If a public health crisis, weather emergency, natural disaster, or personal circumstance requires it, you may have to work remotely for an extended period of time. This guide provides an overview of technology-related needs to consider prior to working remotely.
This is a recommended list of essential technologies to ensure a functional remote work environment.
Computer
If you have a College-owned laptop computer, you should plan on taking that home to work remotely. If you do not have a College-owned laptop computer and have a personal computer that has access to the internet, please review your needs and ensure that your personal computer is adequate for the tasks. Otherwise see your supervisor to evaluate additional options.
Phone/Voicemail
The Unified Communications FAQ provides information related to the College phone systems such as, forwarding your phone extension, enable voicemail notification in email, and checking voicemail remotely.
Internet/VPN
Sufficient Internet access is necessary to access the online resources available from the college to be able to work remotely.
Some services like Banner INB and access to file shares (P: and U: drives) require VPN access. College-owned computers are pre-configured with the VPN client to allow access to file shares. Users are strongly encouraged to use VPN when accessing any Lafayette service from a public wired or wireless network.
More information about VPN can be found on our VPN at Lafayette page.
Two Step Login
You may need to set up another device for your two step login if your authentication method is currently your office phone. For more information on adding another device, see the My Devices & Settings FAQ on the Two Step Login FAQ.
Access to File Shares/Google Drive
It’s common for the College community to use File Shares (P: and U: drive) and Google Drive to store files and data.
Available Software
Information about available software for personal and College-owned computers as well as Lafayette’s virtual lab offered through Amazon AppStream can be found on our Apps and Device Support page.
Adobe Creative Cloud
The College’s Adobe Creative Cloud license permits the download and use on personal computers. For information on how to get Adobe on your personal computer, see Access to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Academic Continuity During Disruption
Writing, Drawing, and Demonstration Options While Remote
Google Meet
Google Meet is a web conferencing service that integrates with other G Suite services such as Google Calendar and Google Drive. Information about Google Meet can be found at Getting Started with Google Meet.
Zoom
Zoom is a web conferencing service with a combination of tools such as video, audio, and screen sharing. Information about Zoom can be found on our Zoom FAQ. For those concerned with the security of their Zoom sessions, see How to secure a Zoom session.
Kaltura Capture
Kaltura Capture is a lecture capture service that can be used to record webcam, screen, and/or audio to be shared within or outside of Lafayette College on media.lafayette.edu. Information about Kaltura Capture can be found on our Audio/Video help page.
Is training available for software and hardware?
We recommend using the College’s subscription to LinkedIn Learning for training on a wide array of software (e.g., Excel, Photoshop, Audacity, etc.) and related techniques (e.g., creating infographics and podcasts). You can log in with your Lafayette credentials.
ITS also provides virtual training sessions on a broad range of topics, many of which are recorded and available anytime on media.lafayette.edu Check the ITS calendar for upcoming events.
In some instances, it may be possible for the Learning and Research Technologies team to work with you to develop or offer limited training or targeted help documentation or resources, depending on your needs. For more information, talk with Jason Simms (simmsj@lafayette.edu) or Greta Bergstresser (bergstrg@lafayette.edu).
Help Desk
For nearly all support needs that involve a problem with equipment or services, such as your desktop computer, email, or course website, you should first contact the Help Desk at help@lafayette.edu or (610) 330-5501.