Cisco Telephony Modernization Project

Training resources will be available starting June 15:

📘 Cisco Unified IP Phone User Guide

🎥 Cisco Phone Training Videos available in the section below.

📱 Cisco Self Care Portal Guide (coming soon)

The Self Care Portal (coming soon) allows you to:

• Set up speed dials
• Configure call forwarding
• Adjust phone settings

Yes. From August 15 – September 7, vendor support will be available to assist as faculty and staff return.

Quick Start Resources

• Cisco Unified Communications Self Care Portal User Guide, Release 15

Below are step-by step instructions:

Initial Setup (First-Time Use)

1. Access Voicemail: Press the Messages button (envelope icon) on your Cisco phone.
2. Enter Temporary PIN: When prompted, enter the default PIN provided by your IT department (commonly 12345, 121212, or 0000) followed by the pound key (#).
3. Initial Tutorial: The system will guide you through the initial setup. Do not hang up until the system states that you have finished enrollment.
4. Record Your Name: At the prompt, speak your first and last name after the tone, then press #.
5. Record Personal Greeting: Follow prompts to record a personal greeting (e.g., "Hi, this is [Name], I am not available...") and press # to finish.
6. Change PIN: Enter a new personal PIN
7. Finalize: The system will confirm that enrollment is complete 

Voicemail Security

• Set a strong PIN
• Do not share your PIN
• Update it periodically

Work From Anywhere with Cisco SoftPhone

*Please note that Jabber functionality will be available the day after your upgraded campus desk phone is installed and configured by our provider.

All Commonwealth University employees have access to Cisco SoftPhone features through the University telephone system. SoftPhone technology allows employees to make and receive University phone calls using a computer or mobile device instead of a traditional desk phone.

What Is a SoftPhone, and can I use it?

• A SoftPhone is a software-based phone application that provides many standard office phone features, including:
• Making and receiving calls
• Accessing voicemail
• Caller ID and contacts
• Call forwarding
• Conference calling

Yes, SoftPhones use an internet connection and allow all employees to use their University extension from nearly anywhere.

Cisco Jabber

Cisco Jabber is the University’s primary SoftPhone application and is available for:

• Windows and macOS
• iPhone/iPad
• Android devices

Employees can use Jabber to:

• Place and receive calls using their University number
• Access voicemail
• Use headsets or built-in audio devices
• Work remotely or while traveling

Jabber can be used alongside a desk phone or, in some cases, instead of one.

Benefits

SoftPhone features provide:

• Flexibility for remote and hybrid work
• Mobility across devices and locations
• Consistent access to your University phone number and voicemail
• Reduced dependence on physical desk phones

SoftPhone also helps employees keep personal phone numbers private while making University business calls.

Getting Started

To use Cisco SoftPhone features:

1. Download Cisco Jabber
2. Install Cisco Jabber on your computer or mobile device
3. Sign in with your University credentials
4. Configure your headset, microphone, or speakers

Commonwealth University is upgrading to a modern Cisco Unified Communications platform. This replaces legacy phone systems with a more reliable, flexible, and feature-rich solution across all campuses.

This upgrade improves:

• Call quality and reliability
• User experience and mobility
• Supportability and security
• Long-term cost efficiency

Phone installations will occur between May 20 – June 30, with most deployments happening between May 18 – June 1. Your department will receive advance notice.

The installations will occur on the following schedule:

No. Your existing phone number and extension will remain the same.

In most cases, no action is required. Once installed, you may:

• Log in (if required)
• Set up voicemail
• Customize settings (speed dials, forwarding, etc.)

• Email: helpdesk@commonwealthu.edu
• Phone: xHELP (x4357)
• IT Support Portal

• Bluetooth pairing with mobile devices
  • Bluetooth functionality may vary slightly depending on device model and operating system.
• Improved voicemail system
• Speed dials and favorites
• Call forwarding and mobility options
• Enhanced display and usability

Yes. Many Cisco phones support Bluetooth pairing, allowing you to make and receive calls through your mobile device.

*Bluetooth functionality may vary slightly depending on device model and operating system.

Yes, the system is upgraded, but functionality remains familiar with improvements.

No. Emergency call systems use separate technology and will not be affected.

All phones are expected to be fully functional by June 30, 2026.

Avaya office and reception desk phones will be replaced with a new Cisco phone.  There are a number of the old-style analog phones in some classrooms – those will remain functional/working but they will not be replaced as part of this project.

The utilization of new technology will provide modern phone features while also yielding significant cost savings for the university

Yes, there is a change to the on-campus dialing procedures at the Bloomsburg campus.

To place calls within the Bloomsburg campus, please dial the 5-digit extension (which includes the prefix '6') rather than the previously used 4-digit extension.