• Know your passwords!
• If your eID password is about to expire, change it now and update your password on all of your computers and mobile devices.
• Have your Two Factor Authentication (Duo) device(s) with you.
  • If you only have one mobile device registered, consider adding another device.
  • For employees without a secondary device, tokens are available through the IT Help Desk.
• Secure your devices.
  • Install any pending patches and software updates.
  • For save computing tips, review RunSafe and the information included on this page.
• Gather any supplies you need to work and communicate effectively. Suggestions:
  • Microphone, speaker, and webcam for conferencing (if not built in to your computer)
  • Power adapters
  • Keyboard, mouse, and extra monitor (if you'll be working from a laptop)
  • Physical files and records
• Test your connection and applications before beginning remote work.

Visit the IT Service Portal to browse knowledge articles, request a service, or submit a help ticket. You may also contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.

For most types of work, you may connect through your home internet service and use either your personal computer or a JMU-owned computer (JMU-managed computers are highly recommended). Simply navigate to the services you need to use and log in with your JMU eID, password, and Duo. Common systems include:

• Canvas
• Email - Faculty/Staff/Affiliates and Dukes
• Microsoft 365
• Microsoft OneDrive
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Microsoft Teams
• Online Library Resources

Some systems, such as most Administrative and Business Systems (including PeopleSoft SA, HR, and FIN) have additional protections and must be remotely accessed either:

• From a Windows computer set up with an image from IT Endpoint Services
• From a Windows or Mac computer through the JMU Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

If you have slow or no internet at home, be sure to let your supervisor and colleagues know and come up with a plan to keep collaboration flowing. A slow network connection does not only impair your ability to collaborate with your colleagues; it can also make it difficult for IT to solve any computer issues you may encounter. Please note, IT cannot resolve issues with your home's network, so please contact your internet service provider to resolve network issues.

A variety of tools are available for video conferencing, online chat, and file/document sharing.

Meet virtually with video, voice, and chat.

• Microsoft Teams is a collaboration and productivity tool that is included with Microsoft 365. With Teams, you can chat with individuals or groups, hold video meetings, make audio/video calls, store and share files, and integrate with other applications.
• Zoom is a cloud-based web conferencing tool for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops, telephones, and room systems. Zoom allows you to meet face-to-face using HD video conferencing; share your desktop, documents, or individual applications with everyone in the meeting. It provides collaboration with people within and outside JMU.

Collaborate with others using online productivity platforms.

• Microsoft Teams is a collaboration and productivity tool that is included with Microsoft 365. With Teams, you can chat with individuals or groups, hold video meetings, make audio/video calls, store and share files, and integrate with other applications.
• Microsoft SharePoint is web-based and your work is stored in the cloud so you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection.
• File Storage (N:Drive) is a file storage solution made available remotely on JMU Windows computers through Direct Access. It is accessible on Macs via the SSL VPN, by request.
• Microsoft OneDrive provides online individual storage space for documents. You can store, share, and sync your files. You can update your files from any device and even simultaneously edit Office documents with others.