Over the coming year, Clark will transition from using our traditional phone infrastructure for making and receiving voice calls to using Microsoft Teams.  This change will allow you to make and receive calls in your existing Teams client on your computer, smart phone, or Teams compatible desk phone. 

As our modality of working has recently evolved, we must be more flexible in the way we communicate. Using a modern cloud service, such as Microsoft Teams, for our phone system allows us to be more agile and provide phone service to on-campus, hybrid, and remote employees, allowing for quality support and engagement for all our community members. 

Additionally, Clark University’s current system, initially implemented in 1984, is becoming more challenging and expensive to maintain. This old technology needs to be replaced with a service that can grow in flexible and reliable ways. 

Using Microsoft Teams as our phone system offers multiple benefits, including: 

• Unified Communication: Consolidating many of our communication tools into a single, integrated platform for voice calls, video conferences, and instant messaging. 
• Mobility and Flexibility: Access Teams Phone from any device, ensuring that you can stay connected whether you are on campus, at home, or on the go. 
• Familiarity on Campus: Microsoft tools are well-known and widely used on campus, ensuring a familiar user interface to minimize the learning curve associated with the transition. 

We will transition most users to Teams Phones during 2024.  

Over the last year, during the initial phases of the project, we have successfully and seamlessly transitioned more than 100 users to Teams Phones. Remaining departments and individuals will be contacted in the coming months to schedule a time for the change. 

To facilitate a smooth migration, our telecommunications team will be working closely with the Help Desk staff and Technology Trainer to provide training and resources to help you become familiar with Microsoft Teams phone features and functionalities. Visit our Teams Phone Transition webpage for answers to your questions, links to support, and more information on the project. Additionally, our support team will be available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Should you have any immediate questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to the ITS Help Desk at helpdesk@clarku.edu, or 508-793-7745. 

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to modernize and enhance our working and learning environments.