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OIT typically supports the three most recent systems available from both Windows and Apple; however, the latest OS is always preferred to ensure devices receive necessary security updates and patches. OIT recommends that users not install beta versions of operating systems in a production environment. OIT will not support beta operating systems.

Windows

• Windows 11
• Windows 10
• Windows 8

Apple

• Monterey
• Big Sur

OIT does not support Chromebooks for regular business use, and can only assist with joining to wireless and general questions. Chromebooks should not be a

OIT has replaced monthly telecommunication charges with an annual Infrastructure Technology Services Fee of $495 per FTE. This change more accurately reflects the modern telecommunication technology and services provided at The University of Alabama, which includes VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone services, voicemail, and collaboration and messaging tools.

Below is a breakdown of what constitutes an add-on, and what will be included in the Infrastructure Technology Services Fee:

FTE, rather than full headcount, is used in this model to make the allocation fairer to departments with a significant part‐time workforce. Additionally, employees considered “non‐knowledge workers” as defined by Microsoft for licensing will be excluded from the FTE calculation. Non‐knowledge workers include employees who do not use a computer in the performance of their primary job duties. Examples include custodians and groundkeepers. Graduate and student assistants will also be excluded as these groups are covered under normal student licensing and technology benefits.

FTE is calculated as follows (all categories will be reduced by any nonknowledge workers as defined above):

• FT Staff x 1.00
• PT Staff x 0.50
• FT Faculty x 1.00
• 9 Month Faculty x 0.75
• PT Faculty x 0.33

Request a Cellphone or Mobile Hotspot

Departments/Units should contact vendors directly using state contracts for all cellphone and hotspot needs. Links to each state contract can be found below.

Contact the Telecommunications Team for requests related to Verizon.

Wireless Communication Policy

Review UA’s Wireless Communications Stipend Policy.

Please select a form below to submit your telecommunications service request. If you have any questions, contact the User Services/Telecom Department at 205-348-9555 and an agent will assist you.

Cisco Unity Connection

Cisco Unity Connection is an electronic voice messaging system that gives you a convenient and dependable way to communicate with people both inside and outside your organization. Voice messaging gives you confidence that all your incoming and outgoing messages will be handled pleasantly and effectively.

Using the Handset to Access Voicemail

Note: after 3 failed sign-in attempts your voicemail box will be temporarily locked. Temporary locks expire after 30 minutes.

Using the Web Portal to Access Voicemail

You may access your voicemail via a web browser while on campus, or connected to the VPN when remote, by visiting https://cuc01.ua.edu/inbox/ (note – you may see a warning about certificates, please accept and continue).

You should reach a login page like the one below. Sign in using your myBama username and password. If your voicemail box is not linked to your myBama username, you may not be able to log in. Please call Telecom directly at 348-9555 and we can assist you in linking your mailbox to your myBama account.

You may play messages, send new voicemails, and delete messages using the web inbox.

Password/Pin Reset

If you are locked out of your voicemail box, visit the web inbox, and sign in using your myBama username and password. Click “Settings” above the list of messages.

Then click “Passwords” and then select “Change PIN.”

Enter a new PIN and Save.

If you are unable to reset your password using this method, please call Telecom directly at 348-9555, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Unified Messaging

Cisco Unity Connection voicemail supports Unified Messaging features which allow voicemail messages to be received as an email attachment within your email software if your departmental email runs on an Exchange server (This feature does not work with Google Apps-based email). To request Unified Messaging, please contact our Telecommunications office. (Note: approval from IT staff may be required to enable Unified Messaging).

Call Handlers

Cisco Unity Connection supports autoattendants/call-handlers which present inbound callers with an interactive menu and route calls according to the caller’s selections. Please contact the telecom department or complete the Telecom Services Request form for additional information on requesting or configuring an autoattendant.

Jabber is an Instant Messaging and Presence (IM&P) application from Cisco. Faculty and staff can improve productivity and easily communicate with coworkers and colleagues with Jabber’s real-time presence information and instant messaging. Jabber improves productivity and allows for easy communication with coworkers and colleagues.  Jabber can be used on Mac and PC machines as well as Android and iOS devices.

