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UCSC 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

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 COVID-19 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. Exercise caution in handling any email with a COVID-19-related subject line.

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 is increasing its speed for all customers and offering new customers two months of free service in response to emergency measures associated with COVID-19. Comcast: (855) 846-8376
  • 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 

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