How do I use Teams?

What is Teams?

Teams is a Microsoft Office 365 collaboration workspace. It brings together instant messaging, threaded conversations, file sharing, voice and video conversations, and more.

Who is Teams available to?

• Teams is available to VIU faculty and staff
• Students can be invited as guests. For more information, visit Teams for Classes and Cohorts.

How do I access teams?

• Using a VIU-issued computer? Teams should already be installed.
• Can't find it? Teams can be accessed using one of the methods below.
• Log in using your VIU email address and password.

Download Teams (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android)

Use Teams on the Web

How do I request a new team?

Step 1

Read the Teams Pre-Production Roll Out Guidelines

Step 2

Submit a ticket to ithelp@viu.ca with the following information:

• Date required by:
• Team owner:
• Secondary owner:
• Approved by manager (name):
• Department:
• Team name:
• Team description (1-2 sentences max):
• Would you like training for Teams as part of this request? (yes/no):
• I have read and agree to the Teams Pre-Production Roll Out Guidelines (Initials):

The IT department will then review your request and provide you with instructions once the Team has been created.

Step 3

Once your new team has been created, check out How Do I Use Teams? for instructions.

Additional Information

New to Teams?

• Teams video training
• Live instructor-led training classes
• Linkedin Learning offers courses on Teams

Resources and Guides for Team Members

• Search help articles
• What is a chat and how do I start one?
• What are teams and channels?
• How do I participate in a channel?
• How do I edit or delete a message?
• How do I voice or video chat with someone?
• How do I share my screen?
• How do I upload files?
• How do I access files?
• How do I change my status?
• How do I change my notification settings?
• How do I schedule a meeting?

Resources and Guides for Team Owners

• Search help articles
• Teams Pre-Production Roll Out Guidelines
• Access and Privacy at VIU
• Microsoft 365 Data Residency
• What are team owner, member, and guest capabilities?
• How do I create or delete channels?
• How do I add members to my team?
• How do I remove members from my team?
• How do I manage team settings and permissions?