After 40+ years of service, EIU’s will be retiring the Centrex phone system in 2024. Our current system is at the end of its useful life and EIU has recognized that there are systems that will better meet the operational needs of the University. Over the course of a phased rollout, the traditional phone system and equipment will be replaced with Microsoft Teams Voice, which uses the existing Teams platform to make and receive external calls on a computer or mobile device.
The transition to Teams Voice will offer modern calling enhancements, such as voicemail to email, call history, call blocking, call transferring, call forwarding, and much more. The switch will also permit EIU employees to use existing 581 numbers to simplify the transition and minimize disruption. In addition to adding modern calling features, this change allows EIU to offer phone services to all EIU employees starting July 1, 2024. Please see the FAQ for how the billing model will change with Teams voice.
The move to Teams Voice is a large project currently in the testing phase. The project team is committed to effective communication and will update campus regularly through EIU announcements, presentations, direct communications, and the EIU Teams Site. The transition is expected to begin in November of 2023, followed by a phased rollout over the course of several months and being finished by July 1, 2024. The project team will connect directly with unit leadership regarding scheduling, training, and next steps.
Please complete this machform if you have questions, concerns, or would like to be considered as an early adopter.
2142 Old Main
Eastern Illinois University
600 Lincoln Ave.
Charleston, IL 61920
217-581-7400
Fax: 217-581-8444
jdreinhart@eiu.edu