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IT Service Status
IT Service Status

University Telephone Service Is Transitioning to Microsoft Teams Voice

Prepare for Your Move to Microsoft Teams Voice

Northwestern IT is modernizing the University's telephone services by transitioning from Cisco telephone services to Microsoft Teams Voice. This change will provide a more integrated communications experience by bringing calls, voicemail, meetings, and messaging together within Microsoft Teams.

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Who is affected

Faculty and staff with assigned University phone numbers.

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When

Transition will occur in phases by department.

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What stays the same

Your phone number and core calling services.

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Desk phones

Most Cisco desk phones will be removed after migration.

Your Department Will Provide Your Transition Date

Watch for an email from Northwestern IT or your department contact. It will identify your scheduled date and any department-specific instructions.

What's changing and what is not

What's Changing

  • Calls move from Cisco to Microsoft Teams
  • Voicemail is accessed through Teams and Outlook
  • Many call settings are managed in Teams
  • Most physical Cisco phones are collected

What is Not changing

  • Your assigned University phone number
  • Your ability to place and receive business calls
  • Your University directory listing
  • Access to core telephone service

Your Transition Journey

What to Know and Do at Each Phase

Your University phone number is moving from Cisco phone service to Microsoft Teams Voice. Use this page to understand what will change and what you need to do before, during, and after your scheduled transition.

Before Transition: Review and Prepare

  • Confirm your phone number is correct
  • Verify shared lines, delegates, and call-answering arrangements
  • Record important voicemail information
  • Document speed-dial settings you want to keep for reference
Open the Preparation Checklist

On Transition Day: Test Your Service

  1. Open Teams and confirm Calls appears.
  2. Make an outbound test call.
  3. Test an inbound call to your University number.
  4. Review voicemail and record a greeting.
  5. Test the Teams mobile app if you use it.
View Transition Day Instructions

After Transition: Learn the New Voice Experience

  • Learn to make, receive, transfer, and hold calls
  • Review how voicemail works in Teams and Outlook
  • Configure forwarding, delegates, or call groups
  • Contact support if a feature is not working as expected
Review Teams Voice Guidance

Training and Support Resources

Find support and guidance for each phase of the project