Off Site Employee FAQ

Human Resources will notify Library & IT if an employee will be primarily or exclusively working off-site. Any employee transitioning to off-site status must contact Library & IT prior to leaving campus to discuss computer needs and configurations. 

Computer Distribution and Replacement

• The off-site employee will receive their computer or computer replacement when they are on campus.
• New employees will pick up their computers when they are on-site during working hours.
• New employees must logon to the computer while both the employee and computer are on campus and connected to the campus network.
• Library & IT must be notified in advance if the new employee will not be able to pick up the computer in person. Two weeks notice is required.

Home Network

• If the employee uses wifi at home, the employee must configure the modem and router as follows:
  • Change the default username and password of the modem and router
  • Set the wifi password to meet the recommendations for a strong password (uppercase, lowercase, number, special character).
  • Set the devices to use strong encryption. WPA2 or WPA3 are recommended.
  • Update the firmware on the devices regularly.

Routine Tasks

• The off-site employee must connect to the VPN for at least one hour every week.

Computer Repair

If a computer assigned to an off-site employee is not functioning properly or is damaged, the employee must contact the Tech Desk to discuss the options available. The employee must not take the computer to any repair facility without specific instructions from Technology Support to do so.

If the employee is instructed to return the computer to campus:

• The employee should bring the computer to the Tech Desk on campus. 
• If an employee is permanently working remotely and cannot come to campus:
  • The employee should take the machine to UPS Overnight or other similar service. Note: shipping costs are the responsibility of the employee/department. 
  • When Library & IT Technology Support receives the computer, it will be repaired and shipped back to the employee.

Employee Separation

• If an employee ends employment, all hardware must be returned to Library & IT. 
  • Employees with a Hybrid work location must return all equipment to their on-campus office or the Tech Desk. 
  • Fully remote employees must ship the equipment back to campus. Costs are the responsibility of the employee/department. 
  • Equipment includes: 
    • Computer
    • Monitor(s)
    • Telephone
    • RAP or other Network Equipment
    • Isobar/Surge Protector

If a new employee will be working off-site, the department must contact Library & IT prior to shipping a computer off-site. If a computer is shipped without consulting Library & IT, the employee will not be able to log on to the computer and it will have to be shipped back to campus.