Skip to end of metadata
Go to start of metadata

You are viewing an old version of this page. View the current version.

Compare with Current View Page History

« Previous Version 12 Next »

When working with College-related information (especially sensitive academic or business data) - it is always preferable to use a College-owned and managed workstation; however, there are times when it may be necessary to use a personal device to get your work done.  Please have discussions with your supervisor or manager regarding whether or not a personal device is an appropriate solution for a 'work-at-home' arrangement.

In such cases, you should be mindful of the data you are handling and apply many of the same behaviors as you do with your College-owned computer and environment.

Considerations:

  • Determine the best way to handle communications.

    • Consider Google Meet and Google Chat for inter-office communications.

    • The simplest solution may be to update your office phone voicemail greeting with appropriate, alternate contact information.
    • In some cases forwarding your office phone may necessary. Discuss this with your supervisor and workgroup.
    • You can forward your desk phone at the handset:
      • If you are forwarding it to a local number, add "7" before your number.
      • For a long-distance number, add "71" before your number.
      • SPECIAL NOTE:  if you can use a local number, please do, as long distance charges will apply to all inbound phone calls that are forwarded.
        For the duration of the COVID-19 event, these charges will be covered centrally.
    • If you are not able to access your handset, you can send a request to phone@whitman.edu. Please indicate your office number and the number you would like to be forwarded.

  • Whether you are in your home or a common area, take a few minutes to assess the privacy of your workspace.

  • Secure your workspace.

    • Can someone standing behind you read your computer screen? 

    • What information do you need to secure before grabbing a cup of coffee or heading to the restroom? 

      • Windows-key + L is a quick way to lock your Windows machine.

      • Command + Ctrl + Q for a recent Mac.

It is generally not appropriate for non-Whitman employees to use College-owned computers.

If you are using a personal computer, consider setting up an additional user account to help keep work and personal files from sharing the same Desktop and Documents folder.  Both Windows and Macintosh computers allow you to easily create separate user logins.

Try to minimize downloading files to your local computer, if possible.  Pay close attention to the location of any files you download (most programs default to the Downloads or Documents folders).  Cleaning up downloaded files at the end of each work session is advised. 

  • Consider Incognito or Private browsing windows if you are not using separate user accounts -- this keeps logins, caches, and other work/personal settings from overlapping. 

  • Your personal privacy matters too - especially if you video conference with co-workers.  Check to see if there is anything around you that you would not want visible during a video conference. 

Special Network Considerations:

If you need to connect to IP-restricted resources (like Colleague, Millennium, K:drive, S:drive, etc.) you will need to connect to Whitman’s VPN.  

Please contact the WCTS Help Desk for assistance in getting an account, installing the software, and the process for connecting to Whitman’s VPN.




  • No labels