Unified Communications Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is Unified Communications?

Unified communications (UC) is the integration of two or more communication services into a single interface. Such communication services include telephony, video conferencing, instant messaging, presence, voicemail and email. Lafayette’s UC system integrates the college’s current email system and includes a new telephone and voice mail system that supports HD voice and utilizes Voice over IP (VoIP).

What is VoIP?

Voice over Internet Protocol is a technology for making telephone calls over the Internet.

Unified Communications Web Interface

What is the Unified Communications Web Interface?

The Unified Communications Web Interface allows you to manage all of the following using your web browser:

  • Voicemail Messages: Check, delete, listen to, and save voicemail
  • Unified Messaging: Change your email notification address, active greeting, and PIN number
  • Voicemail Distribution Lists: Add, modify, or delete voicemail distribution lists
  • Conference Bridges: Manage any conference bridges for which you have been designated as administrator
  • Call Forwarding: Set up call forwarding and call forwarding schedules
  • Speed Dial: Change your speed dial settings
  • Call History: View your personal call history
  • Phone Book: View the phone book and click-to-dial phone book entries

How do I access the Unified Communications Web Interface?

Go to https://uc.lafayette.edu and then login with your Lafayette NetID and password.

Is there documentation on how to use the Unified Communications Web Interface?

Yes: Unified Communications quick reference guides.

Voicemail

How do I get my voicemail on the new system?

You can access voicemail by using the following methods:

  • Phone: Use extension 4200 (610-330-4200 if off campus) for UC voicemail
  • Web: Use the Unified Communications Web Interface.
  • Email: When someone leaves you a voicemail you should get an email with a recording of the voicemail attached as a .wav file. You should use one of the methods mentioned above to delete your voice mail occasionally. Deleting the voicemail from your mailbox does not delete it from the voicemail server.

When leaving a voicemail, how do I bypass a greeting and go directly to the point where I can record a message?

Press the # key.

In more detail, on the old system the key to do this used to be *.

On the new system * will drop you into the main voicemail menu as if you had dialed 4200.

How do I enable/disable email notifications of voicemail?

When your account on the Unified Communications system is created we auto-populate your Lafayette e-mail address and configure your UC account with the voicemail-to-email feature enabled. If you want to disable or re-enable this feature, then please do the following:

  1. Login at the Unified Communications Web Interface: https://uc.lafayette.edu
  2. Click the “My Information” Tab on the top
  3. Click “Unified Messaging” from the menu on the left
  4. Under Primay E-mail enter your email address
  5. Next to Voicemail notification select “E-mail notification”
  6. Select “Attach audio”
  7. Click “Apply”

How do I rewind a voicemail message back partially?

Press 7. For more voicemail shortcuts, see the Voicemail quick reference guide.

Managing Voicemails

As stated in the Data Retention Policy, voicemails will be deleted after 30 days and saved voicemails will be kept for one year. Information about how to save or preserve voicemails can be found on the

.

Hard Phones

What type of phone will be provided?

A Polycom SoundPoint IP 560, Polycom SoundPoint IP 670, Polycom SoundPoint IP 335 or Polycom VVX 500

Why do I sometimes need to reboot my phone?

All of your settings (e.g. speed dials) are stored on a central server managed by ITS and not on your individual phone itself. This allows you to configure your settings from any computer using a web interface and allows phones to be replaced easily without loosing your settings. In order for updates in these settings to reach your phone your phone needs to be rebooted.

How do I reboot my phone?

  • Polycom® SoundPoint® IP 560 (no touch screen): Press the Menu button, from the Main Menu select 1. Basic, 8. Restart Phone
  • Polycom® VVX 500 (with touch screen): Press Home and tap the orange icon with the gear, then type 1-Basic, 10-Restart Phone and select “Yes”.

How do I set up speed dials?

This is done through the Unified Communications Web Interface. Please do not do this on the phone, as they will be lost when the phone reboots. After you set a speed dial you will need to reboot your phone to push the new speed dials to your phone. To do this while setting your speed dials, click “Save and Update Phone(s) on the bottom of the speed dial page.

How do I set up call forwarding?

This is done through the Unified Communications Web Interface. Please do not do this on the phone, as they will be lost when the phone reboots.

What is an MWI?

MWI stands for Message Waiting Indicator. It is a light on your phone that blinks when you have a voice mail that you have not yet listed to.

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