Beginning later this month, we will start rolling out the new phone system to departments and workgroups across campus.
This upgrade is designed to make communication easier, more flexible, and better integrated with the tools many of you already use. The new system will be based on Teams Phone, allowing you to make and receive calls directly through Microsoft Teams on your computer or mobile device. For most users, this will provide a simple and reliable experience without the need for new equipment on your desk.
By default, the new phone system will NOT include a physical desk phone. Most of you have already are setup to hold Zoom or Teams meetings, and that setup will work for Teams phone calls. We understand, however, that different roles have different phone needs. Supervisors will be able to request physical desk phones on a person-by-person basis by providing a business case. We will work collaboratively to ensure each workgroup has what it needs to be successful.
The rollout will take place in phases to help ensure a smooth transition. About one week before your workgroup is scheduled, our team will reach out to your supervisor to review any special requirements and answer questions. These conversations will include topics such as:
- Hunt Groups and Call Queues
- Interactive Voice Response (IVR) menus
- Emergency phones
- Shared lines or call routing needs
- Any special hardware requirements for the workgroup
Ahead of your department's transition, you can also expect:
- Advance notice of your rollout date
- Clear, step-by-step guidance on what to expect
- Training resources and documentation
- Hands on support from IT throughout the process
You can find basic instruction on setting up your teams phone and often-used functions at our Support Site.