The following email message was sent to Rutgers IT staff on Jan. 12, 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the use of Webex and Zoom at Rutgers, typically for class sessions and meetings. In recent months, interest has grown in using these tools for another purpose—the live streaming of events with thousands of people, including members of the general public, via third-party services like LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and more.
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) is now making live streaming with Webex and Zoom available on a limited basis for public-facing events, such as speeches by public figures, town hall meetings, and academic symposia.
By using Webex and Zoom to stream with third-party services, you’re able to host events with many more viewers than a standard meeting. Streaming viewers will have a different experience from a standard Webex or Zoom meeting. Streaming is view-only, breakout rooms are not available, and viewers will only be able to chat via the streaming service if that feature is enabled.
The streaming of live events does present a number of technical and related issues for the university. With this in mind, departments and units requesting the live streaming of events must abide by all relevant university policies, including, but not limited to, the policies covering copyright, permission to videotape at Rutgers, and acceptable use of information technology resources. You must also have the consent of your department or unit leadership for the event. Additional guidance and recommendations for live streaming will be shared at the Webex and Zoom areas of the Rutgers IT website when available.
If you have a need to live stream an upcoming event with Webex or Zoom, please contact the Office of Information Technology Help Desk to submit a request. Requests should be made a minimum of two weeks in advance of the event date and will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
William W. Lansbury
Associate Vice President, Office of Information Technology