Remote Working Resources and Tips

For general information about telework at VCU, software access, general VPN and remote desktop information as well as training and resources, please visit this webpage.

Please visit this webpage for more information on flexible work arrangements at VCU.

If you need assistance troubleshooting a systems problem, please email hrsecurity@vcu.edu.

If you need access to any additional software while telecommuting, please let a member of the HRIS team know and we will be happy to assist. 

To download Avaya Workplace for mobile devices, please search for “Avaya Workplace” in Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) using your mobile device.

Avaya Workplace for Desktop and Laptop Computers

To download Avaya Workplace for Windows or MacOS, please select the appropriate link below:

Avaya Workplace for Windows

Avaya Workplace for MacOS

In order to have a generic team line tied to individual team members' phones, that generic line must be added to each of the team members' Avaya accounts. The Avaya app will be automatically updated once their accounts

have been updated. Once a generic line is tied to someone's account, whenever that generic line rings the employee's phone and/or App will ring. To set this up, please follow the below steps:

1. Submit a ticket with Telecommunications to request an extension be added to an employee's existing number.

2. Select New IT Support Ticket.

3. Select Communication and Collaboration.

4. Select Telecommunications.

5. Select Voice Services.

6. Select Request New/Change/Cancel.

   1. Provide the generic line you need to add to one or more employees' extension and provide all of the employee's extensions. For instance, "please add line 828-1500 to John Doe's account 828-1234"

1. Submit a ticket with Telecommunications to request an account

2. Select New IT Support Ticket.

3. Select Communication and Collaboration.

4. Select Telecommunications.

5. Select Avaya Workplace Mobile App.

6. Click Request New/Change/Cancel.

Once your account is set up, please review this user guide.

Please visit this page for more Avaya information.

Technology Services deployed the Zscaler app to every university-owned computer. Zscaler functions a similar way to the VPN, and it begins running upon login. If you are using a university-owned computer you do not need to login to the VPN in addition to Zscaler.

If accessing any of the below, you will need to first log into the VCU VPN:

• HR shared (N) Drive

• ImageNow (if installed on your remote work computer)

• Reporting Center

• Remote Desktop

• Banner

Instructions to setup VPN on your computer can be found here.

Please use this page for a step-by-step guide on how to connect to the VPN.

Other helpful Links:

• Banner

• RealTime 

• ImageNow Resources

• DocuSign

• Cardinal

With Remote Desktop Connection, you can connect to a computer running Windows from another computer running Windows that's connected to the same network or to the Internet. For example, you can use all of your work computer's programs, files, and network resources from your home computer, and it's just like you're sitting in front of your computer at work.

To connect to a remote computer, that computer must be turned on, it must have a network connection, Remote Desktop must be enabled, you must have network access to the remote computer (this could be through the Internet), and you must have permission to connect. For permission to connect, you must be on the list of users. Before you start a connection, it's a good idea to look up the name of the computer you're connecting to and to make sure Remote Desktop connections are allowed through its firewall.

Click the Start menu → Settings → System →  Power & Sleep

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Set the sleep settings to Never.

To Allow Remote Connections on the Computer You Want to Connect to:

1. In the task bar next to the start menu, search Remote Desktop and select Remote Desktop Connection.

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2. Open the application and click Show Options.

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3. In the Computer box, type the name or the IP address of the computer that you want to remote into (instructions on how to find the computer name are below).

4. In the User name box, type RAMS\your eID (exp. RAMS\rsmith) and click Connect.

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5. If you receive the following message click, Yes.

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When you are logged into Remote Desktop Connection you will see a blue bar at the top of the screen and will see the screen of the computer you are remoted into.  To disconnect the remote connection, click the X on the blue bar.

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Open the File Explorer on your computer, right-click on "This PC" and select "Properties"

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That will bring up a screen that displays your computer's name. You will need the click Full computer name: to use Remote Desktop Connection.

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If you have a new hardware need, please fill out this request form and reach out to John McCann in HRIS if you have any questions or concerns. 

If you have recently been issued a docking station, below is a diagram of the ports showing which cables to use for each:

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Many of you are using the docking station as a way to use external monitors for your display. In that case, the HDMI and DP ports are most important as well as the USB-C port if you're using a Dell XPS laptop.

If you're using the docking station on campus, make sure the ethernet cable is connected on the back of the dock so you can access the VCU network.

From your VCU Laptop, make sure you are connected to the internet and to the VPN. If you are not connected to the VPN, you won't be able to print to an on-campus printer. 

Once those connections are established, just print as you normally would. 

If you don't see the printer you need when trying to print, follow the below steps to add it:

1. Open the Control Panel App from your start menu.
   
   

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2. Select Devices and Printers.
   
   

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3. Click Add a Printer to see a list of campus printers displayed in alphabetical order.
   
   

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4. All HR Printers begin with "HRS” followed by the building abbreviation.

   1. "BEL" for the Belvidere building

   2. "LIN" for Lindsey House

   3. "HRT" for the Training Center

5. Once you have the printer selected, click Next.