Most resources from the University of Maryland (UMD) are easily accessible with an internet connection, while others require some setup. Ensure that you understand what you will need to do to access computing resources before you begin working remotely. It is our recommendation that you test your access to these applications from off-campus before planning to work remotely.
NOTE: Certain student, faculty and staff information and privacy are protected by federal, state and other laws. Be sure you are meeting legal standards when using UMD audiovisual recording systems. Learn how to protect yourself and other UMD community members by reading this article on how to protect student privacy and personally-Identifiable Information in UMD audiovisual recording systems.
Faculty, staff, and students should be aware that they are subject to the following UMD policies even in an online environment:
Misconduct in violation of these policies may result in discipline regardless of whether it occurs online or in person. Members of the UMD community are encouraged to report violations by using the links below:
We have arranged these resources for you based on a campus-wide survey on technological readiness for teaching, learning and working remotely.
Do you have adequate computing hardware at home? You will need a laptop or desktop computer that can function reliably if you don't use your work computer at home. Also think about any peripherals you might need, such as a printer, scanner, webcam, headset or a second monitor. If you're considering a purchase, shop Terrapin Tech online.
UMD offers many university-licensed software packages for day-to-day work requirements. These software options are available virtually through Terpware or you can download and install them directly.
Consider having a backup option for multi-factor authentication (MFA). Hardware tokens are available for purchase at the Terrapin Technology Store. They will function without power and do not need to be connected to a network. Or, you may print up to 10 access codes. They are one-time use and expire 30 days from the time they are printed.
Also, consider adding a recovery phone to easily reset your passphrase.
Note: Configuring phone settings or accessing your UMD voicemail from off-campus requires a virtual private network (VPN) connection.
The UMD phone system provides multiple options for maintaining access to your work phone while teleworking. In general, Call Forwarding and Single Number Reach options are the easiest to set up. If you don't need advanced features and don't mind your personal phone number appearing in Caller ID when returning calls while teleworking, these are often the best options.
If you are unsure or need advanced features please consult with your unit IT staff or telecommunications reps to discuss your needs. The options for maintaining access to your work phone while teleworking are:
The Comparing Phone Options and Features for Teleworking article explains these features and their setup.
Zoom is the latest web and video-conferencing system available to UMD students. faculty and staff. It allows users to host, participate and record meetings and features an intuitive user interface. Zoom supports meetings with up to 300 participants. You can increase your participant limit to 1000 by contacting the Service Desk. With Zoom, you can save session recordings to the cloud or onto a local device. First-time users should access Zoom by visiting umd.zoom.us. Afterward, Zoom can be accessed via ELMS-Canvas integration or by visiting umd.zoom.us. For more instructions on how to use Zoom, see this Guide to Zoom.
Google Hangouts Meet is a video, chat, and calling application that can be accessed through UMD Google Workspace for Education or TERPmail. Google Hangouts Meet supports up to 25 video participants and up to 250 total participants. Google Hangouts Meet does not have a feature that allows for session recording. For more information on how to use Google Hangouts Meet, see this guide to Google Hangouts Meet.
Webex is a messaging, online meeting and whiteboarding tool available to UMD faculty and staff. A Team can have an unlimited number of members and a single space can hold up to 5000 participants. For more information on how to use Webex, see this guide to Webex Teams.
During virtual meetings, using a headset can improve sound quality:
Some applications require an extra level of security when used from off-campus. Learn how to use VPN, then install a VPN client from TERPware.
Use only your @umd.edu email for work-related business, never use a personal email account for work.
If you have a UMD computer or other UMD resource, it is recommended to use that resource rather than your personally-owned computer.
If you must work from home on a personally-owned computer, read the Federal Trade Commission blog post Online security tips for working from home to learn how to do so in a safe and secure manner.
If you do not use your work computer at home, it is imperative to have a laptop or desktop computer that can function reliably. Discuss with your supervisor any extra peripherals that may be needed such as a printer, scanner, webcam, headset or second monitor.
A number of circumstances may require you to temporarily migrate your class online with short notice: a campus closure, increased absenteeism during a flu outbreak, inclement weather and so on. Keepteaching.umd.edu will provide you with guidance, strategies, and resources for making a swift change to your course delivery method and leveraging the appropriate technology to keep your course running.
University employees with disabilities experiencing challenges to complete their job duties while teleworking (that is, inability to use technology, not having the needed assistive technology, software or hardware and so on.) may seek assistance at:
Instructors will find resources on how to implement students’ accommodations in online courses at the Keep Teaching accessibility page.
The Service Desk is available to help you set up and resolve technical issues so that you can keep working. In the event of extended campus closure, check IT Support for our hours and support. Call us at 301-405-1500.
You may use IT software configured and operated by your local IT office. Please make sure that you speak with the IT point of contact in your department to get instructions on how to best access these systems and have them properly configured and working on your computer. These systems are not necessarily supported by the Division of IT and the Service Desk may not be able to provide the support that you need.
Getting ready to telework doesn't need to be stressful. Use the checklists attached to the bottom of this article to prepare yourself and your department to keep working in a situation where you cannot come to campus.