SIX TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR ONLINE EVENT

  1. On the day of your event, ensure that you’re using your most stable internet connection.
    • If you have an Ethernet cable, simply plug one end into your home’s internet router and the other end into your computer. A wired connection is always stronger than WiFi.
    • If you must use WiFi, move yourself and your device as close as possible to your internet router. It’s also helpful to disconnect all other devices from WiFi (i.e. any smartphone, tablet, etc. not in use for the event).
  2. Join your event early by going to your personal Alumni Reunion web itinerary and clicking the “Access Event” button for the event you’re attending. Just before Reunion starts, the primary registrant will receive an email with a link to their personal Alumni Reunion web itinerary, where information about accessing events will be available. Guests will not receive reminder emails, so we encourage primary registrants to share all relevant event details with their guests. Contact us if you need help.
  3. Please ensure the web browser or application you are using is fully updated. We recommend using Google Chrome for the optimal viewing experience.
  4. If you have technical questions or difficulties during the event, click the “Need Help?” button on the bottom right of the page or simply send a message in the “Chat” or “Q&A” if these features are enabled.
  5. For most events, you’ll only have the option to type questions; you won’t have access to the camera or mic function. If your event does let you use your camera and/or mic, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the following icons:
    • Mute - Turns off microphone
    • Unmute - Allows you to speak
    • Turn camera on - Allows you to be seen on screen
    • Turn camera off - You are not seen on screen
    • Join with audio - Enables mic functions during an event
    • Chat - Allows for written interaction with participants
    • Q&A - Allows submission of questions to the speaker, moderator or event support staff
  6. Keep this tech support page open for easy access! If you need live support, email us at alumni.reunion@utoronto.ca or call 1-888-738-8876 or 416-978-5881.

  • Can I use my camera and/or mic?
    • For most events, you’ll only be watching though you might have the option to type questions or comments. If the event indicates you can network with fellow alumni, you might have access to your camera and/or mic.

  • How do I turn on/off my camera and mic?
    • If you’re attending an event that allows networking, you’ll be able to manage your camera and mic by clicking the camera and mic icons in the event window. If the camera and mic have lines through them, that means they’re disabled and no one can see or hear you. If they don’t have lines through them, the camera and mic are enabled and other alumni can see and hear you.

      Note: If the event does not include a networking component, then it’s possible the event organizer has disabled your camera and mic. If so, you won’t be able to use these functions.

  • How do I test my video and/or audio?
  • I do not want to appear on video. What do I do?
    • For most events, you won’t even have the option to turn on your camera. But for events that invite you to network with other alumni, it’s possible you’ll have camera access. If you don’t wish to appear on screen, please ensure that the camera icon located in the event window has a line through it: .

      To be extra certain your camera can’t see anything, cover it up with a sticky note.

  • How do I make sure that my mic is off?
    • For most events, you won’t even have the option to turn on your mic. However, for events that invite you to network with other alumni, it’s possible you’ll have mic access. If you don’t wish to use your mic, please ensure that the mic icon located in the event window has a line through it: .

  • The video and/or mic is lagging. How do I fix this?
    • This could be due to your internet connection. We recommend one or all of the following:

      • Try waiting 10 seconds to see if the problem fixes itself. Sometimes the issue is temporary or on the presenter’s end.
      • Move yourself and your device closer to your home’s internet router.
      • Plug your computer into your internet router using an Ethernet cable (if you have one).
      • Ensure that all other devices are disconnected from your WiFi (i.e., tablets or smartphones not in use for the event).
      • If you’re still experiencing a delay, we recommend restarting your device or trying a different device.
  • Why can I hear an echo?
    • An echo is not usually your fault. It occurs when someone on the call is unmuted and NOT wearing their headphones. If you’re using your mic during an event, we recommend wearing headphones to avoid creating an echo for others.

  • Why can’t I see anything?
    • If you’ve accessed the event before the scheduled start time, it’s possible this event hasn’t started yet. Closer to the event’s scheduled start time (within 1–2 minutes), we recommend refreshing the event window by either clicking the refresh button located in the URL bar, or leaving the event and re-entering by clicking the event link again.

  • How do I ask a question during an event?
    • For most events, all you need to do is locate the “Q&A” button, or a window that reads “Ask a Question.” Just type your question and click “Send” or “Submit.”

  • How do I participate in a poll/vote?
    • When a speaker presents a viewer poll, the question and possible answers should pop up in a separate window. Simply click on your preferred answer and then click “Save.” If after 10 seconds you can’t see the poll window, know that it might be hidden behind the main event window. Try moving windows around to locate the poll.

  • How do I chat with other alumni?
    • For most events, the chat function will be turned off. You’ll know whether this function is active by clicking “Chat” and activating the chat window. If the chat is unavailable, you’ll see this message: “Host disabled attendee chat.” If the chat function is available to you, you’ll be able to type and send messages freely.

  • I have specific accessibility requirements. How do I participate?
    • U of T prioritizes our guests’ accessibility needs and experiences. All virtual and live broadcasted events will be supported by closed captioning. You may enable this feature by clicking the “CC” button on the player if your event is offered through Zoom. For an optimal viewing experience, please ensure all browsers and applications you are using are fully updated. We are committed to accommodating all accessibility requests to ensure you have an enjoyable experience.

      Please reach out to the event organizers as soon as possible to ensure we can address your needs.

Still have questions? Contact Us