Working Off-Campus

Working remotely

If you are going to be working off-campus, Mount Royal offers serveral solutions.  The easiest one is to store all your documents on Google Drive so you have access to them regardless of where you are working. However, depending on your role, you can also remotely access network drives, internal web based applications and your workstation. No matter which solution you use, please review the Working from Home Safely and/or Working Remotely Safely quick reference guide before you begin working remotely to ensure you keep your data and the Mount Royal network safe.

Accessing files via Google

Mount Royal uses Google for many of our IT-needs from email to storage to video meetings and chats. Google’s Learning Centre has processes, tips and tutorials on Google’s products, from Gmail to Drive, Chat to Calendar. The Academic Development Centre has a variety of Mount Royal-specific tutorial videos.

Remotely accessing files on network drives

Everyone with MRU credentials can upload and download files from the server remotely using Webfiles. It does not require a VPN connection and you do not need to ask for access. For details, refer to Accessing files and folders remotely using Webfiles.

Remotely accessing internal webpages and internal web-based applications

The Mount Royal virtual private network (VPN) portal allows you to remotely access webpages or web-based applications that you can only access when you are connected to the MRU network. You do not have to remote in to your workstation to use it. For more details, refer to Accessing internal webpages and web based applications remotely.

Remotely accessing a MRU workstation

For most people, the ability to download and upload files from the network servers is sufficient for them to work remotely. However, if you need to access applications installed only on your MRU workstation, you will need to connect remotely to it using a VPN. This allows you to work just as if you were sitting at your desk on campus. Access to a VPN must be requested from the Service Desk and you must have a business case to do so

Setting up remote access is a two-step process:

  1. Use GlobalProtect to create a secure encrypted connection or virtual private network (VPN) between your remote computer and the MRU network.
  2. Use an application to locate and connect to your MRU workstation on the network.

Once the connection is made, you see your MRU workstation desktop sitting in a window on your remote computer. You then work within that window just as if you were sitting at your desk on campus. For details on how to download, install and use GlobalProtect, the following user manuals are available:

 

How can I access my on-campus telephone?

Here’s how you can check your desk phone’s voicemail remotely:

  • Call 403.440.8700, or 8700 if at another phone on campus.
  • When the system answers, press the star key.
  • Enter your ID, which is your four-digit extension, then press #.
  • Enter your password, then press #.
  • You should now be in your voicemail box's main menu.

How can I stay connected with colleagues while working remotely?

Connect virtually with colleagues using Google Chat (texting) and Meet (video) for one-on-one and group discussions. These are available through your mtroyal.ca account. Visit Google’s Learning Centre to learn more.

Travel 

Travelling with your mobile device? Here are some things you need to be aware of.

  • Inside Canada: Costs are not accrued for roaming charges when making and receiving calls, sending and receiving text messages or email.
  • Outside of Canada: Expensive roaming charges can occur when traveling outside of Canada with a mobile device. The best way to avoid these fees is to turn off your data service, and only use your phone in case of emergency or as an emergency contact. Turning off the data service does not affect phone usage. Visit Bell Canada to view current roaming charges. 

For inquiries, contact the IT Service Desk at 403.440.6000 or itservicedesk@mtroyal.ca

Updated May 8, 2023