Work While Away Guide

Weber State employees may occasionally need to perform work operations remotely while at home or away from campus.  Some WSU systems are not accessible from off-campus without completing additional steps.  Therefore, it is important that employees are planning ahead and working with their IT support to ensure their computer devices are prepared to work while off-campus.

Below are resources that will help when working from off-campus:

If you require assistance or have any questions, please contact the IT Service Desk.

Using Secure vs Open Wi-Fi Networks

When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, that network may or may not be secure.  An unsecure or "open" network will transmit data as plain text, including usernames and passwords.  Anyone who may be "sniffing" the network will have access to see all transmitted data.  A secure network will require a password to connect and encrypts all data before transmitting it.  There are many ways to configure a network, so ask whoever set up the network if you are unsure if a connection is secure.

Regardless of what type of Wi-Fi network you are connected to, establishing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection will ensure that all your computer's network data is encrypted even on an open network.

Establishing a VPN Connection

A VPN connection will secure and encrypt the network data your computer transmits.  It is recommended that you use VPN after connecting to an unsecure or open network, such as a coffee shop or hotel.

A tool called Cisco AnyConnect Mobility Client is the Weber State supported VPN software.  Instructions for installing AnyConnect can be found below:

While using WSU's network services, users are subject to WSU's Acceptable Use Policy for Computing and Network Resources (PPM 10-2).  Violation of this policy may result in a user's network access being suspended.  Note that any sort of peer-to-peer (P2P) connection is strictly prohibited while on campus (Torrents, Limewire, etc.).


VPN is also required in order to access certain WSU systems from off-campus that contain extra sensitive data.  Refer to the following table:

Does Not Require VPN Does Require VPN

...etc.

...etc.
If you have questions about an application or system's VPN requirements, contact the IT Service Desk.

Remotely Managing Campus Phone Calls

Weber State Telecommunications provides several tools to assist with remotely managing campus phone calls.  Employees have the option to forward campus phone calls to a cell phone, and they can also install a software-based phone (softphone) to send and receive calls from a computer.

Note: These systems require Telecommunications configure the phone line before they will work.

Forwarding Campus Phone Calls to a Cell Phone

It is possible to forward any phone calls made to your work extension to your cell phone by a service called EC500.  Follow the link below for more information on how to request this service: 

EC500 is compatible with any analog, digital, or VOIP extension and will work with cellular service from any carrier.

Managing Campus Calls Using a Softphone

All aspects of your campus digital or VOIP extension can be managed using a University-provided softphone on any Windows 10 computer.  Follow this link for more information on how to request softphone capabilities:

Remotely Communicating with Coworkers

There are University-provided tools available to help easily communicate and collaborate with coworkers while working remotely.

Google Chat

Google Chat allows you to instant message other WSU employees and create group chat rooms all through a web browser.  It is integrated into Weber Gmail or can be accessed by going to chat.google.com.  If preferred, the Google Chat app can also be downloaded at: https://chat.google.com/download/

Google Meet

Google Meet allows for easy video conferencing between two or more people through a web browser.  It can be accessed by going to meet.google.com.

Zoom Video Conferencing

Zoom allows for high quality video conferencing between two or more people using a Zoom app.  All faculty, staff, and students are provided a WSU Zoom license.  For more information, see Zoom Video Conferencing Account Creation.

Remotely Managing Files

Weber State recommends storing work-related files in approved Cloud Storage so that they are accessible from any internet-established location on a variety of computer devices.

The recommended service is Weber Box which is accessible through both a web browser or an app:

Remotely Accessing a Campus Computer

Connecting remotely to a campus computer allows you to interact with a campus computer as though you were sitting in front of it.  This allows access to things like documents saved on the desktop, applications installed on the computer, and mapped computer drives.  Remote controlling a campus computer requires use of the Remote Desktop Connection software.

Instructions for remotely accessing a campus computer can be found below: