Academic and Business Continuity at the U

Student Checklist

1. Check your Internet speed: Visit speedtest.net to test your Internet speed at home. If you experience any issues with Wi-Fi at home, review our Wi-Fi FAQs and Tips for potential solutions.

2. Log in to Blackboard: Visit courses.miami.edu to ensure you have access to your online courses.

3. Install Respondus LockDown Browser: Some professors will deploy tests in Blackboard and specify that students use the Respondus LockDown Browser to complete the test. Download Respondus LockDown Browser to prepare.

5. Download Zoom: Many professors will request that students use Zoom for online learning. Activate Zoom by visiting zoom.miami.edu and sign in using your CaneID credentials. Then, download the Zoom desktop client. For more information, review the Quick Start Guide, review Zoom FAQs for students, or check out all of the Zoom FAQs.

6. Download any software you may need: If you need to download any software to your home computer, please visit miami.edu/software for a list of software—most available at no cost to you.

7. Store and access your files remotely. Shared and personal files can be accessed easily through Box or OneDrive.

Faculty and Staff Checklist

1. Check your Internet speed: Visit speedtest.net to test your Internet speed at home. If you experience any issues with Wi-Fi at home, review our Wi-Fi FAQs and Tips for potential solutions.

2. Identify the computer that you will use to work, learn, or teach remotely. Make sure it is in good working order and securely connected to the Internet. Enable automatic updates on your computer and web browser to keep your system secure and up-to-date.

3. Test access to the University of Miami's remote tools and services from home. Review the "Quick Access Links" section below, plus any other UM services you may need to access, and ensure you can log in from an off-campus location. Test conferencing or video conferencing functionality (e.g., ensure that your computer has a built-in microphone and speaker, etc.). If you need to download any software, please visit miami.edu/software for a list of software—most available at no cost to you.

4. Set up Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on more than one device, in case you don't have your mobile phone with you. You can use Duo MFA's "Manage Devices" feature to add, remove, or change the devices that Duo can use to verify who you are.

5. Store and access your files remotely. Shared and personal files can be accessed easily through Box or OneDrive.

6. Forward your office phone calls to a personal phone. Review your office phone's settings to learn how to forward your calls.

7. Gather everything else you'll need to be productive. Make sure you have any important work files or equipment, like power adapters, that you'll need to bring home from the office.

8. Practice safe computing. While remote, please follow all University practices and policies to maintain security on your device(s) (see IT Policies). Follow UMIT's best practices for connecting to the safely to the Internet. If you receive a suspicious email or suspect your device/account has been compromised, report the incident immediately to IT Security at infosec@miami.edu.

For additional information and resources available by role, review the student, faculty, and staff sections below.

Login:

• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Blackboard
• Box
• CaneLink
• Email
• Epic/UChart
• OneDrive
• Teams
• Workday
• Zoom

Resources:

• Remote Access FAQs for Faculty and Staff
• Home Wi-Fi FAQs and Tips
• Video Conferencing Tips and Suggestions for Faculty
• Zoom Quick Start Guide
• Zoom FAQs - General
• Zoom FAQs - for Students
• Zoombombing Resources

Students should check with their professors to ensure they are prepared to access course materials online. To find your professor's contact information, please review your course syllabus.

(Note: While Blackboard Collaborate Ultra and Zoom will be the University's predominate tools for online learning, please reach out to your course professor to check if they are using Microsoft Teams or online instruction.)

Experiencing Wi-Fi Issues? Please review the Home Wi-Fi FAQs and Tips.

Blackboard

Blackboard (courses.miami.edu) is the most commonly used learning technology at the University of Miami. However, students that are not using Blackboard should familiarize themselves with the complete set of tools available. We recommend using either Google Chrome or Firefox when using Blackboard.

• FAQs: Access Blackboard FAQs.

Respondus LockDown Browser

Some professors will deploy tests in Blackboard and specify that students use the Respondus LockDown Browser to complete the test. Once you have installed and launched the Respondus LockDown Browser, it will make you close all other applications on your computer before you can take the test.

• Download Respondus: Download Respondus LockDown Browser. For step-by-step download and installation instructions, watch this video.
• Get to Know Respondus: Watch this introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser video and review the Quick Start Guide for additional information.

