Microsoft Teams Premium at St. Petersburg College

Microsoft Teams Premium is an enhanced version of the standard Microsoft Teams platform, offering advanced features and customization options designed to improve collaboration, security, and meeting experiences. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the key features and benefits, how to access Microsoft Teams Premium at St. Petersburg College, and tips for maximizing its potential.

Overview of Microsoft Teams Premium

Microsoft Teams Premium builds on the robust features of Microsoft Teams, offering additional tools that are particularly useful for larger organizations, such as St. Petersburg College. These advanced features enhance virtual meetings, ensure the security of sensitive information, and allow for greater personalization of the Teams experience.

Key Features of Microsoft Teams Premium

Advanced Meeting Options

• AI-Powered Meeting Recaps: Teams Premium automatically generates intelligent meeting recaps, including highlights, task summaries, and suggested follow-ups. This feature ensures that all participants stay aligned on action items, even if they missed the meeting.

• Real-Time Translation: Break down language barriers with real-time translation of meeting captions. This feature is particularly beneficial for international collaborations or for participants who prefer different languages.

• Personalized Meeting Branding: Teams Premium allows you to brand your meetings with custom logos, colors, and backgrounds. This feature ensures that all virtual interactions reflect St. Petersburg College’s identity, maintaining a professional and consistent image.
  
  

Enhanced Security

• End-to-End Encryption for Meetings: Teams Premium offers end-to-end encryption for meetings, protecting sensitive conversations and data from unauthorized access. This is particularly crucial for administrative meetings, faculty discussions, and any scenario where confidential information is shared.

• Advanced Threat Protection: With the rise of cyber threats, Teams Premium provides advanced threat protection that scans for malicious content in chats and meetings. This helps safeguard users from phishing attempts and other security risks.

• Meeting Access Controls: Set granular permissions for meeting participants, such as who can present, who can record, and who can access specific content during and after the meeting. This ensures that sensitive information is only accessible to authorized individuals.
  
  

Customization and Personalization

• Branded Meeting Invites: Send meeting invites that include St. Petersburg College’s logo and colors, reinforcing the college’s brand in every communication. This feature is especially useful for external meetings with partners, stakeholders, and prospective students.

• Custom Backgrounds and Layouts: Teams Premium provides a wide range of customizable backgrounds and meeting layouts. Faculty and staff can personalize their virtual spaces to create a more engaging and professional environment, whether teaching a class or hosting a webinar.
  
  

Webinars and Large Events

• Enhanced Webinar Features: Teams Premium enables you to host large-scale webinars with advanced features like attendee registration, custom registration forms, and automated email reminders. Post-event, you can access detailed analytics and reports to evaluate engagement and success.

• Controls for Managing Attendees: Manage large groups of attendees with features like virtual lobbies, attendee hand-raising, and Q&A moderation. These tools ensure that events run smoothly and that organizers maintain control over the attendee experience.
  
  

Benefits for St. Petersburg College

1. Improved Collaboration: Teams Premium enhances collaboration among faculty and staff through advanced meeting tools that support both synchronous and asynchronous work. The platform’s ability to integrate with other Microsoft 365 tools also streamlines workflows and increases productivity.

2. Enhanced Security: The advanced security features of Teams Premium are vital for protecting the college’s sensitive data, including student records, financial information, and proprietary research. By ensuring that all virtual communications are secure, Teams Premium helps maintain the college’s compliance with regulatory standards.

3. Branded Experience: The customization options allow St. Petersburg College to maintain its brand identity across all virtual meetings and events. Whether interacting with students, faculty, or external partners, the consistent branding reinforces the college’s professional image.

4. Support for Hybrid and Remote Work: Teams Premium supports St. Petersburg College’s commitment to providing flexible work options. The platform’s advanced features make it easier to manage hybrid and remote work environments, ensuring that all faculty and staff have access to high-quality tools regardless of location.
   
   

Tips for Maximizing Microsoft Teams Premium

• Utilize AI-Powered Recaps: Make sure to review the AI-generated recaps after meetings to stay on top of key points and action items. This is especially useful for longer meetings or when following up on complex discussions.

• Leverage Real-Time Translation: If you’re collaborating with international partners, enable real-time translation to ensure clear communication.

• Customize Your Meeting Space: Take advantage of the branding and customization options to make your virtual meetings more engaging and reflective of St. Petersburg College’s identity.

• Manage Large Events Effectively: When hosting webinars or large meetings, use the attendee management features to ensure a smooth and professional event experience. Set up registration in advance and review attendee analytics to improve future events.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know if I’m using Teams Premium?
You can check your account type by navigating to the settings in Microsoft Teams. If you have access to the advanced features like AI-powered meeting recaps or real-time translation, you're using Teams Premium.

2. What should I do if I’m having trouble accessing Teams Premium features?
Contact the IT Help Desk at [Help Desk Contact Information] for assistance with access or technical issues related to Microsoft Teams Premium.

3. Are there any additional costs associated with using Teams Premium?
No, Teams Premium is provided at no additional cost to all faculty and staff as part of St. Petersburg College’s Microsoft 365 subscription.

Additional Resources

• Microsoft Teams General Information
  
  
• Understanding End-to-End Encryption - E2EE
  
  
• Microsoft Teams Transcripts Premium

Have Questions? Contact the Academic Technology Support Team

ATST@spcollege.edu 

 Phone at 727-341-3500 

(Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST).

After-hours or weekend assistance? Contact the Technical Support Center at 727-791-2795 or onlinehelp@spcollege.edu

Want to Schedule a One-on-One or Group Session on Canvas or other instructional technology issues or opportunities? 

Schedule 1:1 Support Help with a Member of the MyCourses4Faculty Team