Working Remote and Remote Desktop

During the current remote work period, users will be unable to go to campus to resolve issues with the campus PCs they are remoting into (e.g. the computer shuts down). For that reason, campus users need to reduce their dependency on remoting into their campus desktops. Listed below are some tips on how to do so.


Do you use remote desktop protocol (RDP) from your home computer to access valuable documents (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) saved to your CSU desktop?

  • Saving documents to your desktop is not recommended. This data may be difficult to retrieve when computer issues occur. Saving your documents in the cloud or OneDrive allows you to safely access your files from any computer or location. 

Remote Desktop is not needed to access your shared drives or PeopleSoft.

  • Use VPN to access shared drives instead of Remote Desktop. 
    • To remap your drives, view our guides for Windows and Mac.

Many of our applications are available on the web and can be accessed from a browser on any computer using wifi - No VPN or Remote Desktop is needed.

  • Below is a list of some of the more frequently used applications:
    • CampusNet
    • Blackboard
    • Starfish
    • Faculty Profile
    • Kronos
    • MagnusMart
    • Office 365/email
    • PeopleAdmin
    • VikeHealth and Well-Being
    • ServiceNow
    • Cayuse
    • Handshake