The University of Washington has provided the Pro version of Zoom for free to all current students, faculty and staff. Users are able to login into Zoom using their NetID credentials to host, attend or record online meetings. There are two types of Zoom accounts available to users; a Standard and HIPAA compliant account.
What is Zoom?
Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, group messaging, and provides the option to record. Zoom offers high quality video, audio, and wireless screen-sharing across devices.
Zoom allows you to:
- Participate in group video chat during online class sessions
- Host virtual office hours
- Collaborate remotely on research
- Share screens and host real-time video conversations
- With a paid add-on, host live web broadcasts to thousands of people worldwide
- Record to the cloud or computer for easy sharing (storage for 90 days)
How do I sign up for Zoom?
Standard Pro Zoom accounts are automatically enabled for any current students, faculty, and staff. You can use your UW e-mail credentials to sign in to Zoom to start using it right away.
Switch to A HIPAA Compliant Zoom Account
It is recommended to use the HIPAA Compliant Zoom account. Instructions on how to switch to a HIPAA Compliant Zoom account can be found here or using the link in the Quick Links menu at the top of this page.
How do I sign in to Zoom?
You can access Zoom in two different ways:
Sign in through the web browser
Navigate to Zoom (PHI) if you are using HIPPA Zoom, or Zoom (washington.edu) if you are using Standard Zoom. Once on either website, sign in using the appropriate sign-in button based on the type of Zoom account you want to use.
Sign in through the Zoom desktop app
UW-IT has written instructions on how to download and install the Zoom desktop app found here.
Do note that SSO (Single Sign On) is used to login into the Zoom desktop app. You will either be using washington.zoom.us or uw-phi.zoom.us as the Company Domain depending on if you are using the Standard or HIPAA Compliant Zoom account respectively.
Zoom Best Practices
Preparing for a meeting
- Get a headset and/or microphone to minimize background noises and to ensure you have appropriate voice audio quality. Recommended hardware for headsets and microphones can be found here.
- Test your audio and video before any meeting to make sure there are no issues. This can be done through the Settings area of the Zoom app.
- Review on how to share your screen (and how to let others share their screen if you are the host).
- Close out any unnecessary tabs, programs or notifications (such as e-mail and messaging programs)
- If using video, ensure the lighting is appropriate to have a clear video.
- If using video, ensure that your background is clear of distractions.
During a meeting
- Make sure the microphone is close enough to pick up your voice and not other distracting sounds.
- When screen sharing, identify which area of the screen you are referring to when describing something.
- If not actively participating in the discussion, make sure your microphone is muted to avoid unnecessary background noise for others.
- Turn off your video if you need to attend to business outside the meeting.