From: Steven Harris

Date: Wed, Jun 27, 2012 at 12:03 PM

Subject: Renovations - Working Options/Suggestions for Staff

While renovations take place of the fourth floor of Academic IV B-Wing, CPS will still need to maintain business continuity.  This message details some options, advice and tips to help staff maintain appropriate work levels during this time frame.

Equipment

The majority of full time staff at CPS have laptops so most users will be able to easily migrate to another location to work.  CPS IT Systems has a limited number of loaner laptops that can be used by staff.  If you need to borrow a laptop please open a help desk ticket via this link:  http://cpshelp.umbc.edu .  As stated above, loaner laptop supplies are limited so if you know you need a laptop please open a request as soon as possible.

Alternate Work Locations

Main Campus - DoIT has done a great job extending wireless access throughout the campus over the years, so there are many places where UMBC employees can work.  Here is a link that DoIT published which lists the locations where wireless networking is accessible on main campus:   https://wiki.umbc.edu/x/QYAc .

University Center, 206/207 - Sarah Gardenghi has offered use of space in the ELI in the University Center building rooms 206/207.  Please check with Sarah if you have any specific question regarding space usage in this building.

South Campus - There is space in the Training Facility (soon to be named Professional Studies) building where the ISD program will reside soon.  Please check with Greg Williams and Sharese Essien if you have any specific question regarding space usage in this building.

Off-Campus - Of course there are places off campus that provide an Internet connection in which you may decide to use.  For extra security using these networks be sure to use UMBC’s VPN (http://vpn.umbc.edu).

NOTE:  Regardless of the alternate location(s) you decide to use please make sure you clear the working arrangement with your supervisor/manager in advance.

Communications

To conduct virtual meetings there are various resources that can be made available to you.  If this is of interest to you please contact CPS IT Systems and we will suggest some options.  It is suggested that you test using this technology before it is needed.  There is usually some minor setup that needs to be done on the computer, but it is good practice to test in advance.  Additionally CPS IT Systems have already scheduled web meeting training sessions with interested CPS staff in order to teach conducting virtual meetings.  If interested in being apart of a session please contact CPS IT Systems.

Of course you can use email to contact co-workers.  If you have a UMBC Google Email account you can use Google Chat functionality as an option to quickly communicate with co-workers (they have to have a UMBC Google email account also) - Google Chat:  http://support.google.com/chat/bin/answer.py?hl=en-GB&answer=161934&ctx=cb&src=cb&cbid=-1d7yru452i54t

Tips

-  Remotely check voice mail at scheduled intervals during the day since you will be away from your phone (create a recurring calendar event to remind you to check voice mail).

-  Make sure devices such as laptops and cell phones are fully charged the night before working in a temporary location just in case at times during the day you may not always have access to an electrical outlet.

-  Make sure your Google Calendar is up-to-date and accurate for others trying to schedule appointments with you.

Support

As always during the renovation CPS IT Systems can be reached via http://cpshelp.umbc.edu or at 410-455-5532.  If f there are any technical questions stemming from this message please feel free to contact us.

CPS IT Systems

410-455-5532