We are pleased to announce the planned transition of our existing phone systems to a completely integrated Microsoft Teams Calling solution. With this upgrade, you should have a better communication experience with internal and external colleagues from wherever you are.
You will be able to make/receive calls both internally and externally using the "Calls" tab within Microsoft Teams (or from a physical phone). You will be able to dial by extension or name for internal calls.
Live online training will be offered to you before you are migrated to the new system. The following links provide training videos and guides to assist you with transitioning to Microsoft Teams Calling.
- Microsoft Videos:
- Guides
- Training Recordings
- Desk Phone Guides (limited deployment on as-needed basis)
Frequently Asked Questions
Our current voice solution, Skype for Business (Lync 2013), is outdated and no longer supported, which means it must be replaced. We are transitioning to Microsoft Teams Calling to ensure better performance, security, and support. We chose Teams Calling because it integrates best with the other Microsoft applications we use, making communication easier and more reliable for everyone.
No, Microsoft Teams Calling will completely replace the current phone system. Skype for Business (Lync) is no longer supported by Microsoft and will not be available for calls or chat.
While employees are strongly encouraged to switch to a headset, we know that there are situations where a desk phone is required or is more practical. If you choose to keep your desk phone, it will be replaced with a similar reconfigured one so that it will work with Microsoft Teams Calling. Some current phones are not compatible with the new system. IT will replace incompatible desk phones as needed. NOTE: If you did not notify IT on the survey that you wish to keep your desk phone, you should do so immediately. Desk phones with the current configuration will not work after the transition takes place.
IT staff will be providing headsets as the new system is rolled out building by building. If you do not receive one or decide later on that you wish to use a headset, submit a ticket at itsupport.bju.edu.
Yes. You will still be able to call four-digit extensions; however, for most numbers you will reach an auto attendant which will prompt you to redial the extension along with the pound sign. NOTE: After you are transitioned to Teams Calling, some users may not be able to dial you by extension for up to 4 hours; this is expected.
Yes, you will be able to make and receive external calls just like you currently do with Skype for Business.
Yes, you can still forward calls to your cell phone or to other phones as needed.
No, you can use Teams Calling without a camera. However, there may need to be some reconfiguration. If you wish to take advantage of making video calls, you can request a webcam with an integrated microphone by submitting a ticket at itsupport.bju.edu.
IT is planning to begin the transition to Teams Calling in early February. IT staff will be going building by building to assist with this transition and answer questions. You will be notified in advance of the day your building or area is scheduled. You will also receive an invitation to attend live online training.
You will be given a ten-digit phone number if you do not already have one. It will appear on the Calls tab in Microsoft Teams. Anyone can call you directly using that number. Your BJU extension number will also work normally; however, you may not be able to directly call the extension of someone who is still on Skype for Business. If you call an extension and receive a busy signal, dial the BJU switchboard (864-242-5100) and, when prompted, enter the extension number of the person you are calling to complete your call. If you have not yet been migrated to Teams Calling and experience trouble calling someone who has been transitioned to the new system, please submit a ticket at itsupport.bju.edu. Also note that for internal calls, you can both still use the Teams app to call one another by name just as you could before the migration.
While the Teams app provides many advantages for communicating with colleagues, installation of the app is not required for this transition.
Yes, there are other options. For example, you can use the microphone in your laptop or webcam along with earbuds or even computer speakers. There are other types of headsets that go on one ear or around the neck. Submit a ticket at itsupport.bju.edu if your department is interested in purchasing one of these options.
Common area phones that are still needed will be reconfigured to work with Microsoft Teams Calling; however, if the current phone model is incompatible with Teams Calling, IT will replace it with a compatible phone.
If your department uses Interaction Desktop, it will be replaced with Microsoft Teams Auto Attendant and Call Queue. Training will be provided to assist with this transition. More information will be provided before these departments are transitioned.
Yes, you will still be able to make international calls as you did with Skype for Business.
Click here for a brief guide to sending a chat in Teams.
Yes, all calling currently uses Skype for Business. Your calling will be migrated and your physical desk phone will be reconfigured to work with Microsoft Teams Calling even if you never use the Skype for Business or Teams desktop application.
In Microsoft Teams, you will see a dial pad in your “Calls” tab with your 10-digit work phone number beneath it, and/or an IT Support technician has reconfigured your desk phone.
In Microsoft Teams, click the three dots to the left of your profile picture (top right of page) and choose Settings. In the left-hand menu, click Devices. Scroll down to Secondary Ringer and choose your computer speakers. Teams calls will now ring through your computer's speakers.
Submit a ticket at itsupport.bju.edu or call ext. 3880.