Main Content Region

Teams Phone

CSUSB is in the process of replacing the traditional phone system with Microsoft Teams Phone.

Employees will be migrated to the new system during Fall 2025.  Info regarding the migration and updates can be found below.

Timeline of project from overview on September 19 to classroom phones replaced beginning  December 15

Project Schedule
DateProject TaskStatus
Sept. 19-26Courtesy Overview Training for Call CentersCompleted
Sept 23Modify call routing for pdc to send calls through SB call managerCompleted
October 8Teams Phone Open House as part of ITS October Tech WeekCompleted
Oct 20PDC Training - Teams Intro & Call CentersCompleted
October 21Migrate telecom service to NuWaveCompleted
October 21-22Provide access to Call Centers to explore features in Teams (no CSUSB #)Completed
October 23-24Provide Training - Teams Intro & Call Centers (see training website)Completed
October 22-27Provide access to Dept/Main Lines to explore features in TeamsCompleted
October 24ITS moves phone numbers to TeamsCompleted
October 27-31Provide Training - Main Line and Teams Q & A Drop-in sessionsCompleted
October 27 - November 7Wave 1 - Migrate first group of campus numbers into TeamsCompleted
November 10 - 14Wave 2 - Migrate second group of campus numbers into TeamsCompleted
Nov 17 - Dec 5
Wave 3 - Migrate remaining campus numbers into Teams
Current
Dec. 9 - 13
Finals week - extended TSC hours and pause on changes.
Upcoming
Dec. 15
Begin replacing all classroom phones for both campuses
Upcoming
Jan. 6 - 30
Provide Teams Q & A Drop-in sessions
Upcoming

How To Use

There are different types of features available depending on the type of phone service. 

What To Expect

Your desk phone is becoming Teams Phone

Your primary phone will now be on your Microsoft Teams Desktop app.  Instead of a physical desktop phone, you will make or receive calls on a laptop, desktop, or (optionally) a mobile device with Microsoft Teams installed. 

The calling experience works just like a Zoom or Teams meeting, but without the video.

  • Staff - All staff will be automatically enrolled in the bundled Voice and Data service. They will retain their current telephone number, or, if they don’t already have one, a new number will be assigned automatically.
  • MPPs and faculty members who currently have a personal extension will be automatically enrolled in the bundled Voice and Data service. They will retain their current telephone number.
  • Adjunct faculty who do not currently have a personal extension will be able to make campus calls using Teams, but will not receive a personal number.
  • Any current desktop phones will be deactivated.  Department Offices and Call Centers will be provided a new physical phone that connects to a Team in your Teams app. Physical Teams phones are in limited supply.  Our campus has a software-first approach to Teams Voice services. 

Prior to Migration Day

Physical phones for the main lines will be provided to your designated ITC tech before the migration day.  

Your division/college will be notified of the migration date before the date.

Various training sessions, including Q&A Drop-In sessions are provided. The schedule is below, with new dates being added regularly.

On Day of Migration

Your designated ITC tech will place these phones at the current main line locations. On your migration day, they will visit each area to plug in the new Teams phones and collect the old Cisco phones.  You do not need to do anything.

All extensions will remain the same, but calls will now ring directly in Microsoft Teams. You’ll be able to make and receive calls using the Teams app on your computer, mobile device, or a Teams-enabled desk phone.

Classroom and Common Area Phones

Phones in classrooms and common areas will be replaced after the end of the semester.

Purchasing Headsets

If you do not have a webcam/microphone or a headset, please submit a request through your designated ITC tech.  These can be ordered using department funds, depending on budget. Please see Recommended Headsets and Phones for the estimated cost.

Support During Migration

If you experience any issues or have ideas to improve the process, please email teamsphoneproject@csusb.edu. The migration team is actively monitoring this inbox.

When

Your department's migration will occur on a specific date between October 18 and December 9. A detailed schedule will be provided to department heads.

Your Migration Date

Divisions/Colleges will be notified before their migration date. Once the schedule is confirmed, it will be posted below.