Zoom

Zoom (zoom.miami.edu) is a video conferencing tool that combines an easy-to-use interface with exceptional video quality, offering a seamless experience for collaboration across mobile devices, desktops, and conference rooms.

• Zoom Activation: To activate your University of Miami Zoom account, visit zoom.miami.edu and sign in using your CaneID credentials. Once you sign in, that's it—you have activated your account! If you experience any issues activating your account, please contact the IT Service Desk at help@miami.edu or 305-284-6565.
• Download the Zoom Desktop Client: Download the desktop client and review the Quick Start Guide for more information.
• Blackboard Integration: Zoom integrates with Blackboard, which allows for remote teaching and learning. Learn how to use Zoom in Blackboard with this quick overview or review step-by-step instructional video tutorials.
• Learn More about Zoom: Review the Zoom meetings resource guide for best practices, including security settings. For more information, including a list of features and benefits, visit the Zoom service page. For answers to commonly asked questions, review Zoom FAQs for students or check out all of the Zoom FAQs.
  
  
  • Note: The University of Miami's enterprise license for Zoom must not be used for telemedicine/direct patient care. A special license and implementation of Zoom is used for UHealth telemedicine visits and must be initiated through UChart. This adds an extra layer of security to standard Zoom processes and ensures privacy and regulatory compliance. For assistance using Zoom for telemedicine via UChart, please contact UHealth IT at 305-243-5999 or help@med.miami.edu.

Microsoft Teams

Teams (teams.microsoft.com) can be used for communication with faculty and/or fellow students including group chat, private chat, video-conferencing with screen sharing, file sharing, and any other collaboration needs. Start up a chat, call or video conference with faculty and/or peers via the web-browser, mobile, or desktop Microsoft Teams app.

Note: The University's virtual private network (VPN) GlobalProtect is no longer required for off-campus access to many University enterprise systems, including but not limited to: Workday; CaneLink; Epic/UChart; Microsoft Office 365/Email/Teams; Blackboard; Adobe Creative Cloud; cloud storage like Box or OneDrive; and Zoom. If you are using VPN, please ensure that you aren't using high-bandwidth tools, including video-streaming services like YouTube or Zoom, while connected. If you are uncertain about whether or not you should use VPN, or if you have any questions, please contact the IT Service Desk at: 305-284-6565 or help@miami.edu.

Academic Continuity Guide

During unplanned events or emergency closures, there are common issues that will affect on-campus classes if there is an inability to attend class, including diminished class time, limited internet access, and uncertain travel plans of students, professional staff, and faculty. This guide provides options for faculty to teach and support students in times of disruption, and aims to complement administrative and departmental guidelines.

Need the latest UM updates? The University of Miami Office of Emergency Management provides the latest updates, information, and guidance related to major emergencies and disasters.

Need help with teaching online? The Distance Learning Institute provides consultations for faculty who leverage online technologies and teaching techniques to create engaging course experiences. To schedule a consultation, contact Johnny Orr.

Need to adjust assessments and course activities? Learning Innovation and Faculty Engagement (LIFE) can help faculty members explore a variety of teaching strategies and can provide guidance regarding implementing alternative course materials and assignments. To schedule individual or request group consultations, contact the LIFE team at life@miami.edu.

Need technical support? In addition to the help desk and instructional video series, the Learning Platforms Team can provide training and support for any of the technologies featured on this page.

For more information, visit the Academic Continuity Guide

*Note: UM Faculty – Advisory for teaching students located in China: Please be advised that certain website, such as Google Drive (drive.google.com) and Box (miami.box.com), are blocked in China. However, OneDrive (onedrive.miami.edu), Blackboard (courses.miami.edu), and Zoom (zoom.miami.edu) are accessible for students in China. To test if a site is currently blocked in China, please visit: comparitech.com/privacy-security-tools/blockedinchina.

Assessments and Academic Integrity

Faculty members shifting to teaching courses remotely may be interested in incorporating teaching technologies that promote students' academic integrity in their quizzes, tests, and written work. The University of Miami offers a number of technology platforms to promote academic integrity, including control of the testing environment with Respondus LockDown Browser, remote proctoring with Respondus Monitor, and plagiarism checking with Blackboard SafeAssign. This guide outlines key resources available to faculty and students.

