Southeast is transitioning to a new Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system. The current system is 20 years old and showing its age as replacement parts are becoming more difficult to find. The new VoIP phone system offers enhanced services such as voicemail to email, desktop integration and a mobile application, as well as improved call center services for the University.

The Department of Information Technology (IT) will begin implementing the new system this spring. Anyone with a current phone will get a new base model phone and the Avaya desktop app at no cost. Phones with additional features will be available, but each department will be responsible for the cost difference from the model being provided. IT also began contacting each department on Jan. 13 with an inventory of existing active phones, and departments will have the opportunity to buy phones with additional features at that time. Throughout the implementation, faculty and staff will have opportunities in group settings to see the new phones and learn about new features.

After the new phone system has been configured, tested and all new phones have been installed, an after-hours cutover time will be scheduled. Once the new system is active, the old phones will be collected.

Please refer to the project website at https://www.semo.edu/it/telecomm/ throughout the implementation for schedule information, phone specifications, guides and links to online training.

For more information about this upgrade, contact the IT Telecommunications Office at (573) 651-2575.