IT Guide to Telecommuting

When you are working for UConn Health remotely, you can use IT services to communicate and collaborate with your colleagues.

If you need help with IT services, contact the UConn Health Service Desk at servicedesk@uchc.edu or 860-679-4400.

Some of the forms below are fillable PDFs and may require electronic signatures. See the How-To Guide for step-by-step instructions. 

Special COVID-19 Forms and Information

In response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic, UConn Health Information Technology is preparing for multiple scenarios surrounding telecommuting options for our staff. We understand that there are many unique responsibilities and circumstances surrounding each individual request and we are working on enabling staff to work remotely as quickly as possible. In order to streamline the requests and document equipment that may be used while telecommuting, we are publishing the forms below.

Equipment to Take Off UConn Campus

If staff need to borrow any equipment to take to their home office such as their workstation, monitors, keyboard, mouse, docking station, etc., employees must use the below form to send to their manager for approval.

COVID Loan Form

The COVID Loan Forms can be sent to assets@uchc.edu once the supervisors have signed off on them and verified the serial numbers.

Accessing Your Email Online

Faculty, staff, and student employees can access their UConn Exchange mailbox online with a web browser (Internet Explorer or Chrome) by logging in at itowa.uchc.edu with their UConn Health Credentials.

Alternatively, if you have been issued an UConn Health laptop with Outlook installed and configured for UConn Health mail it will continue to work at home without any additional configuration needed. As soon as you connect to your home network this will work the same as if you were in the office.

You can also remotely connect to your desktop via Citrix and access Outlook as you normally would. Please see instructions below on using http://remote.uchc.edu and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

Checking Office Telephones

There are several options you have in order to stay connected.

  1. If you only need to check your voice mail intermittently there are 2 ways to do this:
    1. You can request to have your voicemail set up to be sent to your email.
    2. Dial into your own extension from an outside phone. See Voice Mail Guide.
  2. Configure your desk phone to forward to another phone. This process is called EC500.
  3. If you are using a UConn Health issued computer remotely you can install the Avaya X1 software. This “Soft Phone” feature will allow you to have full access to your phone from this desktop application.
    1. This will require a USB headset and a Pulse Secure VPN connection.

If you would like to enable any of the above options please do the following:

Send an email to telecomworkorder@uchc.edu with the following information:

In the Subject Line, type in which option (voicemail notification or EC500 setup, or Soft Phone setup)

In the body of the email, copy and paste the following information providing your information:

  1. Name:
  2. Department:
  3. Extension:
  4. Email:
  5. Phone number to transfer to (if selecting the EC500 option):

Instant Messaging

Skype: Skype is a collaboration and productivity tool that used at UConn Health. With Skype, you can chat (Instant Message) with individual or groups. Skype is included in the standard build for all UConn Health computers. All interaction is fully encrypted and secured.

Hosting and Attending Meetings

You can schedule and attend meetings using conferencing solutions that support video and audio communication.

WebEx: All faculty, staff, and students have access to the Cisco WebEx videoconferencing service which will give you the ability to host a meeting as well as your own Conference Call in number. You can use WebEx to host and join meetings that can accommodate up to 1,000 participants. In a WebEx virtual meeting room, you can share any combination of audio, video, and the content on your screen. WebEx Rooms can also be recorded for future viewing.

Accessing UConn Health Applications and Resources Remotely

Remote Access Services

There are two remote capabilities:

  1. Using a home computer you are able log in to https://remote.uchc.edu to access your desktop in the office. See How to Remote in from Home.
  2. Using a UConn Health supplied computer you can use VPN access called Pulse Secure. See more on VPN Installation.

Using Windows Remote Desktop Connection with Multiple Monitors

Setup for Audiovisual Visits in MyChart

File Storage

If you store files on network drives, you can access them using a remote desktop session or a VPN connection. If using remote desktop (RDP) to access your office desktop the network drives would show up as normal. If using a VPN the network drives will not work correctly until a session is established.

Do not save files on personally owned devices. All work related materials should be stored on UConn supported infrastructure. This will ensure that you can safely and securely store and access your files from multiple devices and locations, and it will also enable the university to properly respond to litigation holds or discovery obligations without impacting your equipment.

Following Security Best Practices

While the University has security systems in place to help to monitor and track threats in the university environment, most individuals do not have many of the same protections available in their home or while travelling. Below are key practices to keep in mind while you are working remotely.

Workstations that have up-to-date operating systems, software, and security patches are better protected against security vulnerabilities. UConn Health recommends using your university-owned workstation to conduct university business. If you choose to use a personal device, ensure that you are current with all patches and updates.

All employees working remotely are required to complete the new IT Security Module, 2020 Secure Telecommuting Course which highlights the best practices while telecommuting on a full-time or on a limited basis. We are sending this training to all employees working remotely as we expect this situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) to continue to impact our working arrangements. All employees working remotely have been notified via email to complete this required training through SABA. If you have any questions about this training, please reach out to IT Security, itsecurity@uchc.edu.

Key Tips to Protect Your Data and Equipment

  • Use a screen lock when you step away from your workspace.
  • Never share your UConn Health ID/password with anyone.
  • Phishing attempts always increase during global events. Be wary of emails sent from outside of UConn Health, of interactions you did not initiate and urgent requests for assistance.
  • Use secure Wi-Fi (padlock symbol) whenever possible. This indicates that your session is encrypted. Only use published Wi-Fi networks when travelling or in public.
  • Do not leave equipment unattended in vehicles or in public space. Items such as phones, tablets, and laptops are valuable targets and subject to theft.

Guide for Password Reset