet cable. Wired connections are faster. Cables will be available in BUSN 225. Please estimate the cable length before requesting it.

Is the device you are using secure

Is the device connecting to the UConn network running the latest version of the operating systems?

For information about updating windows please see https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12373/windows-update-faq

Does the device have antivirus software installed? Windows 10 has antivirus, macOS (ALL) and Windows 7 do not have antivirus protection installed.

Look your best while collaborating or teaching

Practice..Practice...Practice

Before you host a meeting, class or event practice well in advance. Understand the technology, upload content, connect with a friend colleague or family member and rehearse. Remember to look into the camera.

Check your surroundings

Find a quiet place, look around and see if the environment is appropriate for business. Consider your privacy, do your choices and camera angles protect you and your family's privacy?

Is there enough light

Avoid lighting that is too intense or too dim. Avoid back light, for example sitting with a window or glass doors at your back. Position a  lamp close to you slightly to the left or right of the web camera, or use defused window light.

Communicating with colleagues and Students?

Web Conferencing Services are heavily burdened. If you plan to communicate one on one here are some options to consider.

Avoid Web conferencing services while using the Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Avoid using WebEx, Collaborate, Zoom and other network intensive web conferencing services while in a VPN session. VPN sessions can add significant latency, resulting in poor quality audio and video. It is recommended that you copy the resources you need to your local PC and close your VPN session prior to starting a web conference.

Avoid Using Web Conferencing service while using Remote Desktop

While in a Remote Desktop Session (RDP) Avoid using WebEx, Collaborate, Zoom and other network intensive web conferencing services. RDP sessions will add significant latency, resulting in poor quality audio and video. It is recommended that you copy the resources you need to your local PC and close your RDP session prior to starting a web conference.

Change your outgoing Voice Message

It is recommended that you change your messaging prompt to include a message informing callers that you can be reached by email and spell your email address. If you plan to check phone messages inform callers this will occur periodically.

If you have a 486, or 203 phone number use these instructions for modifying voice message greetings.

https://phone.uconn.edu/facultystaff-voicemail/

If you have a 728 phone number use these instructions for modifying voice message greetings,

Activating the Alternate Greeting:

https://confluence.uconn.edu/busnit/how-to/using-your-school-of-business-avaya-phone-and-voicemail?preview=/46956784/46956781/CallPilot_Quick_ref_card_4.0.pdf