As the majority of SMU Faculty and Staff begin working from remote locations tomorrow, we wanted to highlight several resources that might be helpful.
Accessing your office computer
If you need to remotely access your office computer, you must first make some modifications to that computer. If you have not done this prior to today, the IT Help Desk will be equipped tomorrow to send a task to the computer and adjust the configuration remotely. This procedure will only work if the computer was left powered on and has a healthy Ivanti agent installed. Once the computer is configured, you will need to install an SMU VPN client on your home computer. Visit smu.edu/vpn for details.
Duo authentication is now required for all VPN access. For step by step instructions on remote desktop connection, visit smu.edu/OIT/AcademicTech/Keep-Teaching/Resources.
Accessing Network Drives
To access network drives from your home computer, you will need to connect to the SMU VPN and then manually map the network drive path. Detailed instructions and a short video are available at smu.edu/OIT/AcademicTech/Keep-Teaching/Resources.
Telephone Services
For Users with Older PBX Phones:
If you have not yet been moved to the new phone system, consider forwarding your extension to your cell phone or updating the voicemail message. For instructions, visit smu.edu/OIT/Services/Info/VoicemailFeatures.
To forward your phone, you’ll need to send an email to help@smu.edu with your SMU extension and the number to which calls should be forwarded.
For Users with Newer AudioCodes VoIP Phones:
If your phone number has been moved to the new system, simply install Skype For Business on your cell phone or computer. You will be able to continue to make and receive calls just as if you were on campus. Visit smu.edu/Skype for more details.
Finding Answers
Our website can answer many of your questions. We’ve consolidated many of the links to critical resources at smu.edu/OIT/AcademicTech/Keep-Teaching/Resources. There are two overview videos that highlight the various solutions to help you continue working from home as well as other helpful guides. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, just give us a call at 214-768-HELP (4357).
The IT Help Desk is available to assist even though all personnel are now working remotely! Several of our desktop support technicians are also answering help desk calls and will continue to offer support via remote connections. We will have a limited presence on campus to facilitate computer/accessory orders necessary for online instruction and to support essential on-campus personnel.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can help!