Below is a list of headsets OIT Telecommunications offers support to, along with where to purchase them. If for some reason, the device malfunctions within the one-year warranty you can issue the company a RMA.

Cisco Handsets

Cisco 6901- The Cisco 6901 is not recommended for office personnel.  This model is typically used for classrooms, labs, help phones, etc. and provides limited functionality. Note: This device requires an available phone jack. There is a one-time installation fee of $150 if a phone jack is needed. Please contact the telephone department before ordering this device.

Cisco 8832 conference phone

Cisco 7841 – Device will hold up to four lines. The Cisco 7841 is the Standard recommended device for office personnel.

Cisco 8851 – Device will hold up to ten lines and allows up to 36 addition lines on the sidecar add-on.

Cisco 8851 KEM sidecar add-on

Cisco Headsets

Any Cisco headsets in the 300, 500, 700, or 900 series

Where to Purchase

Contact Mike Gaston, Account Manager  via email at mikegaston@blueplainstech.com or call at C:334-558-7212 or O:334-219-5482 Ext. 104

Visit the links below to see Cisco user guides for each device.

C6901

C7841

C8851

C8832

Have questions about telecommunications?

Check out our frequently asked questions below, and contact our IT Service Desk at 205-348-5555 with any additional questions.

If a new position is created/hired during the year, will we be charged a set-up fee? 

Setup or installation fees are applicable only when OIT needs to physically install a phone or network jack, taking into account the existing capabilities at the office location and the need for a handset for new staff members.

If a new position is created/hired during the year, will we be charged an additional FTE fee?

The fee is calculated based on the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) headcount, which is assessed annually in October. It is invoiced on a yearly basis, ensuring that it remains consistent during the fiscal year regardless of any fluctuations in staffing levels.

Do we have to return handsets?

There is no requirement to return any handsets to OIT. Moving forward, staff may choose to use a handset, softphone or combination of both. Information regarding new softphone offerings will be available later this year.

Will we be charged additional fees for employees who wish to keep their handsets?  

No. Under the new fee model, OIT will support selected handset models as part of the basic telecommunication services. Currently installed handsets will be transferred to the assigned department in October. Handsets will no longer be leased; instead, departments will directly purchase new handsets from approved vendors, like desktop computers and laptops. To purchase additional handsets, departments can follow the instructions on our website.

I no longer want a handset. How do I return it?

First, check with your manager or designated telecom coordinator to determine if the handset might be used elsewhere in your organization. If not, enter a Telecommunication Service Request.

Will I keep my current UA phone number if I return my handset?

Yes, your current UA phone number will be connected to your softphone. Information regarding new softphone offerings will be available later this year.

What about phones that aren’t assigned to an FTE like front desk/reception phones and phones used by student assistants?

There is no change in these services. The phone numbers will continue to function without any additional fees. If a handset needs replacement or upgrade, you will be responsible for purchasing it directly from an approved vendor. OIT will no longer provide handset equipment on a lease basis.

What are the next steps for Verizon’s mobile services?   

Jerry Michael, the Client Executive for Verizon, will be contacting departments via email to migrate current services to a departmental account. If a department would like to use a carrier other than Verizon, OIT is currently working with T-Mobile and AT&T to determine the methods for either adding additional services or converting existing Verizon services to another carrier as needed. OIT will continue to chargeback Verizon mobile carrier services until departments either convert to a departmental account or another carrier. 

We want to switch carriers. What should we do?

For the time being, services moving to another carrier can stay on the main UA Verizon account until the method for moving those services to another carrier has been finalized. OIT will continue to chargeback Verizon mobile carrier services until departments can convert to another carrier.

Do I still request new service or service changes in the same way?

Yes. Please use the Telecommunication Service Request form.

How does this impact staff funded by grants?

Telecommunication or network fees are generally considered indirect costs, and therefore, are not allowable on externally sponsored contracts and grant funds.  The new Infrastructure Technology Services Fee will be allocated to the highest level of a college or department (e.g., Dean’s office).  Colleges and departments have discretion as to how or if to allocate the fee to their various departments and programs. Departments will need to submit a cost transfer request through the Office for Contract & Grant Accounting if there is a sponsored fund that explicitly allows a portion of the technology fee to be allocated as a direct cost (prior sponsor approval required).