Stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic

Stay connected

Microsoft Teams

ACU’s new video conference and collaboration platform Microsoft Teams is now available.

Read more about Microsoft Teams and access the resources below.

• What is Microsoft Teams?
• How do I start using Microsoft Teams?
• Microsoft Learning Pathways

Access other Microsoft Teams FAQs via Service Central.

Remember to add or update your Office 365 photo to help your colleagues more easily recognise you online.

Skype for Business

If you’re not quite ready to try out Teams, Skype for Business is still available, and you can continue to use it for video conferences. However, we will soon be switching from Skype to Microsoft Teams so now is a great time to start getting familiar with Teams. More information will be shared with you soon.

Stay in touch with your team

• Schedule regular videoconference meetings: Use video calls to help your team stay connected. You can use screen sharing functionality to improve collaboration and understanding.
• Connect regularly: Scheduling briefings or quick check-ins at the same time each week (or day) helps to create a routine, and allows the team to discuss priorities and challenges, while feeling connected.
• Recognise success and share what works the best: Test out new ways of working and share what is working and what isn’t. When the team finds methods that work, recognise these and establish them as norms for the team going forward.

Stay informed

• Read ACU Announcement emails from the Critical Incident Response Group (currently sent to all staff and students once each week), which include the latest information on ACU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Access the COVID-19 FAQs on the ACU website, which are regularly updated with new information for staff and students.
• Read the weekly Staff Bulletin, sent each Wednesday, to receive updates from across the university, including advice and resources for working remotely.
• Log-in to Workplace  to receive regular updates via Staff News and other Workplace groups and to get involved with conversations from across ACU.

You can also join our new Workplace group, The Coffee Break, to share and receive inspiration, ideas, and uplifting content during this time of social distancing, where many staff are working remotely.

More resources

• Read the Tips for working well while working remotely
• Read the How do I work from home? knowledge article on Service Central, which offers guidance and advice on working from home and links to further resources.
• Access the dedicated ‘Work from home’ category on Service Central where you can access a range of self-help articles to assist you.