Mercer University implemented a network-based Cisco Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) system, which provides telephone services over a network connection.
We have completely replaced our traditional telephone system and handsets with this new platform. The Cisco system provides a wealth of improved features for supporting university business.
Please explore the many features of VoIP using the links below. If you still have questions after browsing through the information provided, please feel free to contact the IT Help Desk.
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Benefits of VoIP
There are many advantages of using VOIP. You will find the features to which you are already accustomed, as well as a wide range of new features like full-duplex speaker phones, graphical display, one-touch access to important features, and direct access to University directories. For more information about feature and benefits to Cisco VoIP Phones, please visit Cisco product information page.
Video Capabilities
The VoIP system does allow for desktop video conferencing. With the addition of a simple webcam you will be able to communicate using voice and video to other Mercer individuals with webcams. It will be as simple as dialing their number; if enabled, the video will automatically display on both ends. Telephone calls across campus or campus to campus will easily be face-to-face communication. Additional capabilities enable you to engage in multi-caller voice, video, and web conferencing.
Emergency Alerting
The new VoIP infrastructure provides many alerting and notification features. Your handset will have a graphical screen capable of running web applications (University calendars, menus, etc.). This functionality allows appropriate University elements to deliver emergency alerts directly to all telephones using sound and/or video.
Soft Phones
You have the capability of having a software version of your telephone right on your laptop. This, combined with a VPN connection, allows you to have your desk phone with you wherever you go for making or receiving calls.
Common Questions
How do I access voice mail from off campus?
Dial your appropriate prefix (478-301 or 678-547) followed by 3500, then select the asterisk (*). When prompted for your ID, enter your extension followed by #. Then, enter your password followed by #.
How do I activate fast dial service?
You must contact the IT Help Desk so that a Telecom Technician can make the appropriate programming change on the system. You must be migrated to Exchange and Active Directory for this to work.
How do I activate call forwarding service?
You must contact the IT Help Desk so that a Telecom Technician can make the appropriate programming change on the system.
How do I transfer a caller directly to voice mail?
Press the [Transfer] button, then select the asterisk (*). Enter the extension you wish to transfer to and press the [Transfer] button again.
Tutorials
The following interactive tutorials are available to assist you in using your VoIP telephone:
- Cisco Phone Tutorials (Select the model closest to your phone.)
The following quick start guides are also available:
Conference Calls
University business often requires conference calling, the connection of multiple parties on a single phone call. There are several options for conference calling:
- Establish conferencing bridge service through the Mercer University switchboard operator (x2700). A fee applies for this service. Mercer IT strongly recommends the bridge service for calls engaging 10 or more callers.
- Create ad-hoc conferences on the VoIP desk phone. These are calls where you use the “Conference” and “Join” buttons directly on your telephone. Right now all phones default to a maximum of four active calls, but that setting can be increased. Mercer IT strongly recommends the bridge service (described above) for calls engaging 10 or more callers.
- Setup a “Meet-Me” number. This is a number that can be activated as needed by pressing the “Meet-Me” button and dialing the number. Once activated, other callers can call directly into the “Meet-Me” number. This function is limited to 15 active calls (the phone setting the conference up, plus 14 dial-in callers). Mercer IT will set up one Meet-Me number per department (upon request).
Voicemail Plug-In Download
The voicemail plug-in allows you to listen to your voicemail within Outlook. To install the voicemail plug-in:
- Download the Voicemail Plug-In.
- Click Save.
- Select your Desktop as the destination for the file.
- Click Save.
- Click Run from the download complete dialog box.
- Click Run (again) from the security warning dialog box.
- Click Browse.
- Select your Desktop from the list of file locations.
- Click OK.
- Click Unzip. Once the extraction has completed, a message window will appear notifying you of how many files have been copied.
- Click OK.
- Click Close to close the zip window.
- Locate the CiscoUnity.VMO7.0.2 folder on your desktop.
- Navigate to the ENG folder.
- Double-click the ViewMail Windows Installer Package and follow the default options to install the plug-in on your computer.