Preparing for Your Return to Work on Campus: Technology Considerations for Employees

Just as it took time to get your computer set up at home last year, it may take time to get set up back in your campus office. See tips below to get you started and avoid delays, so you are ready to return to work on campus.

• Update your computers on campus before returning to work on campus.  If you have computers on campus that have not been powered on for more than a few weeks, be sure to turn them on to get updates before you return to regular work on campus. The computers will go through several updates and reboots. This process may take several hours. Computer performance will be slower while obtaining updates (especially with older computers).  If you use wireless equipment (e.g., keyboard, mouse, headset), install fresh batteries.  
   
• Gather your equipment and office furniture: Gather any office equipment that you took home. Possible items may include your computer, monitor(s), docking station, cables, keyboard, mouse, printer, headset, webcam, mobile hot spot, office chair, lighting, other. Carefully package your equipment to avoid damage. 
   
• Coordinate with IT in advance: To avoid unnecessary delays and overwhelming Facilities or your university IT staff, coordinate plans with IT and Facilities in advance, particularly if you anticipate needing assistance setting up devices. It will be very helpful to stagger your team's return to campus rather than returning all at once. If you will require furniture moves (e.g., office desk), coordinate with Facilities first because your desk will need to be set up before your computer. 
   
• Put your data in SharePoint, OneDrive, and Teams: If you have been using a personal computer at home, make sure all your work files are in the appropriate cloud storage location so you can easily access them from campus. 
   
• Update your mobile device with your current password: Everyone is required to change their password at least once a year.  If you have trouble connecting to Wi-Fi (Eduroam), update the eduroam Wi-Fi profile on your mobile device with your current password. Otherwise, your device may make repeated attempts to connect to the wireless network with your old password and lock your account.