Equipment Responsibilities

We strongly recommend using university-owned and -managed computers when working remotely.

In general, the university will provide IT equipment only for an employee's primary work location, be it on-campus or remote. If you expect to work in multiple locations (e.g., spending a day or two or week on campus) a laptop computer may be your best bet. Note that fully or mostly remote employees typically don't have assigned campus workstations—a laptop will make it easier to use shared work facilities.

Remote employees are responsible for their own internet connections and home-office networks. Bandwidth and coverage must be sufficient to support participation in work activities, including online meetings.

Software and Other Tools

Information Technology Services (ITS) provides a remote-work checklist and overview of useful services and applications.

As you begin working remotely, be sure that you have access to everything you need—applications, shared drives, OneDrive, etc.

Make certain that you have access to communication-related apps. Commonly used applications include includes Zoom, Skype, etc.—see communication routines for additional info on these tools.

Online Security

Wherever you work, take proactive measures to protect university data and your own personal information. Use Two-Step Login and other multi-factor authentication systems, learn to recognize phishing and other online scams, and keep your systems up to date.

Using a university-managed computer can help you keep applications and security settings current. Pay attention to messages from your work unit's IT support team and follow instructions for updates, etc.

Most security risks are human, not technical. See the video below and develop your personal cybersecurity plan. Be especially attuned to data privacy and security when working off-site, making sure to protect work-related files and access to university systems even from other people in your household.