Work from Home Resources

Guidance and support for Texas A&M University faculty, staff, and students who need to work remotely. It outlines essential resources offered by the university, including instructions for accessing university systems from off-campus, virtual private network (VPN) setup, etc.

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Security Requirements for Remote Work
  • Equipment Guidelines
  • Personal Device Usage
  • Data Security
• Technical Requirements & Setup
  • Connectivity
  • Telephone Services
  • Video Conferencing
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • File Storage Solutions
• Equipment Replacement Policy
• Getting Help
  • Primary Support
  • System Status & Alerts
• Related Resources

Overview

Texas A&M Technology Services provides comprehensive tools and resources to help faculty and staff work remotely while maintaining security protocols for university information and resources.

Security Requirements for Remote Work

Equipment Guidelines

• Required: Use university or agency-issued computer equipment for AWL program work
• Permitted: Personal monitors, mice, keyboards, and other peripherals
• Occasional Use: Personal devices for occasional work outside the office (with restrictions)

Personal Device Usage

• Must be password protected
• Use minimally and with discretion
• Acceptable for:
  • University email and calendar access
  • Multi-factor authentication (Duo)
  • Authorized web-based systems
• Important: Personal devices may be subject to university policies when accessing university systems

Data Security

• Security protocols must comply with specific laws, contracts, or legal frameworks governing data access
• Research programs may have additional statutory requirements
• Reference data regulation guidance for specific requirements
• Files downloaded to personal devices must be promptly removed after use

Technical Requirements & Setup

Connectivity

• Microsoft Teams and Zoom require minimum bandwidth levels and steady internet service for online meetings

Telephone Services

Cisco VoIP Phones (branded phones)

• Remote Management: Only phone system manageable remotely
• Call Forwarding: Available via instruction downloads
• Voicemail: Instructions available in downloads
• Jabber Soft Phone: Windows/Mac application for making/receiving calls
• Support: Contact Help Desk Central (979.845.8300) or tcom-request@tamu.edu
• Self-Service: Cisco Self Care Portal available

Quick Start Guides Available:

• Cisco 7821-7841
• Cisco 7832
• Cisco 8841, 8845, & 8851

Centrex Phones (analog phones without Cisco branding)

• Limited remote management capabilities

Video Conferencing

Available Platforms:

• Microsoft Teams
• Zoom

Features:

• Audio and video connectivity
• Content sharing (PowerPoint, Word documents, web browsing)
• Mobile app support

Audio Options:

• Computer microphone/speaker
• Mobile app on phone, tablet, or smart watch

Requirements:

• Specific operating system requirements
• Device compatibility
• Internet bandwidth requirements
• Visit platform-specific pages for detailed requirements

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Purpose: Secure access to campus-restricted resources from off-campus locations

Setup:

• Use the Cisco Secure client
• Available for Windows and macOS
• Requires Duo Multi-Factor Authentication

Special Note: Texas A&M Health users should follow separate VPN instructions for their specific network

File Storage Solutions

Approved Storage Methods:

• Microsoft OneDrive (cloud-based)
• Google Drive (cloud-based)
• Department-specific solutions (consult departmental IT)

Security Requirements:

• Work-related files must use university-approved storage
• Confidential information (financial, student records) must be encrypted
• Files on personal devices must be removed promptly after use

Equipment Replacement Policy

• Varies by department
• Departments not required to provide new technology (docking stations, laptops, webcams) specifically for AWL
• New equipment provided at departmental discretion

Getting Help

Primary Support

• Help Desk Central: Primary contact for technology-related questions
  • Email: helpdesk@tamu.edu
  • Phone: 979.845.8300
• Departmental IT: Contact your department's IT support person for department-specific resources
• FAQs:  Work from Home Resources - FAQ

System Status & Alerts

• Status Page: http://status.it.tamu.edu/
• Alerts: Subscribe for email or text notifications about campus technology services (internet, Howdy, Canvas, email, etc.)

Related Resources

• Work from Home FAQs
• IT.tamu.edu for computer audio/video setup
• Encryption information and tools
• Data regulation guidance
• Platform-specific requirement documentation