Dear Webex User,
We are writing to announce changes to Webex licensing that will go into effect on June 1st.
Webex is one of three collaboration platforms that the University uses to support online meetings, webinars, and classes. It is funded through a cost-sharing arrangement among ITS, CETL, and several schools and campuses.
The vendor for Webex, Cisco, notified the University this May that the cost of licensing would be substantially higher this next fiscal year. After reviewing long-term usage trends, budget impacts, and platform adoption patterns, the contributing departments jointly agreed that increasing investment in Webex is not sustainable, especially since Microsoft Teams and Blackboard Class Collaborate are available as viable alternatives.
Therefore, we are making the following changes, starting on June 1:
- Undergraduate students and staff will no longer receive Webex licenses by default.
- Faculty and graduate students will receive a Webex Basic license by default. This license will include:
- Meetings that can last up to 40 minutes and include up to 100 participants
- Access to existing recordings
- No ability to create new recordings
- Access to Slido
Faculty may request a Webex Enhanced license if they need more functionality and features. To request this license, book an appointment with ITS here.
We are moving quickly to avoid escalating costs. You will see additional communications and support information over the coming months so that we can support the transition away from Webex. For an overview of our tentative transition plan and opportunities to provide feedback, please read this article.
Thank you for your partnership and support as we work through this institutional transition.
Sincerely,
Information Technology Services
Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
For more information, contact: Josh Forest at josh.forest@uconn.edu