Technology and Design
Northwestern University faculty and staff have several tools at their disposal to create branded content and deliver through web meeting software. These are the recommended resources to utilize in planning virtual end-of-year events to celebrate and recognize students.
Virtual Web Tools
Zoom
Every NU email account is eligible to participate in the University’s licensed Zoom platform, with varying attendee levels. All events expected to include 300 or less attendees may use the basic Zoom product that most faculty and staff use normally and outlined below. Any events that are expected to include more than 300 attendees should contact wcas-events@northwestern.edu to schedule training on the expanded Zoom Webinar platform or consider using WebEx which can support up to 500 attendees.
Uses & Features
- Collaborate inside or outside the University
- Small to large group meetings (can host up to 300 attendees)
- Chat feature
- Waiting room option
- Option to co-host calls
- ’Breakout rooms’ feature
- Polling and Q&A features, including virtual hand raising
- Recording option
- Dial-in options, Audio and/or Video
- File Sharing
CAUTION: With the widespread use of Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic, hackers and pranksters have increasingly disrupted meetings by “ZoomBombing,” often displaying inappropriate content. Here are some tips to help secure your meetings:
Do not put the meeting URL on a public website. Instead, share only with participants.
- Use a random Meeting ID, not your personal one for the event.
- Lock the meeting after 10 minutes.
- Only authenticated users can join meetings using their NetID.
- Require a password when scheduling new meeting.
- Require a password for participants joining by phone.
- Set-up your meeting to function more like a Zoom Webinar to limit attendee capabilities.
- Click 'Learn More' below for the latest updates on security or contact Weinberg College Information Technology Solutions at WITS@nortwestern.edu for further support and guidance.
Microsoft Teams
Available to faculty, staff and students, Microsoft Teams is most commonly used among staff for daily chat and video conferencing. The limiting feature for this platform – it is only for internal audiences which may not be useful for events that plan on inviting student families.
Uses and Features
- Collaborate with NU colleagues and students only
- Person-to-person meetings
- Small group meetings (can host up to 250 attendees)
- Sharing your screen with others
- Chat feature
- Max PowerPoint file size, 2GB
- Works seamlessly across Microsoft applications: send Outlook Calendar invites, access SharePoint and more.
Panopto
Panopto is a free video recording and streaming platform with a cloud-based content management system for video editing and filing. Recorded videos can be launched through other virtual meeting software.
Uses & Features
- Transmit live and on-demand video
- Recording features
- Cloud-based video content management system
- Video editing, analytics
- Integration with Canvas or Zoom
Need additional help determining which software is best for your event? Visit Conferencing Recommendations from NUIT.
Branding Resources
Presentation Materials
Powerpoint Templates
Zoom Backgrounds
Represent school colors, logos and campus scenes during your presentations. Before using backgrounds in a presentation, test for proper display. Well-lit, solid background spaces work best. Full Suite.