Remote Working Resources for Employees

Many circumstances could disrupt department operations including weather, conference travel, family emergencies, and pandemics. The following resources may help employees leverage available technology resources to perform their job responsibilities and maintain department operations when they are not able to be on campus. 

Determine what equipment you will use off-campus 

• Those with a laptop should bring it home (don't forget your charger!).
• If you have a Stonehill desktop, you may take it home with you if you plan to be home for several days in a row.
• Those who are planning to use a personal computer should ensure that it has an updated operating system and anti-virus software installed. All work-related files should be stored securely in OneDrive or SharePoint folders.
  • Windows Updates for Windows 10 Computer
  • How to update the software on your Mac

Think about the files and applications you’ll need to access

• Get Microsoft Office and Skype for Business (for phone calls) on your home computer by downloading and installing the Microsoft Office Installs.
  • Mac users can download SFB from Microsoft separately as it is not included in the Mac Office install.
• Make sure you can access your OneDrive and SharePoint files from home.
  • Review our OneDrive and SharePoint articles.
• Review How to eFax if you have a need to send and receive faxes electronically.
• If you have a business or instructional need to access protected information resources from off-campus, review the Service Description for Remote Access to determine what campus-based resources are only accessible via VPN. If you need access, you can request VPN Access there.
  • Setup and test your VPN connection from home in advance of needing it.
  • Note that Banner and Cognos are accessible without VPN. These applications may be accessed by those who are authorized to use them from the purple app buttons on the Employee Home page in myHill.
  • Access to documents in the Banner Document Management System (BDMS) is only available on campus or over VPN .
• Look through all of your Multi-Factor Authentication methods.
  • IT recommends that you use the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device, which you can set up now by reviewing our Changing Verification Methods for Authentication article. 

Consider how you will communicate and collaborate with your colleagues and others at Stonehill

• Learn the basics of the Skype for Business app and set it to auto-start to begin using it now. The app will also provide status information about others in the College community who are logged in to Skype for Business.
• Use the Skype for Business app to make and receive calls to your office phone number.
• Learn how to use Zoom for video conferencing with up to 300 participants with a regular Stonehill Zoom account. Hosting larger meetings and webinars is also possible; explore larger meeting options here.
• Consider using a MS Team within your department or working group. Find out more and request a Team from the Microsoft Teams Service Description. Learn more about how to set up and use a Team.

Assemble other items that you may need while working remotely

• Think about whether you will answer your office phone, call into meetings, or participate in video conferences.
  • Make sure your computer has a built-in microphone and speaker.
  • Consider whether you will need a headset.
• Keep in mind other office items like file folders and power adapters that you may need to bring with you.

Recommendations for better home network performance

• Consider plugging a network cable directly from your router to your computer. This will ensure that you have the fastest speed and the most stable connection that your home network can provide.
• If you can't plug in, check for wireless interference if you notice poor Internet performance. If you see a lot of networks when you look in your list of available W-Fi networks on your computer, those are most likely interfering with your wireless Internet performance. Contact your Internet Service Provider to find out how to change your router's broadcast channel and check out our article on sources of Wi-Fi interference and best practices to avoid it.
• If these options don't work, contact your Internet Service Provider to find more ways to increase performance.

For further assistance

Call or email the Service Desk at 508-565-1111 or service-desk@stonehill.edu