For employees who work remotely or work from home, there are many University resources available online. Access your desk phone, software, meetings, and more wherever you are. Explore resources and frequently asked questions below to help you succeed.
Still have questions? Submit an IT Ticket, we can help.
Working Remotely
Setting Your Computer Up At Home
When bringing your work computer home, the first thing to do is ensure your Wi-Fi or wired internet is set up to connect to your home internet connection. Campus Wi-Fi networks are not available off-campus. If you have a desktop machine, you will need to use a wired connection (using an ethernet cable) or obtain a wireless dongle to connect to Wi-Fi. Contact the IT Solutions Center for help.
Frequently Used Tools
- Microsoft 365: Word, Excel, OneDrive cloud storage, and more apps.
- Workday: Timesheets, leave requests, reports, & more.
- OneDrive: Cloud storage for your personal and team files.
- Outlook (MavMAIL): Your University email.
- Microsoft Teams: Chat, meet, collaborate, and share files online with your team.
- Zoom: Online meetings and webinars.
- Zoom Phone: University phone system for employees with calls, SMS, voicemail and more available via the Zoom app or desk phone.
- D2L Brightspace: Learning management system for face-to-face, hybrid/blended, or fully online classes.
- Adobe Creative Cloud (must request an account before first use): Graphic design software including Photoshop, Illustrator, and more.
- Kaltura MediaSpace: Media management for uploading videos, screen capture, and D2L Brightspace integration.
Accessing Campus Software & Networks
- WorkMSU (Use in place of the VPN): Virtually access a comprehensive collection of campus software and services remotely.
- MavLABS: Access on-campus lab software virtually, available for employees and students.
- Remote Desktop Direct (Mac or Windows): Virtually connect to a campus computer.
Online Training
Tech Help and Support
We offer tech help in person, over the phone, or online all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a state-owned computer and device, can I bring it home?
Yes, state-owned laptops, desktops, monitors, keyboards and mice can be brought home and used remotely.
Can I work from my personal device?
Yes. You are not required to work just from your state-owned device. We always want to encourage you to keep your data safe the campus community safe by practicing safe cybersecurity habits.
How do I connect to software like ISRS, ImageNow, Web Accounting, the Integration Server and more?
Connect Using WorkMSU. WorkMSU is an easy way to virtually access a comprehensive collection of campus software and services remotely. Use WorkMSU off-campus from a personally owned or work computer.
Can I access my desk phone and voicemail off campus?
Yes. Your University phone is powered by Zoom Phone, which is available via the Zoom app on your computer, laptop, or mobile device. Call, text, and check your voicemail by logging into your University Zoom account.
Can I hold or participate in meetings online?
Yes. Our official online meeting tool, Zoom, is easy to use and can be accessed on any device including your mobile phone. All students, staff, and faculty have a University Zoom account, sign in with your StarID and StarID password at minnstate.zoom.us.
People outside the University, such as community members, business partners, etc., can also join your meeting by creating a free account.
How can I collaborate with my team remotely?
- Use Zoom to connect with video, voice, and screen sharing. You can pre-schedule meetings with up to 500 contacts or meet with someone one-on-one by sharing a link. You can use Zoom on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.
- Microsoft Teams is also available through your Microsoft 365 account for instant messaging, online meetings, calls, file sharing and collaboration, project management, and more.
How can I use specialty software I typically use in a computer lab on campus?
MavLABS allows you to virtually access specialty software in campus computer labs, like ARC GIS, CAD, labs for geography, physics, biology, and more.
Want to request a lab or lab software available on campus be added to MavLABS? Submit a ticket to IT Solutions and we will be in touch.
How do I access MavLABS for University software?
MavLABS allows you to log in to select on-campus computer labs from your own computer, wherever you are, to access speciality academic software for Microsoft Windows - like SPSS, R-Studio, ArcGIS, CAD programs, programming editors, database servers, Microsoft Access, geography labs, physics, biology and more. Get started with MavLABS
How can I get technology support remotely?
IT Solutions provides virtual support in addition to in-person support. Visit the Service Portal for support articles and resources, to submit a ticket or chat online, or view our hours. Or, give us a call at 507-389-6654.
I'm an advisor, how do I move my advising meetings to online?
Advising related meetings should utilize MavConnect and Zoom.
View instructions on how to:
- Create a Zoom room
- Add the location to MavConnect
- Update a previously scheduled meeting to the Zoom location
- Host the Zoom meeting
- And log meeting notes in MavConnect
Is there a resource to record content, events or do live broadcasting?
IT Solutions Video and Digital Media Production is available to support your online teaching and working by helping you capture and produce quality content.
We can help you with:
- Live-streaming (e.g. lab or in-classroom demos)
- Lecture capture
- Campus tours, virtual presentations, digital events, and more.