Zoom Phone

Legacy phone system to transition to Zoom Phone in 2026

(01-23-25)
We are writing to announce an upcoming transition of Lafayette College’s campus telephone system. The existing phone system and physical fax machines will be replaced with Zoom Phone, a modern, cloud-based communications platform. This transition is required as the current phone system is obsolete, no longer supported, and presents increasing operational, reliability, and safety risks if left in place. Moving to Zoom Phone ensures the College maintains secure, reliable communications and strengthens critical life-safety infrastructure.

As part of this effort, most physical phones will be replaced with the Zoom app, meaning your campus phone extension will now ring directly on the Zoom application installed on your computer or mobile device for flexibility and access. More details will be communicated as the project progresses. View FAQs.

A modern communications solution

Zoom Phone modernizes Lafayette’s telephone infrastructure. Similar to how Zoom meetings work today, phone calls can take place through the Zoom application already in use across campus.

  • Enhanced safety and security: This transition is a critical improvement to the College’s safety infrastructure, supporting more reliable emergency communications and location-based services across campus.
  • Modern fax management (E-Fax): Physical fax machines will be replaced with electronic fax (e-fax) service. This change eliminates most of the approximately 30 physical fax machines currently in use and replaces them with a secure, streamlined digital solution.
  • Mobility and access: Zoom Phone allows campus phone extensions to be accessible beyond a single physical location. Campus phone extensions can ring through the Zoom application on your laptop or desktop computer, and on mobile devices (if desired). Training will be provided to help users configure call routing, notifications, and availability settings so calls can be managed appropriately during meetings, classes, and focused work time.

Next Steps and Communication

  • Timeline: Work is anticipated to start and continue throughout the spring semester. ITS will work with each division and department to schedule training and determine a date to transition to Zoom Phone. Questions can be directed to zoomphone@lafayette.edu.
  • Training and support: Training materials and support resources will be provided for all campus divisions prior to implementation. The project team will work closely with offices across campus to support a coordinated transition.

We recognize that changes to core communication systems affect daily work, and we are committed to clear communication and strong support throughout this process. We have consulted with the Office of the Provost and will continue to partner on this work. Additional details will be shared as the project moves forward. Questions can be directed to zoomphone@lafayette.edu. 

Thank you for your cooperation as we complete this necessary transition to ensure reliable and secure campus communications.

 

Audra Kahr
Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration

David Lifka
Chief Information Officer

Questions can be directed to zoomphone@lafayette.edu.