Summary
This article provides a centralized overview of Zoom support and resources for University of Maine System students, faculty, and staff. It covers getting started, signing in with UMS SSO, joining and scheduling meetings, security, recordings and Kaltura, Whiteboard, AI Companion, Zoom Rooms, integrations, accessibility, and common troubleshooting steps.
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Support Overview
Zoom is the University of Maine System's supported web-conferencing platform for online classes, meetings, collaboration, presentations, and virtual events.
Zoom is available to UMS students, faculty, and staff and provides video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, chat, Whiteboard, breakout rooms, polling, recording, captions, and other collaboration tools.
UMS:IT provides support for UMS-specific Zoom account access, authentication, licensing, integrations, Zoom Rooms, recordings, managed-device installation, and University-specific configuration.
For general Zoom functionality, interface instructions, feature behavior, and current product requirements, the official Zoom Support Center should be considered the primary source of truth.
This article serves as the primary UMS Zoom support overview and FAQ for students, faculty, staff, and IT support personnel.
Support Resources
Quick links to the most commonly needed Zoom and UMS support resources.
Getting Started with Zoom
Who can use UMS Zoom?
Zoom is available to University of Maine System students, faculty, and staff. The UMS Zoom service supports standard meetings and additional services such as Large Meetings and Webinars based on current UMS licensing.
For events requiring increased capacity or Webinar functionality, contact UMS:IT in advance so the appropriate service can be confirmed.
What do I need to use Zoom?
For the best Zoom experience, use:
- A supported Windows or macOS computer
- The current Zoom Workplace application
- A reliable internet connection
- A microphone and speakers or headset
- A webcam if video participation is desired
Zoom is also available on supported mobile devices and ChromeOS.
Some features may be limited when joining through a web browser instead of Zoom Workplace.
Where can I download Zoom?
Download the current Zoom Workplace application from the official Zoom Download Center.
For University-managed computers, use the UMS-managed installation process when applicable: Update Zoom on a University-managed Windows computer.
For personally owned devices: Updating Zoom on personally owned devices.
Can I test Zoom before a meeting or class?
Yes. Zoom provides a test meeting that allows users to verify their microphone, speakers, camera, and connection.
Signing In to UMS Zoom
How do I access my UMS Zoom account?
UMS Zoom accounts use University Single Sign-On. Access the UMS Zoom web portal at https://maine.zoom.us/.
For web sign-in instructions: Zoom: Logging in via a web browser.
How do I sign in through Zoom Workplace?
- Open Zoom Workplace.
- Select Sign In.
- Select SSO.
- Enter the UMS Zoom domain if prompted.
- Complete the UMS Single Sign-On process.
- Complete multi-factor authentication when prompted.
For detailed instructions: Zoom: Logging in via the Zoom desktop client application with SSO.
Why should I sign in before joining a meeting?
Signing in helps Zoom identify the participant as a UMS user. Some meetings may require participants to authenticate before joining.
Signing in also helps prevent users from accidentally joining through a personal Zoom account instead of their UMS account.
My name has changed, but Zoom still displays my old name.
See: Update your Zoom display name.
Joining a Zoom Meeting
How do I join a meeting?
The easiest method is to select the Zoom meeting link provided by the host. Users may also join from Zoom Workplace using the Meeting ID and passcode.
When opening a meeting link, the web browser may ask for permission to open Zoom Workplace. For the fullest Zoom experience, use Zoom Workplace whenever possible.
Do I need a Zoom account to join a meeting?
Not always. Zoom allows guests to join many meetings without creating an account. However, meeting hosts may require authentication.
For UMS classes or meetings requiring University authentication, sign into the UMS Zoom account before joining.
Why am I in a Waiting Room?
A Waiting Room allows the meeting host to control who enters the meeting. If Zoom indicates that the host will admit you soon, remain on that screen until the host allows entry.
Scheduling and Hosting Meetings
How can I schedule a Zoom meeting?
Meetings can be scheduled from:
- Zoom Workplace
- The Zoom mobile application
- The UMS Zoom web portal
- Google Calendar using the supported Zoom integration
Meeting organizers can configure options such as:
- Meeting date and time
- Recurrence
- Meeting ID
- Passcodes
- Waiting Room
- Participant authentication
- Audio and video options
- Alternative hosts
- Recording settings
- Participant permissions
Because Zoom regularly changes scheduling features and interface options, use the official Zoom Support Center for current instructions: https://support.zoom.com/.
Can I create a recurring meeting?
Yes. Create recurring Zoom meetings.
Should I use my Personal Meeting ID?
A Personal Meeting ID, or PMI, represents a persistent Zoom meeting room. For classes, public meetings, or meetings with changing groups of participants, an automatically generated Meeting ID is generally preferable.
Avoid broadly publishing a Personal Meeting ID.
Can someone else manage or start my meeting?
Yes. Zoom includes several meeting roles:
- Host
- Alternative host
- Co-host
- Participant
These roles provide different levels of control. Transfer Zoom host controls during a meeting.
