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Remote Access

Technical information and resources available for working remotely

OCU provides staff and faculty with secure methods to access work remotely. One of the most important features is accessing your files. Below are the secure methods OCU provides to access your important files. So, prepare early and move your files out of Documents and instead save them to OneDrive.

Prior to working remotely, you should review the best methods of communication available. Teams is an Office365 application that allows for easy file sharing, real-time editing, and instant messaging with colleagues. Skype for Business is easily used for instant messaging and audio or video conferencing. Ultimately establishing communication pathways and plans ahead of time leads to accomplishing important tasks when you are not able to be in the office.

Here are basic requirements you will need for working remotely:

  • Computer – laptop or desktop
  • High-speed internet
  • USB Headset (earphones w/ mic)
  • Skype for Business
  • Office.com

And, you may also want to utilize:

  • OneDrive
  • Teams
  • Zoom

For additional technical resources, visit Campus Technology Services.

Store your files in the cloud

OneDrive

With Office365 and OneDrive, you can easily save, store and access your files from a desktop or mobile device, from anywhere you can access office.com. For steps on how to move your files to OneDrive, see Upload files to OneDrive. Once you have moved your files, sign in to office.com and select OneDrive to access and edit your files from all your devices. OneDrive is the only approved and supported cloud storage for OCU work-related files.

Setting up your OneDrive for the first time, visit Setting Up OneDrive for the detailed steps.

Teams

Microsoft Teams allows you to collaborate real-time, store, share, and edit files, plan activities and instant message with co-workers – staying connected while working remotely. You can also integrate Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files into your Team site. Teams uses SharePoint as the document repository, so your files are safe and protected.

Ready to set up your Team, visit Get Your Team Up and Running for step-by-step instructions.

Additional Teams Resources: Chat and Share Files in Teams or Set Up Your Teams Mobile App

SharePoint

Create a document library in SharePoint to securely store files where you and your co-workers can find them easily, work on them together, and access them from any device at any time. Team sites and SharePoint groups include a document library by default, however, you can add additional document and other libraries to a site as needed. For more information about document libraries, see What is a document library?

If you will need to access files located on a departmental file share, you will need to move those files to an online document library like Teams or directly to SharePoint. For assistance, reach out to https://Help.okcu.edu or call 405-208-5555.

Office365

When working remotely, using your OCU login credentials, sign in to office.com and select the Microsoft application you want to work with. You can do this from any device that is connected to the internet.

Setup communication and collaboration tools

Email

  • Outlook web access – using your OCU login credentials, sign in to office.com and select Microsoft Outlook. You can do this from any device that is connected to the internet.
  • Mobile Outlook application – you can access Outlook mail through the Outlook application on your mobile device. Use Google Play (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone) phone icon to download the Outlook app.

Video & audio conferencing

Other collaboration tools

  • Teams – quickly make announcements or share files, photos, or videos with your entire team or department to keep everyone up-to-date. Use your OCU login credentials, sign in to office.com and select the Microsoft Teams app. You can do this from any device that is connected to the internet.
  • Office365 – to access all Microsoft applications we use at OCU, use your OCU login credentials, sign in to office.com and select the Microsoft application you want to work with. You can do this from any device that is connected to the internet.

Working remotely: things to consider

  • Forward your office phones – you can either forward calls from your Audiocodes Desk Phone or from the Skype application.
  • Set out of office replies in Outlook, if applicable.
  • Send meeting invites using the New Skype Meeting feature.

Additional resources

  • Adobe Mobile Scanning App – you can use this mobile app with your device camera to “scan” documents and convert them to PDF. You will need to use a Google account, or set up an account with Adobe. For more information, visit Adobe Scanner App. NOTE: You must adhere to all OCU policies regarding storing, sharing, or editing sensitive or protected data.
  • Cox Communications Residential Internet Services Discounts.

Using a cellular connection to access the internet

If you don’t have access to WiFi or home internet services, you can use the cellular data connection of your mobile device to connect. NOTE: You may need to set up this service with your mobile service carrier and be aware data rates will apply.

How to set up a personal hotspot on your device:

Refer to your specific mobile carrier and/or device model for detailed set up instructions. Some mobile carriers have support links available. Please visit the applicable link below:

For general information regarding mobile hotspots, view How to use a smartphone as a mobile hotspot or How to use a tablet as a mobile hotspot.

Where to go for help

If you need technical support, have a question about downloading an application or using an application, reach out to https://Help.okcu.edu or call 405-208-5555.