CapU IT Services is here to help you successfully transition to working remotely. We have put together this page of valuable tools and resources for remote work; these tools are available to all employees at any time.
If you encounter any issues, please reach out to us by email using AskIT@capilanou.ca.
Included on this page:
Teaching Continuity | Equipment | Remote Access | Tools | Phone
Teaching continuity
For information on teaching remotely and online, please see the Teaching Continuity resource on eLearn, put together by the Centre for Teaching Excellence. All faculty have access to this resource.
Equipment
You can work from home using either a CapU issued laptop or your own personal computer if you have access to one. If you are using a CapU issued computer, it has the security precautions already configured.
Should you use a personal computer, we ask that you ensure it is running a modern operating system that receives security updates (i.e. run Windows Update to ensure you have the latest updates). It must also have virus protection. Learn more about Windows and MacOS X operating system updates.
You should also turn your personal firewall on; learn more about configuring Windows firewalls and MacOS X firewalls.
Remote access to CapU resources
There are two ways to access CapU resources remotely: through a VPN connection or through Terminal Services / Virtual Desktop.
- A virtual private network (VPN) allows remote workstations to connect to CapU’s network as if they were located on campus. If you are working remotely, you may need to log into CapU’s VPN for full access to resources.
- A Virtual Desktop can be accessed via your browser or using the Microsoft Remote Desktop Application. Visit the Virtual Deskop page to learn more.
When is it necessary to connect to the CapU VPN?
You don’t need to connect to the VPN to access email, Teams, Frontlines or eLearn. You can find links to sign in to these services, which don’t require a VPN, on the CapU website Employees page.
You do need to connect using the CapU VPN to access Banner, Argos, network drives (such as J drive), Dynamics GP and other enterprise applications.
How do I connect to the CapU VPN?
If you are using a CapU-issued laptop, and the software you need is installed on that laptop, you can simply connect to the VPN and then open the application. Note that performance may be slower than on-campus due to variables such as Internet connection speeds.
Learn more about how to connect to the VPN for Windows computers or Mac computers.
Enable Palo Alto Networks as a trusted developer.
- Launch System Preferences
- Open the Security & Privacy preferences and then select General
- Click the lock icon on the bottom left of the window to make changes and modify preferences
- When prompted, enter your Mac User Name and Password and then Unlock the preferences
- Click "Allow" next to the message "System software from developer "Palo Alto Networks" was blocked from loading."
Communication and collaboration tools
CapU employees have access to Microsoft Office 365, which makes Office applications and files available wherever the user goes. This platform includes Word, Excel, OneDrive (cloud file storage), Teams, Outlook and more. You can access all of these applications through the Office 365 portal page.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a program that allows users to chat, video conference, share files, share screens, and work collaboratively. It is one of the most useful tools when working remotely.
New to Teams? We've provided the Teams Quick Start Guide (pdf) to help you get started.
Teams Application
Installing the Teams desktop and/or mobile application onto your device provides the most functionality and best experience.
Web Browser
Not ready to download the Teams application? Teams is also available on the web through your browser. Note: Some features may be limited when accessing Teams through the web browser application.
If you're looking for help with Teams take a look at these resources on Frontlines:
You can also download the Microsoft Teams mobile app from your device’s app store, allowing you to chat, video conference, audio conference and access files from your smartphone.
CapU Email
You can access your CapU email from any Internet-connected device by going to outlook.office.com from your Internet browser.
If you have a CapU laptop with Outlook installed, you can open Outlook and work in your email as long as you have an Internet connection – VPN connectivity is not required to use Outlook, as it works over the Internet.
Phone
When working remotely, you can have your office phone forwarded to your cell or home phone, if you choose to do so. You can do this by connecting to the VPN (see instructions under Access above) and then logging in to the Cisco Self Care Portal.
Once you have signed in with your CapU username and password,
- Click on Call Forwarding on the left side menu,
- select “Forward all calls to”,
- select “Add a new number” from the drop-down list.
- Add a 9 and enter the phone number, including area code (e.g. 96041234567) and click save.
To turn off call forwarding,
- log back into the Cisco Self Care Portal and
- deselect “Forward all calls to” and click save.
Full instructions can be found on the Using Your Phone help page, under How to forward your calls.
Please note that call centre phones cannot be forwarded; the above applies to individual office phone lines only.