Google Calendar and Zoom
Can I schedule Zoom meetings from Google Calendar?
Yes. Zoom meetings may be scheduled using the supported Google Calendar integration. UMS users should authenticate the Zoom integration using Single Sign-On (SSO).
Google Calendar: Zoom Sign-In and Scheduling
My Zoom Google Calendar integration is not working.
Reinstalling the Zoom add-on may resolve some integration issues.
Reinstall the Zoom add-on for Google Calendar
Common Zoom Features
Zoom includes features such as:
- Audio and video
- Screen sharing
- Chat
- Waiting Rooms
- Breakout rooms
- Polls and surveys
- Reactions
- Annotation
- Remote control
- Whiteboards
- Captions and transcripts
- Recording
- Host and participant controls
For UMS-specific guidance: Common Zoom Features.
For current feature instructions, use https://support.zoom.com/.
Polling
Can I use polls during a Zoom meeting?
Yes. How to Use Polling in Zoom
Can I view the results of a previous poll?
Yes. View results from previous Zoom polls
Meeting Security and Preventing Zoombombing
What is Zoombombing?
Zoombombing describes unwanted or disruptive participation in a Zoom meeting. Hosts should use security controls appropriate for the meeting. Recommended practices include:
- Use an automatically generated Meeting ID when appropriate.
- Enable a Waiting Room.
- Use a passcode.
- Require authenticated participants when appropriate.
- Avoid posting private meeting links publicly.
- Limit screen sharing when participants do not need to present.
- Assign trusted co-hosts for larger meetings.
- Review unfamiliar participants before admitting them.
- Lock the meeting when appropriate.
What Can I Do to Prevent Zoombombing?
What should I do if someone disrupts my meeting?
Hosts and co-hosts can:
- Mute participants
- Stop participant video
- Restrict screen sharing
- Move users to the Waiting Room
- Remove participants
- Lock the meeting
- Restrict participant permissions
- Report inappropriate behavior
Zoom also provides Suspend participant activities, which immediately stops participant activity and locks the meeting.
For current instructions: Managing participants in a meeting - Zoom Support
Zoom Whiteboard
What is Zoom Whiteboard?
Zoom Whiteboard is a collaborative digital canvas that can be used during or outside a meeting. Common uses include:
- Brainstorming
- Teaching activities
- Diagrams
- Workflows
- Sticky notes
- Collaborative planning
- Drawing and annotation
Getting Started with Zoom Whiteboard | How To Turn Off Zoom Whiteboard
Use official Zoom Support for detailed current Whiteboard functionality.
Recording Zoom Meetings
Can Zoom meetings be recorded?
Yes. Depending on account permissions and meeting configuration, Zoom supports computer/local recording and cloud recording. The meeting host controls recording permissions.
Before recording, ensure the recording complies with applicable University policies and privacy requirements.
What happens to UMS Zoom cloud recordings?
UMS Zoom cloud recordings are automatically transferred to Kaltura for longer-term storage and streaming. The original recording stored in Zoom is subject to the UMS Zoom Cloud Storage Auto-Deletion Policy.
Current UMS policy moves Zoom cloud recordings older than 14 days to Zoom Trash. Recordings remain in Trash for an additional 30 days before permanent deletion. Zoom Cloud Storage Auto-Deletion Policy
Use Kaltura rather than the temporary Zoom cloud copy when recordings need to be retained or shared long-term.
Can I turn a local recording into a cloud recording later?
No. A computer/local recording cannot later be converted into a Zoom cloud recording. Sharing and Converting Zoom Local and Cloud Recordings
Zoom AI Companion
What is Zoom AI Companion?
Zoom AI Companion is Zoom's generative-AI assistant and is integrated into supported portions of Zoom Workplace. Depending on licensing and UMS configuration, available features may include:
- Meeting summaries
- In-meeting questions
- Smart recording features
- Chat assistance
- Whiteboard assistance
- Other AI-assisted Zoom functionality
Can I use any University information with AI Companion?
No. The following information must not be entered into Zoom AI Companion:
- HIPAA-protected information
- Export-controlled data
- Department of Defense Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
Always review AI-generated information for accuracy before relying on or distributing it. Zoom AI Companion at UMS
Meetings, Large Meetings, and Webinars
What is the difference between a Zoom Meeting and Webinar?
A Zoom Meeting is designed for collaboration. Participants may use audio, video, chat, reactions, screen sharing, breakout rooms, Whiteboard, and other interactive features according to host permissions.
A Zoom Webinar is designed primarily for presentations or virtual events. Hosts and panelists typically present while attendees have more limited interaction.
A Large Meeting preserves the normal Zoom Meeting experience while increasing participant capacity when the appropriate license is available.
Zoom Meetings, Large Meetings, and Webinars - What are the differences? | Zoom Meetings and Webinar Comparison
For licensing or large-event assistance: Zoom Web Conferencing Service
Zoom in Brightspace
Zoom may be available through Brightspace for course-related scheduling and meeting access.
