Zoom

Zoom is a cloud-based conferencing solution that provides both video conferencing and screen share capabilities. All USF faculty, staff and students have access to the university's licensed account and to Zoom’s great video conferencing features.  

Getting Started

Downloading the software

Zoom is a software based video conferencing system; if you don't have the software installed, download a copy of the software from the USF:   Zoom Download page.

To access the features in meetings, it is important to sign into the software app through Single Sign On (SSO).  The instructions can be found in the sign in guide.

Activate and Setup your account

You can sign in to the USF Zoom account site to access your settings, profile, scheduled meetings and cloud recordings:  https://usfca.zoom.us/

Here also is the full guide that covers the profile and settings for your USF Zoom account: Activate and Setup your Zoom Account


New!  Zoom AI Companion

Zoom has enabled some new features called AI Summary and Smart Recordings, which uses generative AI technology to create summaries and next steps for live meetings and summaries, chaptering with summaries, next steps as well as the transcript for cloud recordings.  Check out the new features on the Generative AI Features in Zoom resource page.

 

New!  Zoom Notes

Zoom has added a note-taking feature that you can create and use in a meeting, on the USF Zoom account page as well as the Zoom app on your Mac or PC.  Check out the Zoom articles on accessing and using Zoom Notes:

Getting started with Zoom Notes

Using Zoom Notes in a meeting

 

New!  Zoom Whiteboard

Zoom has an updated Whiteboard feature that you can use and share in and out of Zoom meetings; create whiteboards before a Zoom meeting and then use them for collaboration, brainstorming and planning before, during and after meetings.  Learn how to get started:

Getting started with Zoom Whiteboard

Using Zoom Whiteboard in a Zoom meeting

 

How do I use Zoom?

Basic Guide and Scheduling

Engagement Tools

Cloud Recording in Zoom

Archiving Zoom Cloud Recordings

Remember that Zoom cloud recordings are only stored on the Zoom server for 6 months because of storage limits on our account.  If you do need to save a recording, you need to download and archive the video files to either Google Drive or Panopto.  Here is the article on the Zoom Retention Policy and the article on archiving Zoom recordings to Panopto.

Reporting tools

Zoom equipment for Faculty:  Remote and HyFlex instruction 

This list comprises a base set of recommended equipment for the Bring Your Own Device or BYOD for faculty who are not assigned to the new HyFlex classrooms and need to bring in and set up webcams and microphones for class sessions.

Student Resources

Remember that you too have access to the full USF Zoom license and to all of the tools for hosting your own meetings!  Here are some tutorials and documentation to help you get started.

Activating and Authenticating into Your Student Account

It is important to sign in properly into the Zoom software app on your computer or mobile device both to host your own meetings with the licensed account and to join sessions that require an authenticated account to enter or participate.  Here is the Student Zoom guide that shows the process.

Here also is the full guide that covers the profile and settings for your USF Zoom account: Activate and Setup your Zoom Account

Student Zoom Usage Guides


Testimonial