Migration Schedule
College/DivisionMigration Date
School of Behavioral Sciences (SBS)Friday, November 7
Library Wednesday, November 12 (beginning Monday evening)
College of Arts and Letters (CAL)Thursday, November 13
Strategic Enrollment Management & Marketing (SEMM)Friday, November 14
Jack H. Brown College of Business & Public Administration (JHBC)Tuesday, November 18
College of Extended and Global Education (CEGE)Wednesday, November 19
College of Natural Sciences (CNS)Friday, November 21
Division of Finance, Technology & Operations (FTO)Tuesday, November 25
Academic Success and Undergraduate Advising (ASUA)Tuesday, December 2
Student AffairsTuesday, December 2
Palm Desert Campus (PDC) StaffWednesday, December 3
Academic AffairsThursday, December 4
College of Education (COE)Friday, December 5
University AdvancementTuesday, December 9
President's OfficeTuesday, December 16

Training Schedule

  • Thursday, November 6 | 8:30–10:00 a.m. | PDC Staff Training | Oliphant Auditorium
  • Friday, November 7 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Q&A Drop-In Session | PL-1104  and via Zoom
  • Wednesday, November 12 | 3:00–4:00 p.m. | Teams Phone Q&A | PL-1104
  • Friday, November 14 | 9:00–10:00 a.m. | Teams Phone Call Tree | PL-1104 and via Zoom
  • Monday, November 17 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. | Teams Phone Q&A | PL-1104 and via Zoom
  • Wednesday, November 19 | 10:00–11:00 a.m. | Teams Phone: Your Direct Number | PL-1104
  • Thursday, November 20 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Teams Phone: Faculty Training | PL-1104 and via Zoom

Recommended Headsets and Phones

The following devices are recommended for the Teams Phone migration. Details are below with negotiated pricing as of October 2025.  Pricing may differ if purchased after the migration.

Headsets

All of the headsets listed have the following features:

  • On-ear (stereo)
  • Noise-cancelling

Unique features and detailed datasheets are listed below under each headset.

Poly Blackwire 3220 Headset

Poly 3220 Headset

  • Wired: USB Type-C®, USB Type-C®/A adapter

Estimate: $32.63 + taxes and fee

Poly Blackwire 3220 Datasheet

Poly Blackwire 5220 Headset

Poly 5220 Headset

  • Wired: USB Type-C®, USB Type-C®/A adapter, 3.5 mm audio

Estimate: $55 + taxes and fee

Poly Blackwire 5220 Datasheet

Poly Blackwire 8225 Headset

Blackwire 8225 headset

  • Dual-directional mic
  • Padded headband and soft leatherette ear cushions
  • USB-C Headset +USB-C/A Adapter

Estimate: $123.21 + taxes and fee

Poly Blackwire 8225 Datasheet

Phones

All of the phones listed have the following features:

  • Dedicated Teams Button
  • Poly HD Voice
  • Full-Duplex Speakerphone Operation and Echo Cancellation
  • Poly Acoustic Fence and NoiseBlock AI Technologies - 
    Eliminate distracting background noise
  • Message waiting indicator light

Unique features and detailed datasheets are listed below under each phone.

Poly CCX350

Poly CX350 Phone

  • 2.8 inch color LCD screen (640 x 480)
  • 4 physical line keys
  • Illuminated Keys

Estimate: $129 + taxes and fees

Poly CCX350 Datasheet

Poly CCX505

Poly CCX505 Phone
  • 5" color touchscreen (720 x 1280 pixel)
  • On-screen virtual keyboard

Estimate: $203 + taxes and fees

PolyEdge E505 Datasheet

Poly CCX600

Poly CCX600 Phone

  • 7" color touchscreen (720 x 1280 pixel)
  • On-screen virtual keyboard

Estimate: $289 + taxes and fees

PolyEdge E600 Datasheet

FAQ

What happens to my extension?
  • You keep it!
  • It just goes mobile with all the pro-level features you love:
What will happen to my old phone?

You do not need to do anything, your area Tech will come by after your area is migrated to pickup the old Cisco Phone.

