Autumn 2021 Technology Guidance for MITS Partners

This article applies to Managed IT Services Partners.

As autumn semester approaches, we understand that many people will be undergoing a change in how they work – whether it be from being at home since March 2020 and now coming back to campus, or adjusting to a new hybrid or long-term remote workstation. We want to ensure that your technology needs are met to kick off a successful academic year. The IT Service Desk is available 24/7 to answer questions and help with issues that arise. Call 614-688-4357 and press option 3 for MITS partners for immediate assistance or log in to Self Service to submit a ticket.

Returning to Campus or Hybrid Work

Allow yourself extra time to get your tech up and running: Any devices that have been left off for an extended period of time will have to run several updates and reboots that may take days. Make sure to get your devices, including shared student workstations or any classrooms or labs that you are responsible for, turned on at least one week in advance of classes starting or beginning work. This will allow time for the updates and reboots and extra time for the IT Service Desk to assist with any issues. Any battery-operated devices, like a portable mouse, that has not been used for an extended period of time may also need new batteries. 

Bring back your equipment: If you are fully returning to campus for work, bring back all of the technology equipment that you brought with you when you left. Managers were asked to track this equipment in March 2020 and ensure that all equipment is returned. Please notify your manager of any equipment you are returning. This includes:

• MiFi devices: If you were given a MiFi device for at-home wireless internet, you will need to return that device to the IT Service Desk within two weeks of returning to campus.
• Loaner devices: If you were given a loaner laptop to use while working remotely and are returning to campus to work, you will need to return the loaner laptop to avoid a charge to your department. If you are interested in keeping this laptop instead of a desktop workstation, please speak to your manager as there is an additional charge for a laptop.

Hybrid Work: If you will be working both on campus and from home, you will need to return any loaner equipment, including laptops and MiFi devices. Hybrid employees should use the standard workstation equipment provided by the OCIO. For most employees, a standard workstation includes a laptop or desktop computer, two monitors, a keyboard, a mouse, and a docking station as needed. The IT Service Desk will not be providing additional equipment for hybrid work unless another arrangement has been made with your department to cover the costs of this additional equipment.

Contact the IT Service Desk at 614-688-4357 and press option 3 to set up a time for them to pick up any equipment that needs to be returned.

If you received a new computer while working remotely but did not receive peripherals such as monitors, keyboard, mouse, or dock, please contact the IT Service Desk to arrange for delivery and setup of this additional equipment.

Working Remotely

If you are continuing to work remotely full-time following the expansion of in-person classes, events, and work in the fall, your technology should continue to work as it has been since March 2020. If you are having any issues at all, please contact the IT Service Desk for assistance. We can help remotely with most issues. For those that do require an in-person appointment, we will work with you to set up an appointment that you are comfortable with. 

Requesting Technology for New Employees

You should use the Technology Roll On/Roll Off request form to request technology for new employees, regardless of their work location. Follow the instructions to request equipment and the IT Service Desk will work with employees to set up distribution on campus or via pickup for those working remotely.

How to Get Help

Phone: 614-688-4357 and select option 3 for MITS partners

Online: https://go.osu.edu/it

Email: servicedesk@osu.edu