Summary
Information, instructions, and deadlines for deactivating or releasing university-owned cell phones to align with the new Mobile Communications Device Policy effective January 1, 2024.
Body
Issue / Question
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How do I deactivate or release my university-owned cell phone?
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Can I keep my university-owned cell phone?
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Can I keep and use my university-owned cell phone on my personal plan?
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Can I use my university-owned cell phone with another cell phone provider?
Resolution
The University is moving forward with the
Mobile Communications Device Policy related to issuing cell phones for university business to align with modern best practices in higher education and ensure we are operating efficiently.
The university will release or deactivate your cell phone and number from their business account. You can have your number released to Verizon, port it to another carrier, or deactivate it altogether. This gives you the flexibility to transfer your service to a personal account. In order to complete all necessary steps before the holiday break, review the options listed below and follow the instructions provided in the "
Actions to Complete" section. To be able to complete the process before our holiday break, please release or port your number by
December 11, 2023. Failure to do so could result in losing access to secure systems, including Moodle and MyISU. Additionally, all university-owned cell phones will be deactivated on
January 1, 2024, when the Mobile Communications Policy is enforced.
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University-Owned Cell Phone Options
Option 1 - Deactivate your University-Owned Cell Phone and the Number (one choice)
- Deactivate your phone
- You can keep your phone for personal use.
Option 2 - Release your University-Owned Cell Phone to Verizon (four choices)
Current Verizon Personal Account
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Release your cell phone, excluding your number, to a current Verizon personal account
- Release your cell phone and your number to a current Verizon personal account
- Call Verizon at 1-800-922-0204 or visit a Verizon store with your cell phone, the account holder, and your personal account number within 15 days.
- Note: If you decide to release your cell phone number to a personal Verizon account while your phone is still under ISU contract, you will incur an Offer Recovery Fee of $20 per month until the contract ends. To confirm whether or not your cell phone is under contract, please contact Penny Stringham at pennystringham@isu.edu. However, you can avoid this fee by deactivating your ISU phone number and selecting a new one.
NEW Verizon Personal Account
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Release your cell phone, excluding your number, to Verizon and set up a NEW personal account
- Release your cell phone and your number to Verizon and set up a NEW Verizon personal account
- Visit a Verizon store with your cell phone within 15 days.
Step 1
Note: Before deactivating, releasing, or porting your phone to a personal cell phone provider, make sure to complete Step 1 to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted access to secure services like Moodle and MyISU.
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Navigate to MANAGE SECURITY
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Verify the phone number you provided for authentication through Duo Security and make any necessary adjustments or updates as required
- Select a cell phone option by indicating the corresponding number and letter in the University Cell Phone Options (above).
- Notes:
- Option 1 (A) You must specify your desired deactivation date
- Option 3 (F) or 3 (G) You will need to provide the name of your cell phone service provider
- Option 3 (G) You will need the PIN and account number from your confirmation email to set up your account
- Send an email to pennystringham@isu.edu with your selected option.
- Note: Once your request has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email containing instructions on how to proceed with releasing or porting your cell phone.
FAQs
The new
Mobile Communications Device Policy ends the practice of the university paying for cell phones issued to individuals. The policy aims to clarify processes and standards related to cell phones used for university business, resulting in significant savings. The new policy will mirror best practice policies that have been successful at other institutions and better align with current operations. Faculty and staff impacted by the new policy should discuss questions and concerns with their supervisors.
What is the reasoning behind ISU's decision not to supply cell phones to faculty and staff?
Google solutions like Google Workplace, Google Chat, GMail, and Jabber are accessible to ISU departments and staff. These platforms offer effective communication alternatives for business-related matters, eliminating the necessity for employees to utilize a university-owned cell phone.
Note: Information Technology Services (ITS) is in the process of piloting Google Voice and Zoom Phone as app-based options for our faculty and staff.