When using Zoom through Brightspace:
- Sign into the UMS Zoom account.
- Avoid using a personal Zoom account for UMS course activities.
- Verify that the correct Brightspace course is being used.
- Use Kaltura for longer-term storage and distribution of course recordings when appropriate.
For persistent Brightspace Zoom integration problems, contact UMS:IT.
Zoom Rooms
Zoom Rooms are physical meeting spaces equipped with dedicated Zoom technology.
Zoom Room controls can be used to:
- Start scheduled meetings
- Join meetings
- Manage audio and video
- Share content
- Invite participants
- Access meeting controls
- End meetings
Zoom Room Quick Guide
Using Zoom on Chromebooks and Mobile Devices
Zoom provides supported experiences for mobile devices and ChromeOS. Some advanced hosting, presentation, recording, or collaboration features may differ from the desktop Zoom Workplace experience.
Zoom on ChromeOS
Accessibility
Zoom includes accessibility features such as:
- Keyboard navigation
- Screen-reader support
- Closed captions
- Transcripts
- Accessible meeting controls
Hosts should consider accessibility when planning classes, meetings, and presentations.
Use the official Zoom Support Center for current accessibility documentation: https://support.zoom.com/
Troubleshooting
My microphone is not working.
Try the following:
- Confirm that the correct microphone is selected in Zoom.
- Verify that the operating system allows Zoom to use the microphone.
- Disconnect and reconnect USB or Bluetooth audio devices.
- Use Zoom's Test Speaker & Microphone option.
- Quit and reopen Zoom Workplace.
- Restart the computer if necessary.
My camera is not working.
Verify that:
- The correct camera is selected.
- Another application is not using the camera.
- Zoom has operating-system camera permission.
- A physical privacy shutter is open.
- The camera works in another application.
I cannot share my screen.
Confirm that the meeting host allows participant screen sharing. macOS users may also need to grant Zoom permission to share or record the screen.
Zoom Exclamation Point Error when Screen Sharing on Mac
I cannot join a meeting.
Try the following:
- Confirm the meeting link, Meeting ID, and passcode.
- Sign into the UMS Zoom account.
- Update Zoom Workplace.
- Try entering the Meeting ID manually.
- Restart Zoom.
- Restart the computer if necessary.
- Use the Zoom test meeting.
If Zoom reports that the Meeting ID is invalid or expired, contact the meeting host.
Zoom keeps signing me into the wrong account.
Sign out of Zoom and sign back in using SSO and the UMS account. Also verify that the browser is not automatically selecting a personal account.
Zoom is displaying the wrong language.
Changing Language in Zoom for Mac and Windows
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people outside UMS join my meeting?
Yes, when the meeting settings allow guests. Hosts may also require authentication when appropriate.
Can I join from a web browser?
Yes, when browser joining is available. For the most complete Zoom experience, use Zoom Workplace.
Can I participate without a webcam?
Yes. A webcam is not required to participate using audio, chat, screen viewing, or most other meeting functions.
Can I join by telephone?
Yes, when telephone audio is enabled for the meeting. Dial-in information will appear in the meeting invitation.
Can I use breakout rooms?
Yes. Breakout rooms allow hosts and co-hosts to divide participants into smaller groups and later return them to the main meeting.
Can I retrieve a participant list from a past meeting?
Yes, when the appropriate meeting report is available. Retrieve a Past Zoom Meeting Participant List
Learn More About Zoom
Official Zoom Support
Zoom frequently updates Zoom Workplace and its features. For current instructions on general Zoom functionality, use the official Zoom Support Center: https://support.zoom.com/
UMS Knowledge Base articles should primarily document:
- UMS account and authentication requirements
- University policies
- UMS licensing
- Kaltura integration
- Brightspace integration
- Google Workspace integration
- Managed-device procedures
- Zoom Rooms
- UMS-specific configuration
- UMS support and escalation procedures
Zoom Learning Center
Zoom provides self-paced courses and training through the Zoom Learning Center. Zoom Learning Center - UMS Information
Browse All UMS Zoom Documentation: UMS Zoom Knowledge Base
Need Help?
Before contacting support, verify that you are:
- Signed into the UMS Zoom account
- Running a current version of Zoom Workplace
- Using a supported operating system or browser
Some Zoom settings are managed centrally by UMS and may differ from options shown in general Zoom documentation.
For help with UMS Zoom accounts, authentication, licensing, Brightspace, Google Calendar, Zoom Rooms, Kaltura, managed devices, or other UMS-specific Zoom issues, contact the UMS:IT Service Desk: https://itsupport.maine.edu/
Environment
Applies to:
- Zoom
- Windows
- macOS
- ChromeOS
- iOS
- Android
- Supported web browsers
- Google Calendar
- Brightspace
- Kaltura
- Zoom Rooms
- Zoom Whiteboard
- Zoom AI Companion