Welcome to GradFund Conversations! This blog post includes GradFund’s tips on how to participate in our remote meetings via Webex!
GET TO KNOW WEBEX
If you’re not familiar with Webex, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Webex interface prior to your meeting by accessing the Help Center page. If possible, we advise you to use Google Chrome as a browser when connecting.
BE SURE YOU HAVE THE LINK TO YOUR WEBEX MEETING
On the day of your appointment you will receive an email an hour prior to your meeting with a link to your Webex meeting, so be sure to check your email (including the spam folder) on that day. If you do not receive an email with a link to your meeting on the day of your online appointment, please email us at fellowship_advisor@gradfund.rutgers.edu to let us know.
CREATE A WORKSPACE THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Find your own comfortable space to work! Do you have a free room available? Great! If not, anywhere with a table or desk will do.
EQUIP YOURSELF
Be sure you have your equipment available to use during your Webex meeting. Equipment can range from having your keyboard, mouse, and speakers ready to having your cup of coffee, water and anything else that you would like by your side.
LIMIT MEETING DISTRACTIONS
We understand that during a Webex meeting a bit of background noise is inevitable in our homes. Therefore, if you are not speaking, it is best to put yourself on mute during your Webex meeting. If it becomes difficult to cancel out noise during your meeting, we suggest using a headset or headphones to help minimize any background noise.
WEAR PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE
Dress as you would if you were attending an office meeting. We imagine that you wouldn’t show up to an office meeting with pajamas on, so please do your best to dress appropriately for your Webex meeting with us.
BE PREPARED FOR TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES
We can’t plan for everything! However, in advance of your meeting, login to Webex (through Google Chrome, if possible) and make sure everything is working properly. Be sure you have a stable internet connection and a backup plan, if necessary. If you experience any technical difficulties during your meeting, you can also connect to your Webex meeting by phone. Information on how to join a Webex meeting by phone is found in the email that is sent to you on the day of your appointment. You can also learn more about the multiple ways to join a Webex meeting, by visiting the page, Joining a meeting with your personal account.
BE READY FOR POTENTIAL SCREEN SHARING
Your advisor may want to share their screen with you or ask you to share your screen with them during your meeting, so be prepared! Organization is key! You should only keep open and visible the tabs and materials that you will be sharing during your meeting.
COME PREPARED WITH QUESTIONS & TAKE NOTES
Ensure you have access to all your application materials, paper, pen ahead of time. Download any files that you may need prior to your meeting. Be prepared to take notes during your meeting and come prepared with questions to make the most of your appointment time. Please note that we do not permit the recording of meetings.
Now that you have reviewed our ultimate guide to remote meetings with GradFund, take a moment, and reflect on how you can make your meeting with GradFund most productive for you.
We look forward to meeting with you via Webex!