Microsoft Teams (also known as MS Teams or Teams) is a secure Office 365 collaboration tool that helps teams stay organised and connected, bringing conversations and content together in one place.
MS Teams integrates directly with Office 365 applications such as SharePoint, OneDrive and Planner making it easy for staff to communicate and collaborate securely wherever they are.
Teams Meetings
You can schedule meetings using Teams through your Outlook calendar.
Meetings in Teams can be audio or video conference sessions that allow people to connect from any device.
Organise a meeting with specific attendees
You can Schedule a Teams Meeting from Outlook
Or you can open MS Teams and:
- Click Calendar in the left menu in Teams
- + New Meeting button
- Add Title, attendees, time etc
- You can add a channel now or later
- Save to send out invites to attendees and put the meeting in your calendar
You can Manage your meetings through your calendar and start the meeting, by clicking on it from your Calendar in either Teams or Outlook.
Getting Started
Microsoft have created a Teams interactive demo, which you can use to get a feel for what Teams is like before you start using the programme.
Note that your own MS Teams interface may look slightly different as Microsoft are continually updating the platform.
How to access Teams
Web browser (Currently the preferred method):
- Login to the Staff Portal
- Click the All Office365 Apps tile
- Select Teams from the list of apps.
Note: Microsoft Teams web app is not available for the Safari web browser.
The Microsoft Teams web app no longer supports Internet Explorer 11.
Desktop app
To have Teams running all the time on your desktop, download the desktop app.
You can find it easily on the web version of the Teams client, in the bottom left hand section of the purple side bar.
Depending on your device, you should be able to install Teams without being prompted for admin permissions.
If you have any issues please contact servicedesk@ulster.ac.uk.
Mobile Device
To use Teams on a mobile device, go to the app store and install the Teams app.
Enter your full University email address, in the format an.other@ulster.ac.uk and your Network password and click 'Sign In'.
Further Information
We recommend referring to the following to find out more about MS Teams and specific functionality as it becomes available.
- Microsoft Teams Basics (Microsoft site)
- Microsoft Teams Training (Microsoft site)
- Microsoft Team Essentials (LinkedIn Learning)
- Microsoft Teams help centre (Microsoft Guidance)
Here you will find links to Microsoft training videos and easy to follow guides categorised by feature to make it easier to find what you need quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a Teams site/group to arrange a webinar or meet online?
No.
You can arrange audio/video meetings online without needing a Team collaboration area to be set up.
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How to I setup a 'Team site' collaboration area for a group of users?
To apply for a Team ‘Site’ and ‘Channel’ complete a MS Teams site request form.
All Microsoft apps are enabled for use in these collaboration areas.
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The ‘Teams Meeting’ button isn’t appearing in Outlook what should I do?
Ensure that the Teams Desktop Client is installed, Close Outlook and then reload it.
The Teams icon should now appear.
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Can I use Breakouts rooms?
MS Teams Breakout rooms are available to meeting organisers. You can find out more by following the link or by contacting Digitalskills@ulster.ac.uk.
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How do I access calls from within the Teams Desktop App?
Within the Teams App you will some icons on the left hand side. If “Calls” does not appear here you can add it by using the “...” at the bottom of the icon list. Once you have added “Calls” you may want to right click on this to “pin” it to the list of icons so you don’t have to repeat this.
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How do I get calls to appear on the buttons on the Teams Mobile App?
Within the Teams Mobile App you will see some icons on the bottom of the screen. Selecting “... More” at the right of these will show more features of Teams. Clicking “reorder” at the top right of this pane will allow you to (if necessary) move something out of the top five items that you use so that you can move “Calls” into that top five. This will allow you to see the Calls icon directly within the app.
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How do I set up secondary ringer?
Select the three dots in the upper right-hand corner beside your initials and select settings
Scroll down to devices and at the bottom there is an option to add a secondary ringer which can be the laptop device or a USB device.
Information Governance
It is important that you consider Protecting Information when sharing information in MS Teams.
Also we recommend you complete the LinkedIn Learning training on Cyber Security & Safer Digital Communications.
How to contact the Service Desk
You can also Live Chat with a Service Desk team member. When a team member is available you will see a button on the bottom right of this screen. If the button is not visible, you can still contact us via the methods above.
Service Desk Hours
Semester 1 and 2
Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday – Sunday 1pm – 5pm
All other times except extended closure
Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 4pm