What is the difference between a main line and a call center

A main line is where a single Office/Non-personal number is answered by one or more staff.  A call center includes a Call Queue (CQ) that helps handle incoming calls more efficiently—especially when several callers are trying to reach the same department or support team. It automatically routes calls to available members or agents, including common area phones that student assistants might use.

What is a common area phone

A common area phone is a physical phone that is used by multiple people to make and receive calls.

How do I use the physical phone in the office?

if you have a phone for your direct line, you can pair it entering the code on the screen at the MS device login.

For informaiton about using the phone features: Poly 350 Calling and conferencing

Can I start a call on my computer and continue it on my mobile phone?

Yes, if you have Teams installed on your mobile phone, you can continue a call on your phone and vice versa.

What happens to my voicemail?

If you need to retrieve old voicemails, you can still access them:

  • Through the voicemail emails you currently receive, or
  • By dialing 909-537-7900, then entering your extension and PIN.
What about conference rooms, will my phone be replaced there?

No, Cisco phones were in those rooms prior to online meetings.  With the phone service integrated into Teams, users should use the computer.

What if my internet connection is poor?

Teams is designed to work even with limited bandwidth. For critical calls, consider connecting to campus Wi-Fi or a wired connection. The mobile app can use cellular data as a backup.

What happens when the power goes out?

Microsoft Teams client will work as long as the network is up and your PC/Laptop is up. 

Physical phones will keep working until the backup power that runs the phone switch is drained.

Will I receive calls when my computer is off?

If you've installed the Teams mobile app, calls will ring there when your computer is off. You can also set up call forwarding to another number for times when you're away from both devices.

Do I need special hardware?

Most users will only need a headset. An allotment of physical phones will be given to each division. Additional phones may be purchased by your department.  See Headsets and Phones below.

What is an Agent in a Call Center?

A user who handles incoming and outgoing calls, using the Microsoft Teams Call Center features.

What is a Supervisor in a Call Center?

A Supervisor is a user who oversees a call center and manages specific configuration settings for the center in Teams.

How do I make a call?

Calls TabThere are many ways to make a call.  One method is using the Calls tab.

  1. Click the Calls tab.
  2. Either dial a number using the keypad, search for a contact, or select from your speed dial list.
  3. To call from the main line, click the arrow to the right of the Call button and select the Call as...

Check out other methods to make calls in Teams.

 
How do I answer a call?

Incoming calls appear as notifications within Teams, showing caller informationWindow when receiving call from queue and line name.

  1. When you receive a call, a notification will appear.
  2. Click Accept to answer or Decline to send to voicemail.

You can also choose to answer with video if the caller is using Teams.

What if I want to get calls during a meeting or call?
  1. Select Settings and more Select to see more options next to your profile picture at the top of Teams.Call handling settings

     
     
     
     
     
  2. Select SettingsSettings button .
  3. Go to Calls Audio call button

     
     
     
     
     

    .

  4. Select Let new calls ring me In the section When you're in a call and receive another call.
Will this affect the AlarmCo buttons?

No, the buttons work independently of the phone system.

Are you tracking my location?

No, your location is only used if you dial 911 emergency services.

What if we call internationally, is that a problem?

No, an International call plan can be added and all charges will be passed onto the respective area.

Can I hide my direct number in the directory?

Updates

Teams app on multiple devices
Benefits of Teams Phone
Teams Devices to Purchase

Accessibility Features

Teams Phone Accessibilty At a Glance
FeatureWhy It’s Helpful
Real-Time Text (RTT)Enables real-time typed communication.
Live captions / transcriptionSupports hearing-impaired and distracted users by offering on-screen captions or transcripts.
Sign Language / CART accessEnables human interpretation and accuracy if a sign language interpreter or CART captioner is added as a guest.
Screen Reader & Keyboard navTeams supports full keyboard navigation and works seamlessly with screen readers.
High contrast / ZoomCrank up high contrast and zoom in/out to aids low vision and color-impaired users.
Noise suppressionFilters out background chaos to reduce distractions, helping those lip-reading.
Spotlight & simple viewsKeeps sign language interpreters front and center by spotlighting if added as a guest.
Disability Answer DeskMicrosoft’s Disability Answer Desk offers expert help in multiple languages, including ASL.