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Frequently Asked Questions
Regarding physical phones and headsets
Will I be able to keep my desk phone?
By default, no. However your department can elect to purchase one for youHowever, one One of the biggest benefits of the new phone system is that a physical phone is not required or necessary. You can access and use your phone through the Zoom app that is most likely already installed on your computer. Desk phones will not have the same features as the software client on your computer. Zoom Desk Phone Feature LossHaving said this, we nonetheless recognize that in certain situations, a physical phone may still be necessary for you to perform your job. If you believe this to be the case, please email us helpdesk@whitman.edu and we’ll consult with you. Two things for you to be aware of before you contact us:
Your department will need to pay for the physical phone and any related accessories
Physical phones lack some features that are only available through phone in the Zoom app. More information.
Will classrooms still have a phone available on the new system?
Yes. Classrooms will continue to have a physical phone in them. They will be swapped out to new phones that are compatible with the new system. This will happen over the summer. In the mean time you will need to dial 7+10 digit phone number of the office you are trying to reach.
Will WCTS be providing headsets to connect to our computers?
Headsets will not be provided by WCTS. The purchase of any headsets will be the responsibility of the department. Any headset that you currently use for online meetings (Zoom Meeting, Google Meet, Teams, etc), will work with Zoom Phone.
911 dialing / Emergency phone use
Can I still dial 911 with the new system?
Yes Zoom
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Phones can dial out to 911. You will want to keep the app open either on screen or running in the background. In classrooms there will still be physical phones to use.
Is there an assumption that we will use personal cell phones in an emergency?
There is no assumption or requirement for anyone to use their personal phones. It is an option for those that want it.
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Will WCTS be providing headsets to connect to our computers?
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Receiving calls
Will we only receive phone calls if Zoom is open or will we get a notification of an incoming call regardless?
The Zoom app will need to be open to get phone calls. Voicemails will be delivered to your email inbox as well.
Answering, transferring, and forwarding calls
Will we be able to answer other people’s phones?
Yes. Individuals who screen and answer calls on the behalf of others will still have this option in Zoom Phones. Check out this video starting at about 0:40 through 1:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjmteMbT-iQ
Can calls be transferred to other people?
Yes. Please see the video in the link above this box.
Will phone numbers still be able to be forwarded, such as when someone is on vacation?
Yes. This and a slew of other options, including personal work hours and vacation messages are easily created in the Zoom Phone portal
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Will we only receive phone calls if Zoom is open or will we get a notification of an incoming call regardless?
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