Some services are available anywhere over the internet; others require you to use the VPN to connect to the Kent network.
Find out how to access what you need below.
Services you can access remotely
Online services
You can use these services at home with just an internet browser.
- OneDrive for accessing files from home
- Microsoft Teams
- Moodle – including KentPlayer and Turnitin
- KAR
- KentVision
- Staff Connect (editing personal details requires VPN: see below)
- Blogs
- Online surveys (BOS)
SharePoint 2013 will require VPN from 14 September 2021
Services you can only access using the VPN
If you install the Kent VPN to connect to the Kent network from off campus, you can then access the following services:
- Agresso / UBW (UBW users only)
- EvaSys module evaluation
- High Performance Computing (HPC)
- KentPlayer
- Qlikview
- Your files and folders: your Home folder and departmental or team shared folders
- SharePoint 2013 (from September 2021)
- Mailing lists system
- Staff Connect: editing of personal details
- Symphony
- Student Data System (web and cressida)
- Website editing: using Dreamweaver or Site Editor
- Web print: to print from your laptop
Set up your IT for remote working
You can borrow your staff monitor, mouse, keyboard and cables. Please tell your IT rep what you've taken so they can add it to the equipment list on SharePoint.
If you need a PC, see the Using your Kent PC at home section below.
Don't work for hours on a laptop without a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse. This is as important at home as it is in the office.
The advice below will help you avoid back, neck and wrist pain and other repetitive strain symptoms. If you need to borrow equipment or take your desk equipment and cables home, see the section above.
- With a laptop, use a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse so you can adjust it to achieve a comfortable posture. Aim for straight wrists, in line with your forearms, shoulders relaxed and back supported
- Set your screen to be level with your eyes. Adjust the screen angle and height, to avoid over-stretching your neck, and avoid glare or reflections
- Align your computer centrally with your body – don’t twist round to use it
- Position your mouse so your arm isn't outstretched
- Change position regularly to keep muscles relaxed
- Take regular screen breaks
- Use this DSE checklist
If you have concerns, please speak to your manager.
Secure your device: make sure your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet adheres to our security requirements
Sensitive data: if you access sensitive personal data read these guidelines
Extra security for your email and Office 365 account
How to check a web page is secure: in your web browser's address bar click the padlock symbol to check.
Save work to one of the following:
Don't save important documents on personal home folders. If you need to (which is unlikely as you can use your OneDrive), you must make sure it's password-protected, particularly if the device might be used by others. As soon as possible, transfer files onto either your OneDrive, the University network or SharePoint, and delete them from your personal drive.
- For the best reliability and speed use a wired connection between your PC or laptop and broadband router if possible
- If you need to use Wi-Fi, have the laptop in the same room as the wireless router, or as close as possible
- The wireless router will work best if on a desk or shelf and away from items like printers, books or papers that could shield the signal
- Are you sharing the internet with others? Can you stagger activities between you to avoid overloading the connection? If you have an important voice or video call, ask others in your home to minimise their internet use if you can
- Neighbours’ Wi-Fi can sometimes interfere with yours. You might be able to change the channel on your Wi-Fi router to reduce interference. Free apps on Android (such as Wi-Fi Analyzer) and iOS (Wi-Fi SweetSpots) show you which channels are in use and if neighbouring signals are strong
Using a Kent PC at home
You'll need to go here and install the VPN before you leave campus, as it's may not be possible to install it once you're off campus.
It will work a bit differently from off campus.
PC set up
- Your Internet speed will be faster if you plug in an Ethernet cable
- To log in from home use your IT Account as normal
- To use headphones and a mic: you might need to ask us for your admin password
- If asked for admin credentials, contact us
- Security: staff PCs already have anti-virus software installed. Windows updates will apply automatically either via the VPN, or directly from Microsoft
- If your PC crashes, try logging in as the admin user and restart your PC
Accessing Kent services
- Some services may be unavailable
- You'll need to use the VPN to access your home folder and departmental folders housed at files.kent.ac.uk
- Files stored on SharePoint, your OneDrive - University of Kent folder and in Microsoft Teams don't need VPN
For help, contact your IT rep or contact IS.
Staff and researchers: if you need access to specialised software or data available only on your work located device, contact us.
Access files or specialised services
Use OneDrive
OneDrive for Business is easy to access from any location using any device. It doesn’t require VPN or mapped drives.
Before working or studying from off campus, move any files you might need to work on into your OneDrive.
Access your network folders
If you need to access your home (Z) drive or any departmental folders on the Kent network:
- You'll need VPN access
- You then need to map a drive to each folder
Services only on your staff PC
If you need access to specialised software or data available only on your work located device, contact us.
Software
Get Microsoft Office at a discounted rate, and see what other software is available to you off campus
Redirect your office phone
Most campus phones can be redirected.
- To divert calls from your office phone, press *8 followed by the number you want calls to be diverted to (including 9 for an outside line)
- You should hear a broken dial tone (for example, *8 9 07000 000000). You should test that the redirect has been effective
If you need to set up the divert remotely, or want help, contact Telexchange@kent.ac.uk
Data security when off campus
Avoid taking work documents at home. If you need to store paperwork at home temporarily, store it securely and make sure no-one else can access it. Return documents to the office as soon as possible.
If, for any reason, you need to work in a public space, be cautious when accessing University data. Others may be able to view your screen or overhear your conservations.
When working in public, you should:
- Avoid viewing special category data
- Avoid logging on to Kent systems using a public computer
- Make sure any Wi-Fi network you use is genuine and your laptop is encrypted (and the encryption password is not kept with the computer)
- Lock your computer away when not using it
Secure your device: make sure your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet adheres to our security requirements
Sensitive data: if you access sensitive personal data read these guidelines
Extra security for your email and Office 365 account
How to check a web page is secure: in your web browser's address bar click the padlock symbol to check.
Your safety and wellbeing
Look after yourself
The health and wellbeing of our staff is very important to us, particularly in light of the impact COVID-19 is having on our families and communities.
- Follow the workstation setup advice above
- Have a look at the University’s health and wellbeing resources
Insurance
The University’s insurance arrangements extend to home workers, subject to the conditions of the policy. Check with your home insurer that home working does not invalidate your own policy.
Accident reporting
When working at home, if you have a work-related accident or incident please report it
Help
Find out all the ways you can get in touch.