Message to Faculty and Staff from Information Technology

As we continue to respond to needs during this complicated time, the following provides a few updates related to information technology. Please know that the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) appreciates everyone’s patience as we work together to support changing needs.

Answer 831-xxxx Telephone Numbers Remotely (Jabber)

Faculty and staff on the main campus with 540-831-xxxx phone numbers can request access to the Jabber app and gain the ability to make and receive calls from their campus phone number. Originally, DoIT requested this be limited to offices with critical needs, but this access can now be provided to others who will benefit from this feature.

If you would like this access, please enter an ITOneStop support request by logging into ITOneStop at www.radford.edu/itonestop and then select the “Get Help” link. Enter “Jabber Phone Access” as the subject and, in the description, enter “Setup Jabber Phone Access for phone number 831-xxxx” (replacing xxxx with your phone number). Please indicate if you have an Android Phone or an iPhone. This cannot be setup without knowing the type of smartphone you have. Unfortunately, this option is NOT available for RUC faculty and staff.

Automatic Replies/Out of Office

Faculty and staff may wish to consider using the Outlook Automatic Replies/Out of Office feature to help provide information to others. A faculty member, for instance, could have an Out of Office message that provides students with information about their office hours and how to connect with them during this time. To configure this setting from Outlook, select File-> Automatic Replies (Out of Office). You can also use the email icon from the MyRU portal, select the cog in the top right of the screen, and enter “Automatic” in the “Search Outlook Settings” box.

Computer Lab Software

In order to provide access to software that is typically only available in the campus computer labs, DoIT staff have quickly established a new Virtual Computer Lab using AWS AppStream 2.0. This environment will scale up or down depending on demand. This environment is currently configured with a small number of software packages that several areas have indicated are critical to students, including SPSS, Maple, ArcGIS, and GaussView. Learn more about this environment by visiting www.radford.edu/remote-software.

Faculty members needing to provide additional software for their students should submit a support request with a subject of “Install Remote Software” in order for DoIT to review the license and technical details to determine if it can be made available.

Student Email Directory

In the summer of 2018, DoIT removed students from the online public directory and the Outlook global address book due to legislation changes regarding directory information and the Freedom of Information Act, commonly referred to as FOIA. This action caused some unintended consequences making it difficult for employees to find student email addresses.

DoIT has now created a new tool to allow faculty and staff to access this information from Self Service Banner. You may access this new tool from MyRU by clicking on the “Student Email Directory” tool on the Employee tab. Please note that access to the student email addresses is for University business only, and they are not to be shared with others outside of the University.

Technology Assistance Center

The Technology Assistance Center continues to provide support online at www.radford.edu/itonestop, as well as by phone at 540-831-7500 from 8 a.m. until midnight from Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday.

Again, please know that DoIT appreciates everyone’s patience as we support growing and changing needs!

Message sent on behalf of the Division of Information Technology (DoIT)