Remote Access and Homeworking

We offer a range of technologies that make it easier for you to work from home and away from the campus. 

You can:

  • install Microsoft 365 apps on your device for free;

  • connect to the VPN for access to the Shared Drive and Attendance Monitoring Drive;

  • borrow IT office equipment with the approval of the head of your unit or institute.

How do I access the Attendance Monitoring (T) Drive?

Staff who do not already have the Attendance Monitoring (T) Drive mapped to their device can do so by following the instructions below.


Using a University provided Microsoft Windows Device?

If you have a university provided Microsoft Windows laptop, you will already be connected to the VPN using the inbuilt service called Always-On VPN as long as you are connected to a network with internet access.


Using a Personal Microsoft Windows Device?

If you have your own personal Microsoft Windows device, please follow our guides below:

  1. Microsoft Windows – Setup the UWTSD VPN Service Guide
  2. Microsoft Windows – Accessing the T Drive Connection Guide


Using a Personal Apple Mac Device?

If you have your own personal Apple Mac device, please follow our guides below:

  1. Apple MacOS – Setup the UWTSD VPN Service Guide
  2. Apple MacOS – Accessing the T Drive Connection Guide


If you require guidance on using the Attendance Monitoring System (AMS), please refer to our Attendance Monitoring System Full User Guide.

How do I access Departmental Shared (S) Drive?

Staff that do not already have the Departmental Shared (S) Drive mapped to their device can do so by following the below instructions.


Using a University provided Microsoft Windows Device?

If you have a university provided Microsoft Windows laptop, you will already be connected to the VPN using the inbuilt service called Always-On VPN as long as you are connected to a network with internet access.


Using a Personal Microsoft Windows Device?

If you have your own personal Microsoft Windows device, please follow our guides below:

  1. Microsoft Windows – Setup the UWTSD VPN Service Guide
  2. Microsoft Windows – Accessing the S Drive Connection Guide


Using a Personal Apple Mac Device?

If you have your own personal Apple Mac device, please follow our guides below:

  1. Apple MacOS – Setup the UWTSD VPN Service Guide
  2. Apple MacOS – Accessing the S Drive Connection Guide

Working away from campus with a university-supplied laptop?


Microsoft Windows Laptops

If you have a university-supplied Windows laptop. you will be able to use the inbuilt service called AOVPN. This lets you connect securely to all University IT Services as if you were on campus.

This service is setup by default on all university staff Windows 10 laptops and works seamlessly without you needing to do anything. Simply log in to your laptop and work as normal.

Having connectivity issues? Contact our IT Service Desk.


Apple MacBooks

If you have a university Apple MacBook, you will need to install the latest FortiClient EMS application from the self-service portal on your MacBook. To install the client, follow our Apple MacOS Self-Service VPN Setup Guide.

How to collaborate in virtual meetings and lectures?

If you need to collaborate with colleagues and students including having virtual meetings or lectures, we recommend using Microsoft Teams.

How to make phone calls and send instant messages from home?

You can download the Teams software on your home computer, laptop, or mobile device to make and receive phone calls as if you were on campus. To find out how to download and make use of Teams, visit our Teams page.

Your responsibilities when working from home

Staff are reminded that while working at home they are still bound by the University’s policies, particularly:

Taking home IT equipment

If you wish to take home IT kit from your own office equipment (including keyboards, mice and docking stations) to help you when working from home, you must speak to your Head of Unit or Institute for approval. 

Please note: we do not permit the removal of desktop PCs or iMacs to be used at home. 

The process for temporarily loaning IT peripheral equipment:

  1. Contact your Head of Unit/Institute to request to take home Office IT Peripherals.
  2. The Head of Unit/Institute will approve or reject the request.
  3. For kit approved to be taken home, the Head of Unit/Institute will keep an inventory of who has loaned what equipment – including the serial numbers.
  4. The Head of Unit/Institute will email insurance@uwtsd.ac.uk to confirm what equipment has been taken off campus.
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