Zoom Guide for Members

What's in this Guide

How to Use This Guide

There are different instructions for all devices. Please make sure to follow the instructions that are appropriate for the device you are using.

Any text that is written in blue is a link that you can click that will bring you to a website or document with more information.

If there’s any topic not covered by this guide that you want to learn more about, please visit the Zoom Support website or contact the OLLI office.

If you have any technical difficulties with Zoom, please email olli@stonybrook.edu with your issue and your contact information. A student assistant from the OLLI office will reply to your request within 15 minutes, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Please DO NOT call the SBU IT department.

Getting Started with Zoom

You do not need a Zoom account to participate in Zoom workshops. However, you are welcome to make a Zoom account if you wish to become more familiar with Zoom.
- To create a Zoom account, go to zoom.us/signup and follow the prompts.
You can participate in Zoom meetings from any phone, smartphone, computer, or tablet. However, it is recommended that you join on a device with video, speaker and microphone capabilities for full functionality.
- If your device has a microphone, you will be able to speak in the Zoom workshop.
- If your device has a camera, you will be able to participate in the Zoom workshop via live video.
You should make sure your device is charged or that you have the charger available, and if you’re using a computer, it’s recommended to use a hard-wired internet connection for a more stable and reliable connection.
The first time you use Zoom, you should give yourself 15 to 30 minutes to set it up and become familiar with it.
- If you are using a computer, you will need to download the Zoom program the first time you join a meeting.
- If you are using a tablet or smartphone, download the Zoom app from your app store before joining.
- If using a landline, call (646) 876-9923 and enter the meeting ID. Press # if asked for a participant ID.

Zoom Etiquette

You should participate in your Zoom workshop the same way you would participate in a workshop on campus.
- This means you should arrive on time and be dressed appropriately if you’re using video.
If you are going to participate in other activities during a Zoom workshop, please turn off your camera so as not to distract others. Additionally, keep yourself muted unless you are speaking.

Joining a Zoom Workshop

You will receive the Zoom information needed to join each workshop via email approximately one week before the semester begins. This document is CONFIDENTIAL and only for paid OLLI participants. DO NOT SHARE OR DISTRIBUTE THIS DOCUMENT.
- It is recommended that you save this document to your device or bookmark/favorite it in your inbox.
- If you need assistance or lose the schedule, please contact the OLLI office at olli@stonybrook.edu.
To join a workshop via phone, you need the Zoom meeting ID number and passcode. This information is included in the Zoom workshop schedule.
The Zoom links will not change week to week. Simply click the link for your workshop from the OLLI Zoom Workshop Schedule.

Audio & Video Connectivity and Features

To minimize any technical issues, you should try to have a hard-wired connection to the Internet, if possible. This ensures a strong connection that is not dependent on WiFi.
If you are using WiFi, sit close to your Internet router and try to limit the number of people in your household who are using the WiFi, if possible.
Prior to each session of your workshop, you should test your audio and video connection.
- Learn how to test your audio prior to or during a Zoom call.
- Learn how to test your video before joining.
If you’re experiencing poor audio or video connection, please try the following:
- Check that you are connected to a WiFi network with a strong signal.
- Use headphones that have a built-in microphone.
- Turn off your camera.
- As a last resort, leave the workshop and join it again.
If your video or camera is not working, see the video troubleshooting guide for suggestions on how to fix it.
If you’re experiencing audio echoing, see the audio echo troubleshooting guide.
To learn more about the different ways you can change your screen layout (such as seeing more or fewer people on your screen at a time), see the video layout guide.
You may have noticed in some Zoom meetings that people have different, artificial backgrounds behind them, such as a beach or a library. This is called a virtual background. If you’re interested in setting up a virtual background for yourself, see the virtual background setup guide.

Muting & Unmuting

When you join a workshop, your audio will automatically be muted. This means that if you try to speak, no one will be able to hear you. This is the default setting of Zoom to allow workshop leaders to manage the workshop and prevent members from talking over each other.
The workshop leader has the power to mute you as they see appropriate.
If you wish to speak, first make sure it is an appropriate time to do so. Once you have finished speaking, please mute yourself again to prevent any background noise or interference from disrupting the meeting.
If you have unmuted yourself and no one can hear you speak, please try using headphones with a built-in microphone. You can also test your audio connection.

Participation & Engagement Features

Zoom has plenty of fun engagement features that allow members to participate in the workshop. You should participate in your workshop as instructed by your workshop leader. Below are some ways you can participate other than speaking.
Hand Raising – This feature allows you to virtually raise your hand to let your workshop leader know that you want to speak or have a question.
Reactions & Non-verbal Feedback – This feature allows you to give a virtual thumbs up, round of applause, and other reactions. You can use it to show appreciation or agreement without interrupting the speaker.
- See the reactions and non-verbal feedback guide for instructions.
Chat Feature – The chat feature allows you to communicate via messaging during a Zoom meeting. It’s like a group text; when you type in the chat box, everyone will get a notification and be able to read your message.
- The default setting of the chat is to message everyone in the workshop. Keep this in mind when sending messages.
- The chat box is a good place to leave questions or comments without interrupting the speaker.
- For more details, see the full chat feature guide.
Screen Sharing – This feature allows you to share your screen with everyone else in your Zoom meeting, useful for sharing images or videos.
- Only share your screen if your workshop leader asks you to.
- Once you share your screen, everyone can see everything on your computer.
- See the screen sharing instructions to learn how.

Using Zoom on Campus

Connecting to Campus WiFi

*Very Important – you must have your SBU NetID & password already set up.

The WolfieNet-Secure wireless network is one of SBU's networks available for connecting via WiFi. Use your NetID to gain access to this secure network for your personal mobile devices.

For More Information & WiFi Instructions:

Check the OLLI at SBU Website: stonybrook.edu/olli
Email: olli@stonybrook.edu
Stop by the OLLI office for assistance

Where Can I Take My Virtual Workshops While I'm on Campus?

Below is a list of a few communal locations to take your OLLI virtual workshops on campus that are relatively quiet* and have outlets to plug in your devices.

We strongly recommend using headphones/earbuds in communal spaces.

Frank Melville, Jr. Memorial Library*
- North Reading Room
- 2nd floor core (accessible through the North Reading Room)
- Central Reading Room
- Library Stacks (3rd & 4th floors)
- Music Library
Student Union
- COLA lounge (main floor)
- Treetop Lounge (2nd floor above main atrium)
Chemistry Building
- 1st floor lobby with couches
Computer Science Building
- 1st floor lobby with couches
Humanities Atrium
Wang Center – various areas throughout the building with benches or table & chairs
SBS Building
- OLLI Lounge
- Various floors in SBS with lounges*
Starbucks

* very quiet area