Teaching & Research

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a way for your computer to connect securely to another network over the Internet.

Once connected to the USF VPN, your computer will act as if it is physically connected to the campus network. This allows access to restricted intranet resources, such as SharePoint.

Visit the USF Information Technology VPN page and follow the link for Windows or Mac to view instructions. The steps will guide you through the process of downloading, installing and using the VPN software.

No, Box is a cloud-based server solution that is external to the USF campus. In most cases, Box will work faster when not using the VPN, since the traffic is not being routed though the USF network.

PLEASE NOTE: When using the USF VPN, all web traffic is routed through the campus network. Do not conduct any personal business online while the VPN is active.

Before you can connect, you will need to know your work PC name. Please review these instructions for locating your computer name. (NOTE: This will need to be done in person at the computer)

Once you know your PC name, click the appropriate link below for Remote Desktop Gateway (RDG) setup instructions.

• Remote Desktop Gateway

Yes, you need to turn on the VPN to use the RDG.

Please email help@usf.edu from your USF email account to request assistance.

Microsoft Teams is a platform provided with Office 365 for colleagues to chat, meet, call and collaborate from anywhere using via the desktop or mobile app.

Login to MyUSF > Email & Teams > Download Teams

Microsoft Outlook features Teams integration. If you have Teams installed, you can convert your meetings to Teams meetings easily.

1. Create a new Outlook calendar item (or open a current calendar item).
2. Double click the calendar item so you are viewing its window (if this did not happen automatically).
3. If this is a new calendar item, please click the Invite button at the top of the window and add the individuals who should attend the meeting.
4. You will see a Teams Meeting button appear when you click the Invite button (or this will already be displayed for your meeting if invitees have already been added). Click this button.
5. The location field will automatically populate with the text “Microsoft Teams Meeting.”
6. Click Send or Send Update in the top-left corner of the window.
   • For old meetings you are updating, remember to send the update to all attendees so they receive the updated comments with the information needed to join the meeting.
7. Congratulations! You just created a Teams Meeting. If you double click the meeting in Outlook, you will see the meeting contact information in the comments. You can use your computer to click a link to access the meeting via teams.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are using your phone or mobile device to use Microsoft Teams and are not connected to WiFi, cellular data charges from your carrier may apply.

On a Desktop Computer

The easiest way to join a Teams meeting is to click the Join Microsoft Teams Meeting link in the comments of the meeting you wish to join. Note the options on the screen after Microsoft Teams opens automatically. You will see toggles for webcam and audio settings. Most office desktop computers do not have built-in microphones. If this is your situation, please use one of the following two methods to join a Teams meeting.

On a Mobile Device

Open the Teams app, select Calendar and scroll to the meeting you wish to join. You will see a Join button listed to the right of the meeting. Click the button and you will see toggles for webcam and audio settings.

Join via Phone

The Outlook calendar item provides a phone number in the comments section. Anyone who has been invited to the meeting can call this number. This is most helpful for those who are not USF employees.

1. On your computer, open the Teams application and click the Teams button on the left sidebar of the window.
2. Click the Join or Create Team button in the top right corner of the window.
3. You will then see a Create a Team button on the left side of the window. Click this button and follow the prompts to create a team.
4. You can create multiple teams as needed. This is most helpful for everyone in a unit or office.
   • You can also use the mobile app to view your team’s space.
5. Explore the workspace to see all you can do.

1. On your computer, open the Teams application and click the Chat button on the left sidebar of the window.
2. You will now see a list of names on the left, featuring recent individuals you have chatted with along with suggested individuals.
3. To start a new chat with a person click in the To: field and start typing their name until they appear. Click on their name to add them.
   • If you wish, you can add multiple people and then give the Group a name.

On your computer, select Help from the top menu bar. Then, select Microsoft Teams Help from the dropdown menu.

You will then see links which will provide detailed assistance with all Teams features.