TXST Transition to Teams Phones

Introducing Microsoft Teams Phones at TXST

We're excited to announce the migration of TXST’s current switchboard phone system to the cloud-based Microsoft Teams phone system. Teams phones offer a modern and adaptable communication solution designed to enrich collaboration and productivity across the university.

What to Expect

  • Beginning Fall 2024 through Spring 2025, all landline telephones will be replaced by the Teams Phone system. 
  • Support will be provided by IT throughout the transition process.
  • Training and resources will be available to help you get started with Teams phones.

Do you have questions or need help?

Complete our Teams Phone Migration Inquiry, and an IT team member will respond as soon as possible.

FAQs

  • The Microsoft Teams phone system:

    • Provides a cost-effective, cloud-based solution compatible with other Microsoft applications.
    • Allows users to receive, transfer, and transcribe calls, among other features.
    • Offers access from computers, tablets, mobile devices, and desk phones.

       
  • Yes, all TXST departments, faculty, and staff are required to transition to the Teams phone system.

  • The transition per phone only takes a few minutes and is usually done on a Friday (after 5 p.m.) to ensure there are no missed calls. Address books will sync within 24 hours. 

  • Teams phone calls prompt a notification in Teams which you can answer directly from your device. However, if student employees answer your area’s calls, you must purchase a handset. To guarantee IT support of your handset, you must purchase one of the following devices from TSUS Marketplace

  • Physical handsets are not provided. If you wish to purchase a physical handset, and guarantee IT support of your handset, you must order one of the following devices from TSUS Marketplace

  • When your area has been scheduled for the transition to Teams phones, you’ll receive an email with a timeline and additional information.

  • Department main offices will keep their current phone numbers. Faculty and staff who have had the same phone number for at least six (6) months prior to their scheduled migration date may choose to keep their current number.

  • Yes, transfers will work similarly to how they do now. Students can use the directory lookup feature on the Poly CCX 600 Teams phones to transfer calls. 

  • Call Queue can manage main line calls. Here's how it works:

    • We'll add all staff members who should receive main line calls to the Call Queue.
    • When a call comes in, the Call Queue will ring the next designated person on the list.
    • If that person is unavailable, the call will automatically ring the next person on the list.
    • Staff members can control their availability by setting their Teams status to Available or Do Not Disturb (DND).

    Important Notes:

    • If you're in a Teams meeting, your status will automatically change to DND and revert to Available when the meeting ends.
    • Staff members can also set their status to DND on their Poly CCX 600 physical Teams Phone handset.
    • Alternatively, users can have all staff members' Teams Phones ring simultaneously, allowing anyone to answer the call.
  • All faculty, staff, and departments will receive voicemail in the same way they do now. You can upload a personalized recording or type out a message and an AI voice will read it.

  • If you dial 911 from a Teams phone, the call automatically routes the University Police Department to your location within approximately 500 feet.