Have the Right Equipment

When working off-campus, your technology needs may vary depending on whether it is a long-term or short-term situation. In both cases, consider the equipment you may need, including a computer, display, docking station, mouse, keyboard, and any ergonomic needs.

Tablets and cell phones can be useful but are not adequate standalone equipment for anything other than checking email and other simple tasks. 

Equipment Needs

A laptop computer is needed for most remote work situations, particularly short-term or hybrid schedules. A desktop PC may be appropriate for employees who are working remotely in longer-term or permanent situations.

You will also need a charging cable, mouse, audio headset, and other peripherals. For short-term and permanent remote work situations, you may be able to take the peripherals you use on campus. Hybrid situations may require two sets of peripherals. If you are planning to take home devices or peripherals that don't typically leave your office, check with your tech staff. They can assist with tracking inventory, help with disconnecting any peripherals.

Consult with your supervisor and departmental IT Support Staff on equipment needs.

Using Personal Equipment

KU faculty and staff should not use a personal/home computer on a regular basis for KU work purposes. Checking KU email or other short-term, infrequent use of a personal/home computer is acceptable as long as the following criteria are met:

  • Use a supported operating system that is still receiving security updates from the vendor. Using unsupported operating systems or software opens your computer up to significant security threats.
    • Visit the Microsoft Lifecycle FAQ for information on supported Windows versions. (Windows 7 and Windows XP are no longer supported and should not be used.)
    • Visit Apple Support for information on supported Mac operating systems. (MacOS versions prior to 10.13 are no longer supported and should not be used.)
  • Check to make sure your computer is up to date.
  • Make sure your computer has antivirus/malware protection, and that it supported and receiving updates.
  • Protect your computer and mobile devices with a password. If your computer is shared with others in your household, you should set up a separate account for KU work with a password known only by you.
  • If your personal laptop you have used for KU work is lost or stolen, notify the IT Security Office immediately and file a police report with your local police department. You should be prepared to describe the types of KU data you were accessing and/or storing on the computer.

NOTE:Work-related files saved to your personal computer will be subject to the Kansas Open Records Act just as they would be if saved to your office computer.