Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment is needed for Zoom?

Depending on how you wish to connect to the meeting, you will need some combination of the following:

• Computer with Internet connection

• Microphone

• Webcam – See this guide on Webcam recommendations

• Telephone

• Mobile Device (The Zoom Workplace app is available through Apple iTunes and the Google Play Store)

Can students alter their name in Zoom?

• By default, the participant list will display the student’s name from the Brightspace class roster. Students can update their name in the Zoom meeting to add personal pronouns or a preferred name if they have not selected the preferred/chosen name option in PG Campus. They should not change the original display name in Zoom and simply add additional information at the end. Review instructions on how to update the display name in a Zoom session.

How do I allow non-hosts to share their screen?

• • To give participants screen-sharing permission when hosting your next meeting, simply click the arrow to the right of the Screen Sharing icon, select Advanced Sharing Options and select All Participants.

  • To re-enable participant content sharing at the account level, please visit zoom.us/account/setting > In Meetings (Advanced) > and select All Participants.

Can I use a virtual background in a Zoom meeting?

• Virtual backgrounds are available to all users, free and licensed. Virtual backgrounds allow you to hide your surroundings with an image that is automatically “stitched” behind you. It is very similar to the green screen effects used in television and movies – and by your local weatherman!

  • To use the virtual background:

1. When in a meeting, click on the small ^ arrow to the right of the Start/Stop Video icon on the toolbar. (If the toolbar is hidden, move your mouse to the bottom of the meeting screen, or press the ALT key.)

2. Select Choose Virtual Background

3. From this window, you can select an image to appear behind you. This image can be a still image or a short movie. You can select from the pre-loaded options.

• For best results, make sure you have good lighting. Your physical background should be a solid color, and try to avoid wearing clothes that are similar in color to the virtual background. Custom backgrounds should have an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a minimum resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels.

• Further Reading: Zoom guide to virtual backgrounds

Uploading Virtual Backgrounds

To maintain a consistent and professional image for our school during virtual meetings and events, we ask that all staff members use one of the approved Zoom backgrounds provided. These backgrounds have been carefully selected to reflect our school's branding and create a cohesive visual identity. Please refrain from using personal or unapproved backgrounds. 

How do I recover a deleted meeting?

• If you accidentally deleted a meeting from Brightspace, follow the Recovering a Deleted Meeting instructions.

• Please note you may only recover a meeting within 7 days of deleting it.

How many participants can attend my meeting?

• The current Zoom license available to Purdue University Global allows for up to 300 participants. 

Can I alter the time of a scheduled seminar session?

• • No, faculty should not alter the time of pre-scheduled seminar sessions. Seminar session times that are set up and scheduled in the system should not be altered. If the faculty member would like to request a schedule change, please contact the department chair. 

  • As noted in the Faculty Handbook: The University will establish the schedule and assignments for each class and faculty member (with input from faculty members regarding vacations and other commitments in appropriate cases). Once established, the assigned faculty member shall meet the schedule, unless excused by the Department Chair

Where do I access attendee/participant reports?

• • Attendee/participant reports will be available after the session from the seminar page in the Brightspace course. Review how to access participant rosters and poll results.

Where do I access saved recordings?

• • Course seminar recordings will be accessible from the seminar area in the Brightspace course. 

  • For more information, see:

    1. How to access seminar recordings

    2. How to access chat messages, and live transcript files

How soon will recordings be available?

• • Cloud recordings generally take about two times the duration recorded to process, but occasionally may take up to 24 hours due to higher processing loads at that time. For example, an hour-long meeting with only 30 minutes recorded would typically take 30-60 minutes to process.

What is included in the recording?

• • Cloud recordings include the screen share, speaker webcam, and chat section of the Zoom room. Recordings do not capture nonverbal feedback or meeting reactions such as raising hands, emoji responses, etc.

Can I download seminar recordings?

• • No - downloading is disabled to protect academic content. Recordings are available for one year after the live session. 

What should I do if I need a Zoom Seminar recording altered or deleted?

• • If an issue occurs during a seminar recording that needs modifications, please contact Faculty Support at 866-348-1196. Sections of a recording can be trimmed or the full recording deleted. 

Who should I reach out to for technical support if I am having an issue with a Zoom meeting or a meeting recording?

• • If you are experiencing technical issues with Zoom or meeting recordings, please contact Faculty Technical Support by phone: 866-348-1196. Faculty Technical Support is best prepared to handle any issues or concerns you may be having.