Employee Guide to Working Remotely

Owned by S Helms
Last updated: Jan 12, 2023 by Kelly Thomas
3 min read

This guide for PSU faculty, staff, and student employees points to useful tools available for working remotely, including associated data security recommendations. 

On this page

Chat and Video or Audio Conferencing

Google Chat: Use this online messaging platform to communicate and collaborate with groups and individuals in real time across PSU. You can access Chat through your web browser, or as a standalone mobile app.

Google Meet: Set up and join video and/or audio meetings of up to 100 participants from a computer, regular phone, mobile device, or conference room using Google Meet.

Zoom: Use this tool for video conferencing, online meetings, chat, and mobile collaboration. Zoom is available to all users at pdx.zoom.us.

Phone and Voicemail

Google Voice

Google Voice overview is available to university employees for calls, text messages, and voicemail. It is a core service covered by our Google Workspace for Education agreement with Google.

Traditional Phone Service Options

CallXPress: Access your traditional phone service voicemail from anywhere using the CallXPress system.

Extension to Cellular (EC500): Route office calls to your home or cell phone with Extension to Cellular (EC500).

Connect to the PSU Network with a VPN

Virtual Private Network (VPN): Use this remote access technology to securely connect to PSU’s network as if you were on campus. This makes access to restricted services possible, and provides encryption between your computer and the PSU network. Restricted services include, but are not limited to, Administrative Banner and the H: and I: network drives. To use VPN, you must first enroll in Duo Two-Factor Authentication. 

Equipment Loan

If you have no access to the technology you need to be successful, you may be able to checkout equipment from the library. The Library has technology, including laptops, headsets, and webcams available for checkout. Supplies are limited, so please consider everyone's needs when reserving from this limited stock.

Internet Access

Free or Low-Cost Internet

If you don't have internet access at home, visit the National Digital Inclusion Alliance article on Free and Low-Cost Internet Plans for several options to consider.

Access PSU Administrative Systems

RemoteApp Virtual Desktop and Applications: Access University enterprise applications without the need to install anything or ensure compatibility. You will need to connect to the VPN first. RemoteApp currently supports the following applications:

  • Administrative Banner

  • CampusNexus CRM (formerly Talisma)

  • Cognos (DataMASTER, Cognos Report and Query Studio)

  • OnBase Web Client

With RemoteApp, you can also use the Enterprise Desktop option, which is similar to using Remote Desktop with your work computer. This option allows you to access applications like Microsoft Office, or use the web browser to connect to other enterprise applications.

Remote Desktop: Access your work computer at PSU from off campus by establishing a Remote Desktop Connection (RDC). This will require a VPN connection and assistance from IT staff to set up beforehand.

Remotely Access, Store, and Back Up Files

Google Drive: Access files securely, and open or edit from any device, when you store them on Google Drive. 

H and I Drives: While Google Drive is easier to use remotely, the H and I drives can also be accessed remotely after connecting to PSU’s Virtual Private Network (VPN). 

Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP): Access your home and web directories on odin.pdx.edu, and your shares on I:\research, using file transfer by SFTP after connecting to PSU’s Virtual Private Network (VPN). 

Email and Productivity Platforms

Google Workspace at PSU: These online productivity tools allow you to collaborate, communicate, and work more efficiently from any location.

Research Computing Resources 

A range of resources supporting remote academic research work, including systems and access to software, are available to the PSU community. All central OIT Research Computing (RC) infrastructure is available remotely from off-campus, including storage and computational resources, and are available to students and faculty. Visit the Research Computing website for comprehensive information about the systems, software, and services available.

Data Security Guidelines

Be sure to review the important Data security guidelines for working remotely and using a personal computer to conduct PSU business.

Ergonomic Guidelines

Visit the Ergonomics page on PSU's Environmental Health & Safety website to review multiple Working Remote Resources, including "Ergonomics While Working Remotely: Working From Home Guide" and "Work Ergonomics: How to Monitor Your Workstation Health."