In response to the COVID-19 changes to working environments, the VCCCD IT Department is developing tools and guidance for remote work.  This page will be updated as new tools and instructions are created.

Remote Work Topics

Adobe Creative Cloud

How do I access Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe Acrobat and other Adobe products) from home?
Guide to remote access for Adobe products.

Collaboration

What online tools can faculty use to collaborate with their students?
Check out this fantastic video library. Lots of information about Canvas and TechConnect Zoom.

Protecting Zoom Meetings from Uninvited Guests

Documents

How can I edit and view my work documents from off-site?
We recommend using SharePoint for departmental document sharing and collaboration.  OneDrive is best for individual to individual document sharing.  

Email

How can I access my VCCCD email account from off-site?
You can access your work email from the MyVCCCD portal from any location and any device.

What is the best way to access VCCCD email from a mobile device?
Microsoft offers a free “Outlook” mobile application in the app store of your mobile device.  Install the Outlook app and sign in with your vcccd email and MyVCCCD password.

Personal Devices and Computers

Can I use my personal computer to work from home?  What are the limitations?
Using the MyVCCCD portal, you can log into many services from home such as VCCCD Email, Banner Self Service, Office 365, and Microsoft Teams. Currently you will not be able to use some administrative applications like Banner Admin, OnBase and Argos reporting.

If you need to access administrative applications like Banner, OnBase and Argos, use the "Secure Desktop" button in the MyVCCCD Portal. See the Administrative Applications section below for more information.

 You should NEVER use any of these tools to download VCCCD documents or data to your personal computer or other device.

Telephone / Communications

How can staff make and receive phone calls from VCCCD laptops and computers?
Please use the Skype for Business application for phone calls on and off campus.  Skype for Business does not require VPN access.

How can staff make and receive phone calls from personal devices and computers?
Skype for Business can be used on personal cell phones and tablets.  Download the app from your app store on the device and sign in with your VCCCD email address and MyVCCCD password. See instructional video for assistance.

Administrative Applications

There are two options available for access to administrative applications beyond what is available in the basic my.vcccd portal: 1) Secure Portal and 2) Secure Desktop.

 Note: Secure Portal/Desktop require an authenticator app installed on your smartphone for extra security.  Printable instructions and a video are available to help you set this up. 

What is the difference between Secure Portal and Secure Desktop?

  • Secure Portal:
    Secure Portal is JUST the web portal and includes access to all the things you normally find in the My VCCCD web portal including: Ideal for people who just need Banner, Canvas or to periodically check their email.
     
  • Secure Desktop:
    Secure Desktop is a full desktop experience (i.e. a windows desktop with icons and a start menu). This includes the Secure Portal as a desktop link as well as:
    • Full Office 2019 Suite (minus Skype)
    • Full Outlook Desktop Software
    • OnBase Unity Client
    • Access to all department folders
    • Access to your local documents folder on campus (OC/DAC Only)
    • Integration with your OneDrive folders
    • Local storage for your files
    • Full Adobe Acrobat DC (edit PDFs)
    • Full EMS Client
    • Microsoft Teams & Skype
        Note: for Instant Message and Teams Messaging/Document collaboration only. Sound options such as speaker and microphone redirection will be unavailable.
    • ABBYY Finereader (PDF accessibility)
    • Secure Desktop FAQs

I don’t have access to Secure Portal/Desktop – how do I request it?
Please have your supervisor submit a request.

VPN / VCCCD Laptops

How can I request VPN access?
VPN access will continue to be limited by role and special cases. It is recommended you use the new Secure Portal/Desktop options for remote access (See section above).

If you still feel you require VPN access, please fill out the Supervisor VCCCD Remote Access Request Form and specify why VPN is needed.

How can I request a laptop and other equipment to be used from home?
Please contact your campus IT department for computer and equipment checkout. 

Software Protection for Personal Devices

How can I ensure my home devices are protected?
While we maintain our stance that VCCCD personal data should be restricted from personal devices, we recognize that some employees working from home will increase their workload from these systems. In an effort to help reduce the security risks, we encourage everyone to ensure protection software has been installed on home laptops and devices.