Technologies for Working Remotely
Below are useful resources to help connect you with colleagues and students while working remotely. Here's a checklist to help you get started.
Virtual Technology Support
You can reach technicians for virtual technical support M-F, 8AM to 5PM:
- Online: https://itrequest.ucsc.edu
- Email: help@ucsc.edu
- Phone: (831) 459-HELP (4357)
Getting Started with Zoom
SIGN IN to Zoom with your CruzID/Gold credentials
- Zoom Quick Guide
- Zoom FAQs
- Keep Zoom Secure
- Zoom Backgrounds
- Zoom Best Practices
- Zoom Accessibility
- More Zoom Information
Practice Secure Computing
One of our goals is to enable you to work as securely as possible from home. Check out these helpful tips.
Be Aware of Phishing Scams
Please be aware that scams and phishing emails are targeting people's growing fears of the coronavirus in order to steal their usernames, passwords, credit cards and other sensitive information.
Connecting to the UCSC Network
The UCSC Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a secure connection to the campus network when you are working elsewhere.
- Required: When accessing sensitive university data (P3 - P4) or campus services that contain private, sensitive or financial information. For accessing all Library eResources (eBooks, online journals, Library databases).
- Highly Recommended: When you are on an unsecured wireless network (e.g., coffee shops, airports). Never work with private, sensitive, or financial information while on unsecured WiFi. When accessing or working with university data (P1 - P2) from a secure network, such as your home Internet connection with password protected wireless.
- Not Required: Routine email reading and responding. Accessing university public websites.
At-home Internet Options
Here are a few options if you need to establish network connectivity from off campus. Please contact the companies directly to arrange for services.
- Comcast Internet Essentials program
- Cruzio
- AT&T
- Charter Communications
- Google Fi
- Most wireless phone service providers (Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) offer personal hotspot service to be added to wireless plans to create a WiFi network from a smartphone. This option could provide greater WiFi range.
Computer Equipment
In order to perform your work effectively, you may take home and use university equipment (computers, laptops, keyboards, monitors, etc.) at your remote working location with the approval of your supervisor. All such items remain the property of the university and need to be returned to the university once remote working has ended. ITS suggests that supervisors keep track of what their employees bring home.
Software for a Personal Computer
If you are using a personal computer to perform your university work, here are instructions on how to obtain software for your personal device:
Access Campus Email and Calendar
Virtual Tools – Video, Chat, Voice, Sign
Video Conferencing
Online Chat
- Hangouts Chat in Gmail
- Slack: Not a University service, but many units use it for chat and collaboration.
Conference Calling
The UCSC telephone system allows teleconferencing with up to 8 parties.
eSignature
If you have a document that requires a signature, DocuSign is the service used by UCSC and is available to students, staff, and faculty.
Micollab Softphone
The MiCollab Softphone is a software application that runs on a computer or mobile device and functions as a campus extension but without the physical desktop phone. This allows you to make and receive calls from your workstation or mobile phone using your camupus extension.
Call Forwarding
If you would like to forward your office phone to your personal home phone or cell, ITS is able to activate the External Call Forwarding for any person with a university extension. To request this service, please open an SlugHub ticket.
Ergonomics & Prevent Injury for Remote Working
Every employee at UCSC should at all times be an active participant in remaining injury-free at your workstation, including remote working locations.
Online Training to Help with Remote Working
- Working Remotely (1 hr)
- Time Management: Working From Home (1 hr 25 min)
- Being an Effective Team Member (31 min)
- Productivity Tips: Finding Your Productive Mindset (59 min)
- Leading at a Distance (36 min)
- Balancing Work and Life (28 min)
- Thriving @ Work: the Connection between Well-being and Productivity (41 min)
- Managing Stress for Positive Change (57 min)
- Building Resilience (34 min)
- Developing Resourcefulness (18 min)