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Technology Needs – Telecommuters

Hardware

  • Laptop computers provided by ATSU may be utilized in the telecommute environment. If a docking station, additional monitors, and peripheral equipment is needed for the residential portion of the employee’s work, the cost is the employee’s responsibility.
    • If any employee does not have an ATSU laptop computer or does not choose to use one, a personal computer must match or exceed the Minimum specifications of the residential computer option identified by ITS.
  • Telecommute employees may not relocate other ATSU provided equipment, such as
    • Docking stations
    • Monitors
    • Printers
    • Any other items not expressly approved by their supervisor to utilize at home
  • All ATSU equipment must be returned to ATSU at separation from the university.
  • ATSU replaces Windows computers during the fifth year of use and Macs during the sixth year of use.

Recommended Specifications for the Home Computers of Telecommuters

If you use an ATSU owned laptop, you may use it when working off-campus. If you need additional monitors or a docking station for your off-campus work days, it is your responsibility to provide them. ITS support services is available to consult with you if you choose to purchase such equipment. Give them a call at 660-626-2200

If you use a desktop computer on campus, it is your responsibility to provide your work from home computer with no ATSU reimbursement. It is your choice to use a laptop or desktop and whether you use a Windows computer or a Mac. Any reputable computer dealer can assist you with the specifications.

Windows computer

Mac computer

Internet Access

ITS will perform an Internet security checkup on request. Give the service desk a call at 1-660-626-2200.

  • Internet access must be at a level and quality recommended by your supervisor (in consultation with ITS).
    • Minimum service must meet current FCC Broadband Guidelines. We recommend a minimum of 50 to 100 Mbps (preferred) download speeds for working from home and at least 10 Mbps upload speeds 
    • However, as soon as you add more people and more devices that all use the internet with you, you’ll want to start adding more speed too. If you hop on many video calls, you’ll want to look for faster download and upload speeds.
  • Want faster internet speed? Use an Ethernet cable, which is considered hard-wired.
    • Wi-Fi is good, but it tends to lose strength if you put a lot of distance and objects between your device and the router. If you want the fastest speeds you can get, use an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi.
  • Router Security
  • Create a strong, unique password, rather than relying on the automatic password your router came with. You can access your router’s settings page by typing “192.168.1.1” into your browser and change the password there. 
    • A login page will appear asking you to enter the login username and password.
    • Enter the username and password in the designated fields.
    • You will now be logged in to the Admin Panel of the router.
  • Make sure to choose a password that would be difficult for anyone to guess
  • You can also change your SSID, the name of your wireless network, on the same settings page to make it more difficult for third parties to identify and access your home Wi-Fi network. Do not use your name, home address, or anything that could be used to identify you.

Software

  • ATSU will provide appropriate software at the approval of the supervisor and department head. Depending on the software, the expense will either be paid from the ITS budget or the employee’s departmental budget. The service desk can advise you on this.
  • How can I get to the programs I use?
    • Many ATSU services are available from any web browser and require no other specialized software.  Simply point your web browser to the appropriate address. If you don’t remember the specific address, the ATSU portal has links to most ATSU services. By using the portal, you can also avoid the need to enter user IDs and passwords for some services.
  • Microsoft Office 365 for remote computers
    • Microsoft Office 365 provides all ATSU faculty,  and staff with 1TB of cloud storage,  and downloads of Microsoft Office for personal computers (Mac or PC) and iPad/Android devices, 
    • As long as you are employed or enrolled at ATSU, there is no charge.
    • Click here to see more about Office 365 and how to access it.

Telephone

  • You will need a telephone line/cell phone accessible while connected to the internet.
    • This may be a phone connection via the internet utilizing an ATSU extension or a personal mobile phone.
    • You should discuss the best options with your supervisor.
  • Employees are expected to use ATSU’s toll-free number for contact with the University.
  • Business-related telephone charges should be submitted via the institutional reimbursement process, 
  • Telecommute employees do not necessarily qualify for a cell phone/smartphone allowance.  Qualification criteria for this allowance are outlined in ATSU Policy No. 50-102: Cell Phone/Smartphone Allowance. You should work with your supervisor if you think you qualify for this allowance.
  • Depending on your on-campus phone service, you can possibly be set up for Internet phone service.