For more information, visit the Assessments and Academic Integrity Guide

Blackboard

Blackboard (courses.miami.edu) is the most commonly used learning technology at the University of Miami. However, faculty members that are not using Blackboard to teach courses completely online should familiarize themselves with the complete set of tools available. Tools include instructional videos, quizzing, discussion forums, and taking attendance through online participation.

• FAQs: Access Blackboard FAQs.
• Student Privacy (FERPA) Guidelines for Recorded Class Sessions: Although synchronous meetings in Zoom can be recorded for future reference, session recordings may constitute protected educational records per FERPA. For more information, refer to Virtual and Other Classroom Recording and Student Privacy (FERPA).

Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser

Leverage Respondus Monitor and LockDown Browser to proctor remote exams. Faculty should download the Respondus tool, in preparation for conducting remote examinations. Join a training session to learn how to install and enable the Respondus LockDown Browser, as well as how to enable and review videos on Respondus Monitor.

Training

Access a list of all available trainings.

Experiencing Wi-Fi Issues? Please review the Home Wi-Fi FAQs and Tips.

For more information, visit the Academic Continuity Guide

Note: The University's virtual private network (VPN) GlobalProtect is no longer required for off-campus access to many University enterprise systems, including but not limited to: Workday; CaneLink; Epic/UChart; Microsoft Office 365/Email/Teams; Blackboard; Adobe Creative Cloud; cloud storage like Box or OneDrive; and Zoom. If you are using VPN, please ensure that you aren't using high-bandwidth tools, including video-streaming services like YouTube or Zoom, while connected. If you are uncertain about whether or not you should use VPN, or if you have any questions, please contact the IT Service Desk at: 305-284-6565 or help@miami.edu.

Student Privacy (FERPA) Guidelines for Recorded Class Sessions

Although synchronous meetings in Blackboard Collaborate Ultra and Zoom can be recorded for future reference, session recordings may constitute protected educational records per FERPA. For more information, refer to Virtual and Other Classroom Recording and Student Privacy (FERPA).

Video Conferencing Tips and Suggestions

Review video conferencing tips and suggestions for faculty.

Zoom

Zoom (zoom.miami.edu) is a video conferencing tool that combines an easy-to-use interface with exceptional video quality, offering a seamless experience for collaboration across mobile devices, desktops, and conference rooms.

• Zoom Activation: To activate your University of Miami Zoom account, visit zoom.miami.edu and sign in using your CaneID credentials. Once you sign in, that's it—you have activated your account! If you experience any issues activating your account, please contact the IT Service Desk at help@miami.edu or 305-284-6565.
• Download the Zoom Desktop Client: Download the desktop client and review the Quick Start Guide for more information.
• Blackboard Integration: Zoom integrates with Blackboard, which allows for remote teaching and learning. Learn how to use Zoom in Blackboard with this quick overview or review step-by-step instructional video tutorials. Learn more about teaching through Zoom by reviewing Zoom for Education's Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions.
• Beware of Zoombombing: Zoombombing is a new form of trolling in which a participant uses Zoom's screensharing feature to interrupt and disrupt classes. At this time, we advise faculty to link to Zoom lectures from within Blackboard, and for all UM community members to consider setting a password to join meetings and/or to enable the waiting room option. Learn how to protect your Zoom meetings.
• Best Practices for Securing Your Virtual Classrooms: Zoom has helped thousands of schools and teachers around the world quickly shift to remote virtual learning. Read the Zoom blog which highlights best practices for securing your virtual classrooms. Also, check out this video on securing your virtual classroom from the Zoom team.
• Learn More about Zoom: Review the Zoom meetings resource guide for best practices, including security settings. For more information, including a list of features and benefits, visit the Zoom service page. For answers to commonly asked questions, review the Zoom FAQs.
  
  
  • Note: The University of Miami's enterprise license for Zoom must not be used for telemedicine/direct patient care. A special license and implementation of Zoom is used for UHealth telemedicine visits and must be initiated through UChart. This adds an extra layer of security to standard Zoom processes and ensures privacy and regulatory compliance. For assistance using Zoom for telemedicine via UChart, please contact UHealth IT at 305-243-5999 or help@med.miami.edu.

