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
- 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
- Skype for Business application – you can download the Skype for Business application from the OCU Portal. The use of personal earphones or headset is recommended for optimal user experience. Additionally, if you wish to use the video feature, you will need either a device with a camera on-board, or a free-standing camera.
- Need to set up a Skype meeting, visit Set up an online meeting.
- Need to install Skype for Business on your Mac, see Install Skype for Business – Mac.
- For detailed steps on making and receiving Skype for Business calls, see Make and receive calls using Skype for Business.
- For general information about Skype, visit What is Skype for Business.
- Zoom – you can download Zoom to use for video conferencing. For help using Zoom see Zoom Tip Sheet.
- For additional information, or to watch how-to videos, visit the Zoom Support Center.
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
- CETYL – Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
- Blog
- YouTube Channel
- Instructional Technology Tutorials
- CTS – Campus Technology
- VPN Access Request (subject to approval)
- Post-approval OCU VPN Instructions File Share for accessing ONLY file shares
- Post-approval OCU VPN Instructions for accessing a specific local application
- Services
- Software Downloads
- VPN Access Request (subject to approval)
- 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:
- on an iPhone/iPad
- on an Android
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.