Working Remotely

We always recommend keeping a copy of a document or spreadsheet, post editing, on a Drew network drive – preferably a departmental drive (usually referred to as G: within your department).

If only uploading existing files to the network drive, use MyFiles.

When working with files already saved to a Drew network drive, especially Word and Excel files, you may find it easier to work in CloudPC, as those software apps are connected to the network drives the same way a desktop computer would be at Drew.

• MyFiles information
• CloudPC information

Security

Please keep in mind that files with sensitive information should be accessed via CloudPC.

• Working With Network Drive Files in CloudPC

The best way to avoid Duo Security or password challenges while working from home is to plan ahead. Please review the information in the Duo or Password troubles section of the WFH page.

Any voicemail messages left on your personally-assigned Drew extension will generate an email message with an attached wav file, so you can listen to the message from anywhere. Please note: Deleting these emails will not delete the voicemail from the phone system. That can only be done by calling in to your voicemail.

Every so often, you should double check the accuracy of your voicemail greeting.

• Voicemail instructions
• Setting a voicemail greeting
• Deleting Mitel Voicemail Messages

Google Calendar has an option called “Appointment Schedules” that you might find useful for offering virtual visits or office hours. Google will give you a link to share with those you want to have the option – some people are adding this link to their email signatures.

• • Google’s Information about Appointment Schedules

Although it is possible to connect to most Drew services from a personal computer, some employees will bring their Drew-issued laptops home. Here are some things to consider:

• Drew workstations are to be used exclusively by the employee, not anyone else.
• Please take pictures of the cables and plugs in your computer before moving anything, and refer back to these pictures when setting up your workstation at home and again back in your office.
• Windows computers – laptops and desktops – have to check in to the Drew server routinely to verify the license for Windows and the Office suite. Please plan to return to campus with your Drew workstation routinely; you will have to turn it on, log in to the Drew network, and open at least one of the Office products installed (e.g. Word, Excel).
• Remember that you need to plug computers in to surge protectors – a wall outlet is not sufficient protection.

Over the years, we have been collecting some suggestions for slower internet connectivity at this page:

• Connectivity Challenges

One thing we would like to point out is that video calls especially take a lot of resources. Closing apps that you do not need to use during a video call can potentially improve your video and sound. Remembering to occasionally reboot your computer – or even giving it an entire night shut down completely! – can be good for its performance (as well as your personal well-being).

Whatever steps you take to improve your internet connection, be prepared with a back-up plan, and communicate that plan (or that you’ve had a problem) to those who need to know.

Video calls can be very helpful for team building and collaboration. Drew recommends using Zoom.

• drew.zoom.us
• Zoom License Request Form
• Zoom information for Drewids
• Zoom FAQ

Drew has a site license for a Chrome extension called Screencastify, which allows you to record and edit videos.

• Screencastify

You can also record a Zoom session. These materials were created with faculty in mind, but the same steps apply:

• Zoom Lecture Capture Workflow
• Workflow for Recording a Lecture in Zoom

Additionally, you can record a slide show in PowerPoint with or without your voice narrating.