Microsoft Teams

Teams (teams.microsoft.com) can be used for synchronous communication with students including group chat, private chat, video-conferencing with screen sharing, file sharing, and any other collaboration needs. Start up a chat, call or video conference with a student via the web-browser, mobile, or desktop Microsoft Teams app.

Training

Access a list of all available trainings.

Experiencing Wi-Fi Issues? Please review the Home Wi-Fi FAQs and Tips.

For more information, visit the Academic Continuity Guide

Note: The University's virtual private network (VPN) GlobalProtect is no longer required for off-campus access to many University enterprise systems, including but not limited to: Workday; CaneLink; Epic/UChart; Microsoft Office 365/Email/Teams; Blackboard; Adobe Creative Cloud; cloud storage like Box or OneDrive; and Zoom. If you are using VPN, please ensure that you aren't using high-bandwidth tools, including video-streaming services like YouTube or Zoom, while connected. If you are uncertain about whether or not you should use VPN, or if you have any questions, please contact the IT Service Desk at: 305-284-6565 or help@miami.edu.

In the event that staff need to work remotely, there are various tools available to support business continuity during a University disruption.

Experiencing Wi-Fi Issues? Please review the Home Wi-Fi FAQs and Tips.

Cloud Storage and Collaboration Solutions

Collaboration tools—such as Box and OneDrive—enable you to connect with others, no matter where you are located in the world. We recommended that you store all of your business data in one of these cloud-based solutions.

Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

You are encouraged to set up Duo MFA on more than one device, in case you don't have your mobile phone with you. You can use the "Manage Devices" feature to add, remove, or change the devices that Duo can use to verify who you are.

Zoom

Zoom (zoom.miami.edu) is a video conferencing tool that combines an easy-to-use interface with exceptional video quality, offering a seamless experience for collaboration across mobile devices, desktops, and conference rooms.

• Zoom Activation: To activate your University of Miami Zoom account, visit zoom.miami.edu and sign in using your CaneID credentials. Once you sign in, that's it—you have activated your account! If you experience any issues activating your account, please contact the IT Service Desk at help@miami.edu or 305-284-6565.
• Download the Zoom Desktop Client: Download the desktop client and review the Quick Start Guide for more information.
• Beware of Zoombombing: Zoombombing is a new form of trolling in which a participant uses Zoom's screensharing feature to interrupt and disrupt meetings. At this time, we advise all UM community members to consider setting a password to join meetings and/or to enable the waiting room option. Learn how to protect your Zoom meetings.
• Learn More about Zoom: Review the Zoom meetings resource guide for best practices, including security settings. For more information, including a list of features and benefits, visit the Zoom service page. For answers to commonly asked questions, review the Zoom FAQs.
  
  
  • Note: The University of Miami's enterprise license for Zoom must not be used for telemedicine/direct patient care. A special license and implementation of Zoom is used for UHealth telemedicine visits and must be initiated through UChart. This adds an extra layer of security to standard Zoom processes and ensures privacy and regulatory compliance. For assistance using Zoom for telemedicine via UChart, please contact UHealth IT at 305-243-5999 or help@med.miami.edu.

Microsoft Teams

Teams (teams.microsoft.com) can be used for communication with colleagues including group chat, private chat, video-conferencing with screen sharing, file sharing, and any other collaboration needs. Start up a chat, call or video conference with colleagues via the web-browser, mobile, or desktop Microsoft Teams app.

Note: The University's virtual private network (VPN) GlobalProtect is no longer required for off-campus access to many University enterprise systems, including but not limited to: Workday; CaneLink; Epic/UChart; Microsoft Office 365/Email/Teams; Blackboard; Adobe Creative Cloud; cloud storage like Box or OneDrive; and Zoom. If you are using VPN, please ensure that you aren't using high-bandwidth tools, including video-streaming services like YouTube or Zoom, while connected. If you are uncertain about whether or not you should use VPN, or if you have any questions, please contact the IT Service Desk at: 305-284-6565 or help@miami.edu.