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Telecommuting Tips and Resources
Support Work-Life Balance
This time is troubling for all of us. The uncertainty of the situation, the changing home life for many, the concern for those in the community who are facing the risks of the virus every day all contribute to these feelings.
Please remember that the Employee Assistance Program remains available, not just for emotional support and counseling, with a wealth of additional resources.
In particular, the MyLifeMatters service has a special hub of COVID-19 resource topics including supporting at-home children, financial stress and stability, caring for older adults, working remotely, and more.
We encourage all employees to take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program and explore all of the benefits available to you.
Set Up a Healthy Workspace
Now that a vast majority of Chico State employees are telecommuting, it is more important than ever to consider how work spaces are set up ergonomically to maximize comfort and productivity. Essential ergonomics are important for keeping healthy at home. Check out these how-to-guides from the Mayo Clinic and desk set-up video from the Wall Street Journal. We encourage employees to take the 20-minute “Computer Ergonomics” training in CSULearn. At the end of the training, there's a checklist that can help you evaluate your workspace.
Practicing good ergonomics at home can help you stay healthy with this extra tip Your Body at Work: Make Yourself Comfortable (PDF).
Technology Resources
Internet Access
If you do not have off-campus access to the Internet, free or low-cost resources are available.
Remote Access
Review best practices for information security when using remote access.
VPN
VPN access is very important to ensure you are staying as secure as possible and you cannot access certain campus systems (e.g. PeopleSoft, Cascade, etc.) without a VPN connection.
All University-owned desktops and laptops that have recently been connected to the network should have Global Protect. Here is a video on how to check if you have Global Protect(opens in new window)install it on your machine(opens in new window). View
Computers
If you do not have access to a computer at home, you may request a loaner computer from ITSS.
Wireless Hotspot Devices
Faculty and staff requests for loaner wireless hotspots can be submitted through Communication Account Services by emailing casvcustomerservice@csuchico.edu. The associated cost will be billed to your department. You will need to follow your normal approval protocol before submitting a request for the device. Please note that loaner equipment is in limited supply. Due to staffing issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, there may be a delay while your request is processed. We appreciate your patience.
Box
Add your work files to Box before leaving campus and avoid saving directly to your personal device by saving to Box.
Phone Service
If you are interested in the wave voicemail service, creating a call center, or remote voice over IP services, please submit your request. There's no charge for voice services.
Zoom is Chico State’s video conferencing solution available to all students, faculty, and staff.
Microsoft Teams allows you to message with campus colleagues, do video or voice calls, share files, etc. Campus users can login for free with their @csuchico.edu email address.
- Get started with Microsoft Teams (video tutorial series)
Technology Support
IT Support Services provides comprehensive technical support, including virtual technology assistance.
Purchase Home-Office Supplies
To better facilitate the acquisition of office supplies you might need while telecommuting—things like paper, pens, ink for printers, etc.—we're asking all employees to follow our procurement protocol.
- Those requesting supplies must receive email approval from their appropriate managers, associate deans, deans, or directors authorizing the purchase of office supplies.
- Employees must purchase needed supplies from StaplesAdvantage. First, you need to register for StaplesAdvantage Personal Purchase Program. For more information about this program, visit Chico State’s Campus Online Ordering page.
- Please note that purchases ordered through StaplesAdvantage are eligible to receive CSU contract pricing, must be paid using a personal credit card, and be delivered to your home address.
- Once supplies are received, employees much complete a Reimbursement Form (PDF) noting the appropriate department chartfield, attaching a pre-approval email along with Staples receipts, and emailing all reimbursement documentation to their department-assigned Procurement Specialist.
- Submitted reimbursements will be processed as quickly as possible in the order they're received. Please consider signing up for direct deposit for the fastest Accounts Payable (AP) reimbursements. If you're already signed up for direct deposit through Payroll, please complete the Direct (PDF) Deposit Authorization Form (PDF) for AP reimbursements and send directly to Melissa Taylor at mltaylor@csuchico.edu. Please do not send copies of voided checks, and please reach out to Melissa if you need assistance before sending the form.
Please note that the following items will not be approved for home delivery:
- Furniture, chairs, tables, IT equipment (including but not limited to printers, copiers, mobile phones, or hotspots), hand sanitizer, masks, gloves or disinfectants
- Items purchased with a University-issued ProCard
University issued ProCards may not be registered on the Staples Employee Purchase Program. This program is intended for personal credit cards only. Please reach out to your department-assigned Procurement Specialist for assistance with this process or any of your procurement needs.
Home-Office Operating Expenses
The University will not be responsible for operating costs, home maintenance, or any other incidental costs (e.g., utilities), associated with the use of the employee's residence. The employee will be reimbursed for authorized expenses incurred while conducting official duties remotely, including business calls, paper, and other supplies.