Telecommuting
The GW Community has the capability to securely and effectively work remotely while away from campus.
Many of the day-to-day tasks completed while in the office can also be accomplished remotely without the need of additional software. A few applications, however, may require specialized hardware, software or access permissions. If you are uncertain, consult with your supervisor or contact GW IT at 202-994-GWIT (4948) or [email protected].
GW uses two-step authentication in conjunction with GW Google apps (email, calendar, drive, etc.), GWeb and GW Box, and the single sign-on platform. Two-step authentication is a method of securing access to online information.
The following provides an overview to remote work capabilities across GW campuses.
FACULTY NOTE: If you are looking for resources to maintain virtual learning in your courses, please familiarize yourself with this informational video as well as the preparation checklist and just-in-time training materials offered on these pages.
Commonly Used Tools
Your most commonly used tools such as GWMail, Jabber and WebEx will be accessed as easily as if you were on campus.
GW Mail: GWMail is the University's email system for students, faculty, staff and alumni. You may access GWmail by visiting the myGW Portal, selecting "email" on the left menu, and then under your access category ("Student", "Alumni", "Staff and Faculty"), select "Go to GWmail". Log in with your UserID and corresponding password.
GW Calendar: GW provides calendar services for GW students, faculty, staff and alumni in conjunction with GW email services. To access GW Calendar, visit the myGW Portal, select "calendar" in the left menu and log in with your UserID and password.
Webex: The Webex Unified Client now provides chat, phone, video and desktop share. For information on how to access this service and for additional helpful Webex links, visit the Webex for faculty and staff page or the Webex for students page.
MS Teams: Teams is a chat-based workspace for people to communicate, share, and collaborate on files together. Visit the Micorsoft Training page for more information.
Zoom: Zoom accounts are available to all GW community members, along with the other GW supported web conferencing tools. Visit the Zoom page for more information.
Use our Web Conferencing comparison chart to find which tool works best for your needs.
Wi-Fi Hotspots
No Wi-Fi available for your telework? You can create Wi-Fi hotspots using your iPhone/iPad or Android smart phone. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Call Forwarding and Voicemail
Follow the procedures outlined in this knowledge article. Remember that if you are setting this feature up from your remote location, you will need to first log in to GW's Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Update Your Contact Information
If you need to be reached when working remotely, it is important that your contact information is up to date. Take a moment now to access the GWeb Information System to be sure your home information is correct.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
GW's Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows remote access to many university systems and resources that are otherwise protected from off-campus access through a "virtual" encrypted channel from your remote location back to GW's network. Most GW online resources do not require use of a VPN. Some applications like Banner Administration, the Enterprise Accounting System and GWDocuments do require a VPN for off-campus access. If you require a VPN for any of your work, GW IT provides the information you need.
Support
You can always count on the GW IT Support Center, including 24/7 assistance through Martha Chat.
202-994-GWIT (4948) Weekdays from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
In-person support - Weekdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Academic Center B102, Foggy Bottom
NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 campus closures, the walk-up support center is also closed but the staff are busily working to support you remotely. Please direct any technology support issues to the IT Support Center at the phone number or email address above. Be sure to visit our support portal at go.gwu.edu/itrequest to learn more about technology at GW.
Useful Knowledge Articles
Ready Your Computer for Telecommuting
How to Manage Your Home Network for Telecommuting
