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Faculty and Staff members of Massasoit have access to a number of resources to aid with working remotely in the event of a campus closure or similar circumstances.
Preparation Checklist
It is important for you to make sure to set up and test your equipment you'll be working with off-campus as soon as possible. Make sure you're ready in the event that you need to work remotely by accounting for each item on this checklist:
- Device - Be sure you have access to a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Don't forget to install any software you may need.
- Internet - Either commercially provided (e.g. Xfinity/Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, etc.) or a wireless hotspot through your mobile device, access to the internet is vital.
- Connect to MCC - Download and configure any apps you'll need in order to access the work you'll be doing, such as:
- Gmail - You can access your email (both @massasoit.edu and @massasoit.mass.edu) using the Gmail app on your smartphone. Feel free to contact the Help Desk for help configuring this. For employees, make sure to still use the online web access version of your employee email by clicking on "Office 365 Employee Email" on the MyMassasoit Portal. Accessing your email this way gives you full functionality, including reporting suspicious emails to ITS.
- Canvas - Canvas has a great app both for professors and students of courses to administer and access course material.
- Connecting via VPN - VPN access is not required for most, but is required if you need to use Banner or access shared drives. VPN access is granted by ITS and must be requested; be sure to submit a service request if you anticipate needing this access.
- Microsoft Office - The full Microsoft Office suite of programs can be downloaded for free by faculty, staff, and active Massasoit students. See our article here on how to do that.
- Microsoft Teams - Teams can be used to participate in remote meetings via webcam and/or microphone. You can access it through the MyMassasoit Portal by clicking on "Teams" under the Launchpad. Microsoft Teams can also be downloaded as an app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Microphone/camera - Most laptops and tablets will have a built in microphone and camera. You may be interested in using these in order to conference with other members of Massasoit or record lectures for your students.
Resources
Need help with preparing to work remotely or using the college's resources? The following teams are here to help you:
- Office of Online Learning - Online Learning is the primary contact for issues regarding teaching remotely, Canvas, video, and other instructional technologies. They have set up a public Canvas site with resources on how best to communicate with students and how to use Canvas, including a "Quickstart Guide."
- Information Technology Services Help Desk - The ITS Help Desk is your go-to for any issues or questions regarding your accounts, hardware needs, and software access. The Knowledge Base is ITS's guide to the various technologies available to members of Massasoit and the Service Catalog is where you can go to officially request help.