Voicemail Tip of the Week: Phone Commands

Voicemail
Voicemail offers the option to set an Out of Office greeting and status that can be set to give callers information about your absence. Check for procedures within your department for specific items to be included in your greeting such as information about dates of absence and return, regular office hours, and when they can expect a return phone call. Your department may also ask you to offer website information if that is an acceptable means of information for callers. It is recommended that each person updates their greeting, and offices should be sure the main departmental line is updated when hours are changed. Upon return to work, be sure to switch back to the regular greeting and status. Step-by-step instructions for Out of Office messages

Phone Forwarding
As a courtesy to callers, be sure to forward each voicemail enabled phone immediately to voicemail. This quickly gives information to callers. Upon return work, be sure to clear immediate forwarding and reset as appropriate for your office. Step-by-step instructions for Phone Forwarding.

Outlook Email
Microsoft Office Outlook’s Out of Office Assistant can be used to automatically respond to email messages in the event of an absence. The Out of Office Assistant can respond differently to emails within and outside of TWU. Check for specific procedures within your department for specific items to be included in your Out of Office replies such as dates of absence and return, an alternative point of contact, and when to expect a response. Your department may also ask you to offer website information if that is an acceptable means of information for inquiries. Upon return to work, be sure to remove the automatic response. Step-by-step instructions on using Outlook's Out of Office Assistant.

Note: Visit our blogpost to find out how to Set Out of Office using Outlook Web Access.

NOTE: Remember to remove the out of office status on your e-mail & voicemail. Removing out of office must be done on both voicemail and e-mail.

Voicemail is available for all permanent faculty and staff. To setup an account e-mail voicemail@twu.edu from your TWU e-mail account and include name, campus and telephone extension.

Want more information? Call the TWU Helpdesk (940) 898-3971