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Summary
The university provides several services that support employees working from home, including VPN access for connecting to campus‑only resources, cloud storage through OneDrive and SharePoint, and Remote Desktop tools for accessing on‑campus workstations. These services allow users to securely reach files, applications, and systems that would otherwise require being physically on the UTHSC network.
Prerequisites
- A UTHSC NetID and password
- Approval for VPN access (if connecting to campus‑only resources)
- A UTHSC‑owned device or a compatible personal device for installing VPN software
- Knowledge of whether your department uses OneDrive, SharePoint, or both for file storage
- Remote Desktop access configured on your on‑campus workstation (if needed)
- Supervisor guidance on any additional department‑specific software required for remote work
Instructions
The university offers 3 main services that are useful for working from home.
1. VPN
This is the Cisco AnyConnect Client included on all university owned devices and available for download on certain personal devices. This is used to connect your computer to resources that are usually only available while on the UTHSC network such as VolShare folders and remote access to your work desktop. For more details on how to request access to use the VPN and installing it
2. OneDrive/SharePoint
These programs store individual and departmental files in the cloud and make them readily accessible on any computer by logging into the app or web services. OneDrive is usually used for individuals to store their files while SharePoint is usually used by departments to store files and info. For more information on these programs please follow the following links:
3. Remote Desktop Connection or Windows App
This is a program that is used to remotely connect to your work desktop from home. The program requires you to use the VPN to connect your laptop to the campus network so that the program can see your work desktop. Once connected to the VPN, you can connect to your work desktop to be able to work directly on it or access files that are only on the desktop. This is also useful if there is a specific program that is tied to your work desktop that can only be installed on that PC. For more information about how to connect using this program please follow these links:
Most departments will also have specialized software and services that may include other useful programs for working from home. It is recommended to ask your supervisor about any such programs to make sure you have all the possible access you may need to files and information when working from home.