Resources for Staff
Missouri State University has many resources to assist with working online. Below are some of the resources available to staff.
- Connectivity Options
- Managing your University Workstation
- VPN and Remote Desktop
- Avaya Softphone
- Update Your Voicemail Message
- Electronic Fax
- Office 365 Education
- Zoom
Connectivity Options
The University understands that not all staff will have access to the Internet while away from campus, but there are options for getting you connected.
The university can provide a MiFi hotspot device that utilizes cellular data to get staff connected to the internet. You will need prior approval from your cost center head, then you can submit the form on the Cellular Service Request page. A departmental budget number will be required.
In addition to the above option, many public libraries provide free WiFi access that extends to their parking lots and some are open for computer and Internet access.
Managing your University Workstation
If you will be taking a university-owned device to your remote office, you will need to periodically bring it back to campus so that it can rejoin our campus network to check for updates. It is critical that your university workstation be up-to-date with all software and security updates available for your device.
VPN and Remote Desktop
Staff who need to access file shares and internal systems and applications while off campus will need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Many staff will not need to use the VPN for their daily work, but if you do need access please send an email to InformationSecurity@MissouriState.edu with a brief description of the academic or business reason you need access to the VPN.
Learn more about using the VPN
In addition to using the VPN, staff might also need to use a remote desktop connection to access their work computer from off-campus. In order to do this, the work computer will need to be configured for remote access and access to the VPN is required.
Learn more about using Remote Desktop Connection with your PC
Avaya Softphone
The Avaya softphone is a telephone created to run on your Windows PC or Mac, instead of a physical device on your desk. It provides the ability to make & receive calls using your computer’s microphone and speakers. If you are making a call, the number appears as though it is coming from the University’s phone system. For example, the caller ID shows “Missouri State University”. To gain access to the softphone and get more information about it, please go to the Avaya Softphone page, click “Continue”, and log in with your University network login and password. The requirements to use the softphone and instructions to get access and configure it on your computer can be found there. Staff who have transitioned to the new phone system can access information about the new Avaya Workplace softphone.
Update Your Voicemail Message
Staff working remotely should update their voicemail message using the below instructions.
Message Template:
This is [Name] of Missouri State University [department/division name] I am working remotely but am happy to respond to your call. Please leave your name, number and a brief message and I’ll return your call as soon as possible.
When dialing into the system from outside your office:
- Dial 417-836-5888
- Press the # key
- Enter your extension 6xxxx
- Enter your security code
- Enter 3-1-3-2-2
- Follow the instructions
- Record your message
- Enter 2 when you have finished recording
- Enter 5 to save the message
When dialing into the system from your office phone:
- Dial 6-5888
- Enter your security code
- Enter 3-1-3-2-2
- Follow the instructions
- Record your message
- Enter 2 when you have finished recording
- Enter 5 to save the message
Electronic Fax
An electronic fax service is available to MSU personnel. With this service, sending and receiving of faxes can be accomplished exclusively through email, although other methods are also available. This allows subscribers easy transmission and receipt of faxes electronically from the office, home, or anywhere access to email is available.
Learn more about Electronic Fax
Office 365 Education
The University provides licenses for Office 365 Education to all faculty, staff, and students. This powerful suite of tools provides several options for working online.
Training and Support
Microsoft has extensive online video training. The Help Desk Service Portal and online Knowledge Base also offer support for Office 365 Education.
Visit the Help Desk Service Portal and Online Knowledge Base
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) and Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR)
Employees should ensure that they have an authentication option other than their office phone number available to verify their sign-on attempts. Good options for remote work include the Microsoft Authenticator app, text messages to a cell phone, and voice calls to a home phone. Review your authentication options to ensure that you can continue to authenticate while working remotely. If you are unable to authenticate because your second factor is not available, contact the Information Security Office at InformationSecurity@missouristate.edu or 417-836-5226. Your authentication options will also allow you to reset your account password without contacting the Help Desk.
Email with Outlook Online
When working remotely, email is a crucial communication tool. Staff should ensure they know how to access their email online and check it regularly at outlook.office.com.
The most important thing to remember is that your email address is not the same as your login username for accessing email online. Staff will login to email with their BearPassLogin@Login.MissouriState.edu or BearPassLogin@MissouriState.edu, depending on when your account was created. See the below instructions for more information.
How to Login to Office 365 Email
Microsoft Teams
The Microsoft Teams application allows staff to create online, collaborative Teams for their units and departments. Teams offers the following features:
- Web and video conferencing via Teams meetings. Screen share, use a whiteboard, take notes, record sessions for later viewing, and more during Teams meetings.
- Audio conferencing for when the web and mobile apps are unavailable or inaccessible.
- Post conversations and announcements.
- Create different Channels within the Team for different topics/purposes.
- Share files with the Team.
- Incorporate other Office 365 applications into the Team.
Learn more about Microsoft Teams
Office 365 Web Apps
Office 365 Education includes free downloads of the full Office suite for home use, but it also includes access to the Office web applications for Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote.
- Word Online - This application allows you to collaborate with other users in real-time while working on documents. Easily share with other University users and incorporate them into other applications, like Microsoft Teams.
- PowerPoint Online - Create presentations and easily capture video/audio. You can share with other University users and even export presentations to Microsoft Stream.
- Excel Online - Collaborative and individual workbooks for creating spreadsheets and managing data. Easily share with other University users and incorporate them into other applications, like Microsoft Teams.
- OneNote Online - Use virtual notebooks for collaboration, note taking, and more. OneNote can also be utilized within Microsoft Teams.
Learn more about the Office 365 Web Apps
Zoom
Zoom is a third-party web and video conferencing technology used by select University departments and units for meetings and distance learning purposes. Zoom allows you to:
- Join online sessions and meetings
- Call into meetings when internet is slow or inaccessible
- Chat with colleagues
- Share tools and files
- Participate in breakout groups and collaboration
- Use a whiteboard to illustrate discussions and concepts
Training and Support
The Computer Services Help Desk is the first point of contact for Zoom support.