Microsoft Teams Calls

As we move towards the start of the 2024-2025 academic year, we are excited to announce a progressive new change to the university’s telephone system. 

Beginning on May 1st, we will begin transitioning the university phone systems to TEAMS. With it, the Charger community will gain telephone mobility, giving access to your work phone wherever you are. TEAMS also includes the integration of chat and video meeting capabilities. 

We will be in direct contact with AVPs, Deans and Directors to coordinate transitioning users to the new system. The project is scheduled to be completed no later than July 31.

As we start to transition the Charger community to TEAMs, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

  • All users will use their computer and TEAMs app for telephone use
  • Users who request will be provided a headset to connect with their computer/laptop for TEAMs telephone use.
  • Voicemail messages will still arrive as an email attachment
  • All users and departments will maintain the same number
  • You will no longer need to dial 9 for an outside line
  • Only dial 911 from TEAMs if calling from a university property (911 provides emergency services with your location, calling from off campus through TEAMs may confuse responders as to your location)

Below is a detailed guide on how TEAMS Calls functions and all you need to start it on your preferred device(s).

About Microsoft TEAMS

Microsoft Teams utilizes the internet for faculty and staff to make phone calls on both the desktop and mobile app. There is no need for an additional SIM card or line of service with your cellular provider. All staff and faculty members can retain their current phone numbers. 

You can learn more about Teams Calls and its unique capabilities with the following guides below, offered by Microsoft. 

One of the primary features in TEAMS is the calling function, and with it, different ways to use it. A lot of the built in features are similar to how you would normally use a phone. In section, you can find a wide variety of start up guides, courtesy of Microsoft.

Voicemail
TEAMS Phone provides the ability to manage voicemail in the cloud, and now offers voicemail transcriptions to save time and increase accessibility. Please note that all these capabilities are accessed from “Settings,” where users can also conduct other tasks, like changing ringtones.

Managing Mobile Devices
With TEAMS Phone, your users can seamlessly transition from TEAMS on their phones and back again, simply by launching the TEAMs app.

To download TEAMS, if you do not have it currently installed, click here and select the Download for Windows (64-bit) option under the section labelled Teams for Work and School.  The app will start to download, and you can open the app once it is finished. 

If you do not have TEAMS installed on your preferred device(s), you can obtain it by performing the following steps:

  1. Download the TEAMS app through your respective app store.
    1. For Apple, click here.
    2. For the Google Play Store, click here. 
  2. After the installation is complete, you can log in with your University account and DUO verification. 
  3. You can check to see if your University phone is active by opening the app and going to the Calls tab.
    1. If your phone number is present, then you can continue to step 4. 
    2. If it is not there, you can submit a OIT ticket order and a technician will help you resolve this. 
  4. In the Calls tab, you can also initiate video calls by entering the person you wish to speak with and then selecting the video camera icon next to their name. 

What is Microsoft TEAMS Phone?

Microsoft TEAMS Phone refers to the capability to make and receive calls in Microsoft TEAMS. As you know, TEAMS users can call other TEAMS users. With TEAMS Phone, you can do this the same way you do now, but you can also make and receive calls to and from landlines and mobile phones too.

Will this change how TEAMS works?

Adding TEAMS Phone does not change how TEAMS works. It just adds capabilities. The main thing you’ll see is a more intuitive interface with all your contacts more easily accessible, and the ability to use a dial pad to call an external phone number.

Why hasn’t the dial pad appeared?

First confirm that you have an active license for TEAMS Phone. If you do not have a license, the dial pad will not appear. If you do have a TEAMS Phone license, and the dial pad is missing on your desktop or mobile device, try restarting your device.

Can I make emergency calls in Microsoft TEAMS?

Yes, you can make emergency calls in Microsoft TEAMS. Each calling plan user is automatically enabled for emergency calling and required to have a registered address associated with their assigned telephone number. Depending on your geography, and which capabilities you have enabled, TEAMS can accommodate emergency addresses to assist appropriate dispatch authorities in locating the emergency caller as quickly as possible.

Why would I want to use TEAMS Phone on my mobile device?

It may seem counter-intuitive to use TEAMS Phone on a mobile device, but it can make you more productive. Calls that come into TEAMS Phone can be answered within TEAMS on your desktop, or TEAMS on your mobile phone. You can switch between the two. It also makes it easier to manage your address books, contacts, and call history—while staying in the flow of working in TEAMS. Finally, it’s also a great way to keep your work and private life separate.

Why do I have a new phone number in TEAMS Phone?

Every TEAMS Phone account is automatically given a phone number. That way, your external contacts with landline or mobile numbers can call you back, but those calls stay within TEAMS.

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