ITS Blog

Off-Campus Working Alternatives

Off-Campus Working Alternatives


In the event that you need to work remotely, there are many tools that can be used from off-campus, as long as you have a working computer and internet connection. It is recommended that you try using these tools ahead of time to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you experience any problems, first check the ITS Self Service Knowledge Base and then contact the Help Desk at 607-777-6420 as soon as possible so we can resolve them. 


Faculty should review: Academic Continuity in the Event of an Emergency Situation.


TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR REMOTE WORK ARE:

  • myBinghamton- my.binghamton.edu portal

    • myBinghamton provides a convenient portal that can be accessed using any device with an internet connection. myBinghamton provides easy access to University resources with links to many resources such as Gmail, Google Drive, Universal Search, SUNY HR, etc.

  • Gmail- bmail.binghamton.edu

    • Gmail can be accessed from any device with an internet connection using a web browser (Firefox, Chrome, etc.). 

  • Google Drive- drive.google.com

    • Files stored in Google Drive can be accessed from any device with an internet connection using a web browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.). 

    • In Google Drive, you can access and edit Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Slides, etc. You can also edit files created in Microsoft Office.

    • Google Drive allows you to collaborate with individuals and groups inside and outside the University. 

  • Microsoft Office 365- office.com

    • Microsoft Office 365 is available for download and installation on personal devices from office.com.

    • Additional information and instructions are available at: Microsoft Office 365.

  • Google Chat- chat.google.com

    • Google Chat is available within Google Apps for Education and can be used for instant messaging co-workers. 

  • Google Groups- groups.google.com

    • Google Groups can be used to share information with a team or group. Anyone can set up a Google Group. 

    • Additional information and instructions are available at: Google Groups.

  • Web Conferencing- binghamton.zoom.us

    • All faculty, staff, and students are licensed for Zoom. To set up your account visit https://binghamton.zoom.us

    • Zoom can be used for hosting virtual meetings and is integrated with Panopto for recording and myCourses

    • A webcam and headset are optional if you would like to have video in your meeting. 

    • More information is available here.

  • SSL/VPN- ssl.binghamton.edu

  • Telephone Services

    • You can access your office voicemail from any telephone by dialing 607-777-MAIL(6245).

    • Mitel Softphone, via Connect client. A laptop with a mic and speakers, Bluetooth headset, or wired headset is needed.The VPN client needs to be running. 

    • Sim Ring allows your desk phone and additional phones to ring simultaneously.

    • Call Forward your desk number to a remote number.

      • Once you have logged into Mitel Connect, click your username from the dashboard

      • From the user profile, click the button for External Assignment Number

      • Add a name in the Add Label field

      • Add your mobile phone number in the Add Number field

      • Configure the number of rings to try at the alternate number before the call is sent back to your voicemail box

      • From the drop-down menu, choose Automatically connect.

      • Click Add when finished.

  • eFax

    • Faxes can be routed to a network shared folder or an email address. Because of information security issues, the contents of the fax might affect whether or not it can be sent to an email address.

  • Microsoft Teams

  • myCourses- myCourses.binghamton.edu

    • Please reach out if you find a need to use myCourses and you can be set up with an organization to share resources and collaborate with those you enroll.



**The following tools require VPN:** 

  • Banner INB

  • H/S/U Drive Shares

  • Mitel Connect

  • SPSS/Matlab

  • Medicat


**These tools do not require VPN:**

  • Panopto

  • MyCourses

  • MyBinghamton

  • BU Brain

  • BMail/GMail

  • Google Drive/Apps

  • Office365

  • BingView

  • SUNY Portal

  • Zoom


Other Helpful Resources

COVID-19 Security Resource Library
A compilation of tips and recommendations from NCSA (National Cyber Security Alliance) and its partners on ways to stay safe online, as well as how to avoid cyber threats and scams during this pandemic.

Educause: Transitioning to Remote Work - As colleges and universities transition to online courses and remote work because of COVID-19, the author shares some lessons and tips for working virtually.

You can visit the CDC website and the University’s website for additional information on the actual virus at - https://www.binghamton.edu/health/coronavirus/. The University will continue to share information via this website and “Dateline” on a regular basis. 


If you receive any Coronavirus-related email and phishing scams, report them to security@binghamton.edu


Please contact the ITS Help Desk at 607-777-6420 or helpdesk@binghamton.edu with any questions.