MITS Tech FAQs for Autumn 2021

This article applies to Managed IT Services (MITS) partners.

We recently provided some general technology guidance for MITS partners as work locations evolve heading into autumn semester. To further support our partners, we are providing some additional tech detail and answering some common questions our team has heard over the last few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am working a hybrid schedule. Will OCIO provide additional tech, like an extra monitor and keyboard, so I can have a set both at work and at home?

A: Most MITS partners receive one standard workstation funded by their department. This typically includes a laptop or desktop, two monitors, a keyboard, a mouse, and a docking station. 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. If you have not received all of the peripherals that go with your standard workstation, such as monitors, keyboard, mouse, or dock, please contact the IT Service Desk to arrange for delivery and setup of this additional equipment. If you would like to purchase your own peripherals see the next question.

Q: I have an existing standard workstation with equipment on campus, but I would like to personally purchase equipment to set up a workstation at home (with peripherals) that is compatible with my university laptop. What equipment do I need?

A: First, you can always contact the IT Service Desk to discuss the specific items that you need and our technicians will make recommendations. You can also look at the equipment that comes with a standard workstation and purchase the same products if you have the most current laptop or desktop included in the packages. You can purchase most of these items from your typical tech retailer. Things to note:

• If you want to mimic the standard workstation, you will need at least one monitor, a docking station, a keyboard, mouse ,and appropriate cables and adapters.
• The monitor you need will vary based on the device you are using it with and there are a lot of options on the market. You will want to check the cables that come with the monitor to make sure those are compatible with your laptop or docking station.
• The docking station will also vary based on the device you are using. The current standard docking station is the Dell WD19S or WD19STB. This may not work for your laptop if you do not have the most current equipment. 
• If the equipment you purchase does not come with the cables you need to connect everything, make sure you can purchase the appropriate adapters to make them compatible.

Q: I purchased my own peripheral equipment and need assistance setting it up at home. What do I do?

A: Contact the IT Service Desk. While the team cannot visit your home in person, they can talk you through setting up your workstation. Our technicians are available 24/7 to assist with any IT issues you have, no matter where you are working from.

Q: Our department needs to host hybrid meetings now that part of our department will be working remotely. What is the best way to do this?

A: Refer to the guidance on hosting successful hybrid meetings webpage which includes recommendations on the applications to use based on the currently technology you have in place and depending on the type of meeting you plan to host. If there are rooms you would like to host hybrid meetings in and are either unsure if you have the right technology in place or do not have any tech in those rooms, contact the IT Service Desk to schedule time to come out and assess the room. They can help you determine if the space is properly equipped for what you need. For rooms that are not properly equipped, the OCIO can work with you on pricing and timing to equip it with what you need.

Q: I haven’t touched my tech since March 2020. Will it still work?

A: Any technology that hasn’t been used for an extended period of time will need to be turned on and tested before you use it. We recommend giving yourself at least one week to turn tech on, let it run any updates or patches that are needed, and contact the IT Service Desk if you run into any issues. This includes personal and shared workstations, labs, and classrooms. Any battery-operated devices, like a portable mouse, may also need new batteries after being unused for a long period of time.

Q: I have a new employee starting and they will be working remotely. How do I order their equipment and make sure they receive it?

A: 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 a pickup time for those working remotely. 

Continue to follow the university’s autumn campus reactivation guidance for general questions. If you have other IT-related questions, you can contact the IT Service Desk 24/7.

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

Online: https://go.osu.edu/it

Email: servicedesk@osu.edu