FAQs
What is ePhones@VCU?
www.ePhones@VCU.edu is your gateway to telecommunications at VCU; it will take you to the web page where answers, assistance and other great features await you.
Why now?
ePhones@VCU is being introduced now that the modernization of the University’s current telephone system is underway. ePhones@VCU will be your quick access to the new telecommunications platform project. This new telecommunications platform will be integrated with the data network and will mean better phone services for all faculty and staff.
Why the Change?
Currently the University has separate and costly infrastructures for voice, data, and video services which sometimes rely on outdated and unsupported equipment. Our current phone system (Centrex) is an outsourced model which requires VCU to be the middleman between users and Verizon. This presents challenges in customer service and responsiveness. Currently we have limited flexibility for new, expanded and integrated services such as merging of email, voice mail and instant messaging.
How Much is it Going to Cost and How Long Will it Take?
Our new integrated system is from AVAYA and uses a new technology known as Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. The $10.9 million, 18-month project will be funded through reserves and current operating revenues – In most cases telephone rates will not increase and departments will not be charged for the change over.
How Will this Benefit Me?
You will have a modern, state-of-the art telecommunications system that allows for integration with other technologies and applications. There will be improved phone services for all faculty and staff, including separate lines and voicemail for everyone! Since we will no longer be outsourcing our phone services you will see quicker and more responsive action on new and change service requests, as well as troubleshooting. Billing will be simplified and you will get a more dependable, robust and secure network, with no increase in telephone rates or installation cost to users for new systems*.
When Will this Happen &
What Do I Have to Do?
As you can imagine there are thousands of phones that have to be replaced throughout both campuses. The project is estimated to take 18 months to complete and installations will be done by buildings in 10-week blocks (blocks will over lap such as building one may be in week 3, while building three is in week 2). During week 1 a technician will need about a 5-minute access to your computer. Installation will occur during week 10 and there will be a 2-4 hour “down-time” needed for each install. Each department will receive a request to appoint a Departmental Liaison who will be able to keep you up to date on the project as a whole. Additionally you will receive notification prior to your installation giving you the expected date and details.
My phone number has changed in the new system. How do I fix it on the VCU web directory?
With the implementation of the new VCU phone system, some faculty and staff have new phone numbers. If your number is incorrect in the VCU directory on the web, then you can easily change it through Banner Self-Service (the same web site that you check for your pay and leave information). To access Banner Self Service, log into the myVCU portal at https://my.vcu.edu and click on the "Banner Self Service for Employees" link in the Single Sign-on Links portlet. Once in Banner Self Service, just click on the Personal tab and update your
office telephone number. This change will ensure that your correct
contact information is displayed in the "People Search" on the VCU
homepage as well as other directory databases. Please note that it
will take a day or two for all subsidiary databases to be updated
once the new information is entered into Banner Self Service. If you
have any questions, please contact the Technology Services Help Desk at 828-2227.
*if a new line is required at time of installation there will be a charge to the department (i.e.: 2 people share a line, both will require a separate line)