Working Remotely FAQs

Remote Desktop Access

Faculty, staff, and students can access their office PCs remotely if

• they connect to campus via the Campus VPN
• remote access is enabled on their computer
• their user account has remote access authority

The way you remote into your PC is to

• Click Start and type MSTSC on your home PC and run the Remote Desktop Application
• Enter your PC name plus domain. Example: mypc.ua-net.ua.edu
• Enter your domain qualified username. Example: ua-net\mybamauserid
• Enter your myBama password

Please contact support@eng.ua.edu if you need help setting this up.

Remote IT Assistance

COE IT staff can assist you remotely if necessary. To request assistance

• Go to https://remote.ua.edu
• Click on COE IT under Representatives
• Follow the on-screen instruction and run the downloaded file.
• A COE technician will connect to your desktop and assist

Note: Unless it an emergency, please email support@eng.ua.edu to schedule a help session.

Campus VPN

Campus VPN access is granted to

• All active faculty and staff
• All students enrolled in a class designated VPN-enabled

Other students, non-active faculty/staff, and 3rd parties need to request via their department. For more information, see our VPN page.

Video/Web Conferencing

Zoom video conferencing is now available to students, faculty and staff at UA. Zoom provides cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and group messaging creating a complete conference room solution. Zoom accounts are available to students, faculty and staff; however, only those hosting or scheduling meetings are required to have a Zoom account. Attendees can participate in meetings without Zoom accounts.

Note: COE IT cannot create Zoom accounts. Each user must go to https://oit.ua.edu/software/zoom/ and fill out the user account request form.

Zoom Meeting Tips for Online Classes

In order to reduce the possibility of class disruptions, the following Zoom options are recommended:

• Activate the waiting room option so each student joining the meeting will need admission. Instructions are available on [Zoom's site https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360022174112-Using-a-Waiting-Room-with-Zoom-Rooms] It is recommended that you start the meeting a few minutes early to account for this slight delay.
• Disable student mics and cameras. Students can ask questions via chat.
• Limit chat to Host Only. Instructors can repeat the questions received and answer them.
• Prevent students from changing their name after they join the meeting. Here's how: https://onlinezoomappdownload.com/how-to-change-a-participants-name-in-zoom-app/
• Record all classes and post on Blackboard.
• Remind all students to update their Zoom client. More information about updating can be found on the Zoom site: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362233-Where-Do-I-Download-The-Latest-Version-

Tools & Tips from UA OIT

OIT has provided a couple of sites for remote tool and tips:

• Remote Work Tools (VPN, Remote Desktop, Video Conferencing, Cloud Storage)
• Resources for Academic Continuity: Teaching Remotely

Recommended Hardware

If you need a webcam or headset, here are a couple of recommendations:

• Webcam: Logitech Webcam C925e
• Headset: Logitech USB Headset H390 or Panasonic KX-TCA430
• Document scanner: Most current smartphone cameras are sufficient to capture document images.