Faculty FAQ

Faculty FAQ

Teaching Remotely: Frequently Asked Questions

This page will be updated regularly with frequently asked questions that are relevant to Rowan University faculty. Please check back often.

Blackboard & Canvas

How do I access Blackboard and Canvas from off campus?

Visit go.rowan.edu/lms to access the learning management system for your campus. Blackboard and Canvas are both available remotely via a web browser. 

Communication & Collaboration

How can I access my email from home?

Employees can access their Rowan University email from any browser on a computer or mobile device through the Outlook Web App. See our Working Remotely page for other options.

How can I reach my students via email?

There are a couple of ways to send targeted emails to your students. You can email your class list in Self-Service Banner. You can also send emails to students in a specific section of a course or all sections of a course, as well as by major, minor and concentration, using student-directed mailing lists.

I want to chat online with my colleagues. How can I do that?

Cisco Jabber is a unified communications application that provides access to one-on-one or group instant messaging for employees that can be used on your desktop computer or on a mobile device.

Install Jabber on Laptop/Desktop

Getting Starting Guides

More Information

I want to chat online with my students. How can I do that?

You can stay in touch with students through instant messaging using Google Hangouts Chat. 

I want to hold class lectures or discussions online. What are my options?

If you are using Blackboard to conduct an online class, you can use Blackboard Collaborate to hold class lectures or discussions online. Rowan Online has two different options for video conferencing. See Rowan Online's document on Canvas tools and resources for more information. 

If you are not using Blackboard and Canvas and require a video conferencing solution, Webex is another option. You can share your computer desktop with students and hold conference calls and video conferences using your computer, phone or tablet with Webex, but Webex is not fully integrated with Blackboard or Canvas.

All Rowan University employees now have access to Webex. You do not need to request an account to use Webex. To get started with Webex, log in to rowan.webex.com or download and install Cisco Webex Meetings. 

I want to hold remote office hours or one-on-one sessions online? How do I do this?

For more personal sessions between faculty and students, we recommended using Webex. 

All Rowan University employees now have access to Webex. You do not need to request an account to use Webex. To get started with Webex, log in to rowan.webex.com or download and install Cisco Webex Meetings. Students do not need an account to join a Webex session. 

How many people can simultaneously attend a Webex meeting?

Up to 1,000 participants can attend a Webex meeting.

Can I forward calls to my Rowan University work phone to another number?

Yes. If you are still on campus and have access to your phone, please follow these directions to forward your calls. If you are off-campus, please submit a request to have your calls forwarded.

Can I receive a copy of voicemails left on my Rowan University phone in my email?

Equipment & Hardware

Can I take my Rowan University desktop computer home?

No. Rowan University-owned desktop computers may not be removed from campus. Desktop computers are not configured to operate off-campus, and employees will not be able to use them from home.

Can I take my monitor, keyboard, mouse or other peripheral equipment home?

Yes, with approval, employees may temporarily borrow monitors, keyboards, mice or other peripherals in order to facilitate their work at home. 

All employee requests to borrow monitors or other equipment must be submitted through the University Telework Agreement and approved by the employee’s supervisor, Human Resources and Information Resources & Technology. Please list the specific equipment you are requesting to borrow. If you are requesting a monitor, please include the monitor’s serial number in your request.  

I’m using a personal device to remotely connect to Rowan resources. How can I make sure it complies with Rowan’s security policies?

Depending on how you are remotely connecting to Rowan University resources from off-campus, your personal device may be subject to different security policies. In general, all Rowan University students and employees should make sure their workstations and devices follow our Personal Device Security Guidelines.