Using Zoom

You’ll use Zoom to talk to your instructor or TAs during office hours or other synchronous online meetings. If you are new to Zoom, you need to download Zoom to your device before your first meeting. Zoom is available for laptops, or as an app on Android and iOS devices. 

If you’re already a Zoom pro, make sure Zoom is updated! Zoom updates frequently and your software or app should be up to date for the best experience.

To Get Started: You should sign into Zoom at ucsc.zoom.us to activate your UCSC Zoom account.

Before joining your meeting

• Test your video or join your own practice meeting to get familiar with the Zoom interface.

• Webcam issues? Try these troubleshooting steps before contacting ITS Support.

• Make sure you are signed into your UCSC Zoom account (login with your ucsc.edu email). Some instructors might have protected their Zoom meetings so that you can only join with your ucsc.edu account.

Other tips for Zoom

• Treat Zoom meetings as you would an in-person class meeting or office hours. 

• If possible, attend Zoom meetings in a quiet place with some privacy and a stable internet connection.

• Use a virtual background if your computer supports it. (It’s a perfect way to maintain some privacy when you’re at home.)

• Add a profile picture to your Zoom account. It doesn’t have to be a photo of you. It can be any image that communicates who you are. 

• Use earphones, headphones, earbuds, or a headset to prevent feedback from your microphone. 

• Use chat to ask questions if you can’t use your microphone.

• Keep chat open so that you see incoming messages.

• Use nonverbal feedback or reactions to respond to your instructors or peers.

• When prompted to join a breakout room, click “Join breakout room.”

• Remain present in the Zoom meeting for the entire duration of the meeting. 

• If there’s a Zoombomber in your meeting, let your instructor or TA know.

• Mute your microphone if you are not speaking.