FAQs

Yes. The phone system has been in place for over 25 years. The current technology is being retired and will no longer be available.

You will receive a replacement phone at no charge. Departments may choose to order headsets if desired. Once we have selected the approved headset, information on how to order will be provided.

All features currently available to users will be present in the new phone system. In addition, faculty and staff will be able to easily find contacts and send chat messages, start up phone or web conferences, and collaborate in several other ways. This means that phone, voicemail, email, chat and productivity tools are all integrated into one, making it easier than ever to get work done.

No, you will have the same number. 

Most employees will receive AudioCodes 445HD. Those employees who currently have more advanced phones will be provided the AudioCodes 450HD model.

OIT will replace existing desk phones with  no new cost to individual departments.

Campus dialing functionality will remain the same for those on main campus but long distance codes will no longer be needed.

The exception to this is 51²è¹Ý-in-Plano. That facility will be closing and as those individuals transition to the Dallas campus, their numbers will change from 972-473-xxxx to 214-768-xxxx.

As part of our network preparation, we confirmed that the campus e911 location services are ready and accurate. Each employee’s data port has been inspected and verified that the location information is accurate to at least the level of the building name, address, and floor.

Once deployment is scheduled for your building you will be contacted. Both on-demand training videos and instructor-led training will be offered as we deploy phones.

Yes, please attend a session that is convenient for your schedule.

Unfortunately, due to the number of people we are training we are only able to schedule training sessions in each building. We recommend that you coordinate schedules so that your team can attend an instructor-led session together.

You will need to set your status to Do Not Disturb in Skype. 

By default, your calls will display on your computer if you are using instant messaging.

Using Skype for Business is not required for your phone to work. The phone will work even if your computer is turned off. However, keeping Skype for Business on enables additional features for your phone plus the existing messaging features for your convenience.

The most common cause of calendar features not working on your phone is password expiration. We recommend signing out and signing back into your phone.

The new phone system utilizes e911, which has your specific office location programmed to your phone number. This allows 911 operators to receive your location automatically. Because of this, 911 calling is disabled when your laptop is connected elsewhere to prevent operators from receiving incorrect information. In an emergency, use your cellular device, emergency telephones on campus, or any other type of telephone to dial 911.

For older Outlook contacts that you have saved may have digits in them that correspond to the old telephone system, like an extra 9 or 1 for outside and long-distance calls. If you edit these contacts to only include the area code and the number, the call should go through properly. Contact the IT Help Desk with any issues regarding contacts.

You have the option to set a PIN on your phone. This feature locks the phone after five minutes of inactivity. for information on setting a security PIN.

Once you are migrated to Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business will no longer work, but still open.

To remove Skype for Business:

  • On Windows OS, go to your Ivanti Portal Manager (Start> Apps > Ivanti Management > Portal Manager) and use the M365 Apps for Enterprise UBL/UI (Skype Removal) tool. This tool will close all your Microsoft Office windows when processing.
  • On macOS, you can move the Skype application by dragging the applicaton to the trash. For a full uninstall, using the 51²è¹Ý Self Service portal found in the menubar, you can run the Uninstall Skype for Business app under 51²è¹Ý Software.