University Phone System Transition

Last Updated: September 14, 2026
Expected Go-Live: November 2026

Overview

Anderson University is transitioning to a new phone system this fall. Beginning in November 2026, we will move from our current Mitel phone system to RingCentral + Microsoft Teams. This change is more than a replacement of our existing phone equipment. It represents a shift in how we think about and use our university phones.

Your phone, wherever you work

Think about the phone in your home. Most of us no longer have a telephone attached to the wall. Instead, our phone number follows us wherever we go.

We're moving toward that same idea at the university.

With the new system, your university phone number will be available through RingCentral and Microsoft Teams on your university-issued laptop. Employees will also have the option to use the RingCentral app on their personal mobile devices. A limited number of employees may continue to use a dedicated desk phone based on individual needs.

Your university phone number isn't going away. The way you access it is changing.

What Is Changing?

Current Phone System

We currently use Mitel for university telephone service. Employees have:

• A physical Mitel desk phone
• Access to the Mitel softphone
• A university telephone number

New Phone System

With RingCentral + Teams, your university phone service will be available through:

• RingCentral on your university laptop
• Direct integration in Microsoft Teams
• RingCentral mobile app, if you choose
• Physical desk phones for limited situations

The goal is to provide a phone experience that is less dependent on a particular physical location or piece of equipment.

What Does This Mean for Me?

Your individual phone setup will depend on your role and the communication needs of your position.

Most Faculty and Staff

Most employees will primarily use:

• University laptop + headset
• RingCentral will provide your university phone functionality through your computer, allowing you to make and receive university calls without a dedicated desk phone.

Employees Opting to Use Their Mobile Device

Some employees may also choose to use the RingCentral mobile app to access their university phone service from a personal mobile device. This allows them to make and receive university calls on their mobile phone while keeping their personal phone number private. In most cases, people receiving those calls will see the employee's university phone number rather than their personal number.

Additional information about mobile-device use, privacy, expectations, and setup will be provided before the transition. 

Employees Who Need a Desk Phone

A limited number of employees will continue using a physical desk phone because their job responsibilities or individual needs require one.

ITS will communicate directly with employees who are scheduled to receive new desk phones.

Do I Need to Do Anything Right Now?

No. This initial communication is intended to make everyone aware of the upcoming change. As we get closer to the November transition, ITS will provide instructions about:

• Accessing RingCentral
• Using RingCentral with your university laptop
• Connecting and using a headset
• Using RingCentral with Microsoft Teams
• Setting up voicemail
• Using the RingCentral mobile app (optional)
• Making and receiving calls
• Transferring calls
• Other common phone functions
• Training opportunities
• Getting help during the transition

Why Are We Making This Change?

Our Mitel phone system has served the university well, but it is an aging platform that has reached the end of its lifecycle. We are taking this opportunity to move to a newer phone system that better supports how our faculty and staff work today.

The new phone system will give the university a more flexible and modern approach to voice communication. Moving away from a phone system centered around physical desk phones allows employees to access their university phone service from different locations and devices. The new system is also designed to better align with the way we already work by using it with laptops, mobile devices, Microsoft Teams, and other digital communication tools.

What Happens to My Phone Number?

Your university phone number will remain part of the new phone system.

The major change is how you access that number, not the number itself. Additional information about number assignments, extensions, shared numbers, and departmental lines will be provided as part of the transition.

What Happens to My Mitel Phone?

Mitel phones will be retired as part of the transition to the new phone system. Employees who are assigned a new physical phone will receive additional information from ITS about their equipment. Employees who will primarily use RingCentral on their laptops will receive instructions for getting set up with their new phone experience. Please do not dispose of or relocate Mitel equipment unless instructed to do so by ITS.

Preparing for the Transition

As November approaches, ITS will provide additional information and training.

Before Go-Live

You may be asked to:

• Verify that RingCentral is available on your university laptop
• Sign in to RingCentral
• Test your microphone and headset
• Configure voicemail
• Review basic calling functions
• Install the RingCentral mobile app, if applicable
• Attend training or review training materials
• Complete any role-specific setup

Training

Training resources will be added to this page as they become available.

Training Resources:

• [Coming soon — RingCentral Quick Start Guide]
• [Coming soon — Making and Receiving Calls]
• [Coming soon — Transferring Calls]
• [Coming soon — Voicemail]
• [Coming soon — RingCentral Mobile App]
• [Coming soon — Microsoft Teams Calling]

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I still have a university phone number?

Yes. Your university phone number will continue to be used with the new phone system.

Will everyone get a new desk phone?

No. A limited number of employees will receive physical desk phones based on individual needs.

Most employees will use RingCentral on their university laptops, with a headset.

Do I have to use my personal cell phone?

This is an important question. Use of a personal cell phone is optional.

Can I use RingCentral from my laptop?

Yes. RingCentral will provide your university phone functionality on your university-issued laptop.

Can I use Microsoft Teams to make phone calls?

Yes. RingCentral and Microsoft Teams will work together as part of the new university phone system.

Additional instructions will be provided before go-live.

What if I work from home?

One of the benefits of the new system is that your university phone service can follow you beyond your physical desk.

Additional information about remote work and calling will be provided during training.

What happens to my voicemail?

Additional instructions will be provided before go-live.

What happens if I don't have a headset?

We will not require a specific headset or audio device for use with the new phone system. Headsets are a personal preference, so you are welcome to use the option that works best for you, including traditional headsets, Bluetooth headsets, or earbuds. When choosing a device, consider comfort, microphone quality, battery life, and compatibility with your computer.

When will the new system go live?

The current target is November 2026.

A specific go-live date and detailed transition schedule will be communicated before the change.

Getting Help

ITS will provide support before, during, and after the transition.

For the latest information, continue to check this article. Email its@anderson.edu with any questions.

Important Dates

Dates will be updated as the project progresses.

Stay Tuned

This page will be updated throughout the transition as additional information, training resources, and frequently asked questions become available.

We're not getting rid of your phone. We're changing where your phone lives.