Telecom - Telephone FAQ/ Questions and Answers

Owned by Kimberly Adkins
Last updated: Nov 05, 2024 by Kimberly Adkins
4 min read

This article contains frequently asked questions and answers for telephone and voicemail issues.


How do I request a new voice or data installation for my department?

  • Visit the IT Service Catalog site to read about eligibility, charges, and special instructions and then fill out the service request form.

What do I do when my phone is not working and/or is asking for a username and password?

  • Send an email to help@usf.edu to open up an incident for a tech to assist you with your phone.

My voicemail PIN is about to expire. how do I change it?

Why wasn't the voicemail PIN I chose accepted?

There are guidelines that apply for choosing a voicemail PIN. See the guidelines listed below. 

  • The PIN must be at least 4 characters long.
  • The PIN cannot contain your primary extension or its reverse.
  • The PIN must contain at least three different digits.
  • The digits cannot all be consecutive in ascending or descending order.
  • A digit cannot be used more than two times consecutively.
  • The PIN cannot contain repeated groups of three or more digits.
  • The PIN cannot be a numeric representation of your first or last name, or the combination of your first and last names.

Note: Standard security rules apply, meaning you will be required to change your PIN from time to time.

Information on PIN guidelines and a complete voicemail reference guide is available at the link below.

Cisco Unity Voicemail - Tampa Quick Reference Guid

How do I stop my calls from going straight to voicemail?

How do I configure my voicemail or add it to my Outlook?

  • Visit Voicemail System Access to learn how to configure Cisco Unity voicemail for telephones on the Tampa, Sarasota-Manatee, and St. Petersburg campuses.

Why can I no longer access my voicemail?

Cisco Unity Voicemail is currently being implemented to all campus phones. If you have not yet accessed your voicemail in Cisco Unity Connection, use the following instructions.

  1. From your desk phone dial 4-6000 (St. Petersburg users dial 3-1000, and Sarasota users dial 2-4500).
  2. Listen and follow the voicemail instructions.The default PIN is 8731.
  3. During the setup process you will be prompted to provide a new PIN.
  4. Please set up an alternative contact number under Setup Options. This is the extension callers will be sent to when pressing 0.

The guidelines for choosing a PIN, information on how to access your voicemail both on and off campus, as well as complete voicemail reference guide are available at the link below.

Cisco Unity Voicemail - Tampa Quick Reference Guide

Note: You have access to your messages via phone and web. Before setting up your web access, please log into your new voicemail box via your phone. You can then sign in at www.vmail.usf.edu with your NetID credentials.

For more information on Cisco Voicemail please visit Voicemail System Access

How do I access my voicemail from my home phone, cell phone, or another extension?

Follow the steps listed below.

  1. From a phone off campus dial (813) 974-6000. From another extension than your own dial 4-6000.
  2. Once you are connected to the Cisco Unity Voicemail system press *.
  3. Enter you ID (your 5 digit phone extension) and press #.
  4. Enter your 4 digit PIN and press #.

Additional information on accessing voicemail and a complete voicemail reference guide is available at the link below.

Cisco Unity Voicemail - Tampa Quick Reference Guide

Why do I get emails about deleted voicemail messages?

  • Choosing the option to delete voicemail messages in the Cisco Unity voicemail system doesn't immediately delete the messages. Instead, it notes that you marked the messages for deletion and moves them out of your inbox. The system sends you a message two days before it permanently deletes these messages.

Can I turn the email trigger off so that I can stop getting messages about deleted voicemail messages?

  • These messages cannot be disabled.

How can I stop getting messages about deleted voicemail messages?

Permanently deleting your old voicemail messages prevents the system from sending notifications. You can permanently delete your voicemail messages by accessing your voicemail through your telephone or through the https://vmail.usf.edu website.

From your telephone:

  1. From the main menu, press 3 to review old messages.
  2. Press 3 to review deleted messages.
  3. Press 2 to delete messages permanently.

From the website:

  1. On the main page, click the Deleted button.
  2. Click the Empty deleted items button.

How do I complete billable service requests for data/phone services?

  • Please scan and email a completed and signed service request form to help@usf.edu. Access service request forms here - > Service Request Forms. Make sure the chartfields and authorized signature are included. For further assistance, please contact your Voice and Data Communications Specialist. Their contact information is located in the color coded campus map at vdcs-map.pdf.

How do I obtain a phone log?

  • All records requests need to be directed to the General Counsel Office at 813-974-2131.

How do I get a new handset cord or a longer phone cord?

  • Send an email to help@usf.edu explaining your need and provide your phone's extension, your building name (or initials), and your room number.

What are the monthly recurring charges, call rate information, and cost analysis regarding services?

View the recurring rates and cost analysis for a department's phone system.

What services are available to me if I'm hearing impaired?

  • Telecommunication services include auxiliary aids such as amplified and hearing aid compatible handsets; installing telephone lines to accommodate TDD/TTY devices; and repositioning telephones to provide better access to facilities by physically impaired persons. For more information refer to the information in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for Telecommunications page.