IT - Microsoft Teams


Overview

Microsoft Teams enhances productivity and collaboration by bringing together people, conversations, and content in one flexible application.

Table of Contents

Helpful Links

Important Information

Please note the following important information about using Microsoft Teams at the University of Michigan.

Aspect Description
Availability

Microsoft Teams is available to all U-M faculty, staff, and students.
Data Compliance

U-M Campus: The campus version of Microsoft Teams is not HIPAA compliant and should not be used to store or share sensitive data.

Michigan Medicine: The Michigan Medicine version of Microsoft Teams is HIPAA compliant and can be used to handle Protected Health Information (PHI) in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Service Limitation

Users cannot migrate content or workflows from the campus service to the Michigan Medicine service.

Key Features

Microsoft Teams (MS Teams or, simply, Teams) offers the four following key features to enhance collaboration:

  • Chat: Instant messaging with colleagues.
  • Video and Voice Calls: High-quality video and voice conferencing.
  • Calendar: Integrated scheduling and meeting management.
  • File Sharing: Collaborate on Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneDrive files.

Accessing Microsoft Teams

You can access Microsoft Teams in three primary ways:

Access Method Description
CoreImage Computers

Microsoft Teams is pre-installed on CoreImage devices. You can access it from your Windows Start menu.
Web Browser

Visit office.com (external link) to access Teams from any web browser on any device. Sign in with your @med.umich.edu email address and UMICH password. A VPN connection is not required.
Mobile Devices

Download the Teams mobile app from the iOS Apple Store or Google Play Store. Ensure Microsoft Intune is installed on your device to use the mobile app.

Creating New "Teams"

In Microsoft Teams, a team is a group of people collaborating on work, projects, or shared interests. At Michigan Medicine, teams must be Active Directory (AD) groups.

 

You can convert an existing AD group into a team or simply create a new team:

  • Convert an Existing AD Group: If you own an AD group, use the group management tool to convert it into a team.
  • Create a New AD Group: Submit an Active Directory Request for a new group.

 

For detailed information, refer to this Microsoft Teams (M365) Guide. 

Microsoft Teams vs. Zoom and Slack

Collaboration and communication tools like Teams, Slack, and Zoom are essential for a flexible workplace. While all three allow chatting, calling, and videoconferencing, Microsoft Teams offers unique integration with the Microsoft 365 suite.

Key Differences

  • Integration: Teams seamlessly integrates with your email, calendar, and Office applications.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Easily check colleagues' availability and collaborate on documents like PowerPoint within the same application.

For a full feature comparison, refer to this Microsoft Teams (M365) Guide. 

Storing Sensitive Data

The Michigan Medicine instance of Microsoft 365, including Teams, is designed to handle high-sensitivity data, including Protected Health Information (PHI).

 

For more details, visit the U-M Safe Computing Sensitive Data Guide (external link).

Learn More About Microsoft Teams

You have several options for self-paced training:

 

Additionally, HITS offers virtual instructor-led training courses periodically. Search for M365 in Cornerstone (external link) to view available courses. New course dates are added monthly, so check back regularly. If courses are full, you can still benefit from the self-paced resources listed above.