You can upload files from a computer - including any network drive your computer is connected to - to Teams for easier access that does not require VPN when working remotely.  Teams is HIPAA compliant and can be used for any level of data at CUIMC.

IMPORTANT:

• Any changes to files in Teams will not automatically be reflected on the copies stored in a network drive or elsewhere.  It is best to continue storing the file in Teams or making sure you have copied changed files back to the desired location from Teams.
• It is recommended that you select no more than five or six folders at a time. If too many are selected, the process will either be slowed down or not work.
• Microsoft Teams cannot store an individual file that is over 100 GB.
• If there is a high volume of remote workers it may be faster or easier to upload during off hours. This reduces demand on Teams, VPN (if connected to a network drive - VPN is NOT required to access Teams!), and the Internet/network connectivity in general.

1. Use a compatible web browser on your computer (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox) and go to: https://teams.microsoft.com
2. Login with your full CUIMC email address (youruni@cumc.columbia.edu) and password. If you are off campus, you will also be prompted to use your CUIMC Duo multifactor authentication method, for help see Using CUIMC Email and Office 365 Apps with Duo.
3. Select the Teams channel you'll use for storing files
4. Select Files in the top menu (below the Teams search bar)
   
5. Select Open in SharePoint from the menu that appears below Files.  You may need to select an ellipsis ... first to find this option.
   
6. The SharePoint Documents window will open. This is the "library" that Teams uses for file storage. From here you can:
   • Click Upload and select the files or folders on the computer or attached network drive
   • Drag and drop files and folders from an open file browser on your computer to the SharePoint Documents library.
   
7. An Uploading status will show in the menu bar above the list of documents.  When done your files and folders will be listed and can be accessed via the Team.
   

For more help see information on Microsoft's website:

Upload a files and folders to a library
Work remotely with Microsoft 365
Set up and customize your Team
Microsoft Teams video training

There is also a Help (?) link in the lower left corner of Teams.