Working from home — or WFH as it’s become known — is the new reality for many in the University of Toronto (U of T) tri-campus community. According to data collected in March 2020, 99 per cent of Information Technology Services (ITS) staff were successfully WFH.
Since March, the ITS team has worked tirelessly to provide support and solutions to the entire University community to ensure WFH is accessible, comfortable and successful for everyone.
Here is a list of resources that can assist with your WFH technical needs while navigating this time as a mobile workforce.
ITS Preparedness page
The ITS preparedness page is your one-stop shop for technical FAQs related to WFH. It is organized in well-defined sections such as “phone” and “internet connectivity.” Find answers on how and when to secure virtual private network (VPN) to accessing remote desktop protocol (RDP) and everything in between. It also offers links to ITS news, best practise checklists, security resources and network usage graphs.
Remote Security Matters
The Information Security team recently launched a new page on the Security Matters website called Remote Security Matters. Review this page for information on how to create a “cyber secure home” and protect yourself from WFH-specific risks. Be sure to check back regularly as this page is continuously updated.
Video conferencing options
Trying to figure out the best platform for your meeting, conference or event? The Academic & Collaborative Technologies (ACT) team has put together a comprehensive list of U of T-supported webinar and video conferencing solutions. Visit: enterprise video-conferencing and video meeting resources.
Microsoft Teams
It’s no surprise that Microsoft Teams usage has skyrocketed at U of T this year. Staff and faculty are using the platform to chat, host meetings, share documents and more. Stay up-to-date on the latest updates and features, including the increase in meeting capacity, new grid and together mode. Learn more by visiting Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration (EASI).
Ongoing Connect+Learn sessions
Hosted every month by EASI, Connect+Learn sessions provide staff and faculty with training on common technologies and applications, such as Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint and VPNs. Each session features a brief 15-minute presentation followed by a question and answer discussion. To learn more and subscribe to the Connect+Learn newsletter, visit: https://easi.its.utoronto.ca/connect-learn/.
SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online is a cloud-based platform that enables groups to collaborate, share and publish documents or web content using a variety of template options — perfect for working remotely! Find out more about how SharePoint Online can help to streamline your current work experience. Read more by visiting Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration (EASI).
New ITS employees
Launched this year, a new ITS Recruitment and Orientation SharePoint site was created to help employees, including managers, joining ITS ease into their roles. It offers resources and information related to the University’s ITS organizational structure, processes, services and more. Read more on the ITS website.