Skip to Main Content

UMConnect technology engages United Methodists across the miles

Have you attended a meeting via UMConnect?  UMConnect stands for United Methodist Connection video system. The system allows people to interact via video and audio in real time. Dakotas and Minnesota Conference leadership, agencies and churches utilize UMConnect for meetings, training and business.

Over the past 24 months, connections and sites that host a UMConnect meeting have expanded to include the ability to join a meeting from a desktop computer, laptop, mobile device or a room system. 

Room systems are available at these North Dakota sites: Bismarck Legacy, Fargo Calvary, Grand Forks Wesley, Jamestown First, Minot Faith and Williston Faith.  South Dakota sites are Aberdeen First, Mitchell conference office, Pierre Southeast, Rapid City Canyon Lake and Sioux Falls Asbury.  There are no longer room systems at Fargo First, Rapid City First and Watertown First.

UMConnect room systems are also located in various locations in the Minnesota Conference.  Sites in Minnesota include Grand Rapids, Minneapolis, Mankato, Rochester and Sartell. 

Additionally, people can join via their personal devices such as a laptop, desktop computer, tablet or phone. The quality of the connection is dependent on the speed of the internet and, the camera and audio that is available through the device being utilized. 

Video conferencing saves time and money.  In 2016, it is estimated over 2,500 hours of travel time to meetings were saved. In addition, $50,000 in expenses were not spent on travel to meetings and events. The annual costs to operate the UMConnect system are projected at $100,000. This amount covers the costs of the internet at each site, server and maintenance agreements. The costs are shared across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area.

The UMConnect system allows people to participate in meetings and events which they otherwise could not attend because of geographic distances or busy schedules. The conference is thereby able to involve a more diverse group of people.

How do you use the UMConnect system?

If you have a meeting or event that you would like to have via videoconference, simply e-mail one of the conference staff and they will connect you with someone who can help you schedule your meeting. You will need to provide this information:  the date and time of your meeting or event, including the start time and ending time; what sites you would like to utilize; who will be participating at each site; and contact information of the meeting or event organizer.

How does it work?

The Dakotas-Minnesota Area holds a contract with BlueJeans.  BlueJeans uses software on a server at a remote site which manages the overall system.  There is a server in the Conference office in Mitchell that manages the room systems. Once the meeting is scheduled in the software, you get a notice via e-mail eith information for the meeting.  The meeting notice will give you instructions on how to join the meeting.  If you are participating via one of the room systems, you simply need to turn on the TV at the site you are attending and go to the tablet, touch the meeting name and you will connect. 

What happens if I have problems?

There is always someone “on call” to assist you. The support number for BlueJeans is located in the meeting notification you receive.

Recording

Meetings held by videoconference can be recorded. The BlueJeans server generates an archive and meetings can be viewed at another time. For example, a pensions training was recorded and a link became available for people to go back and view the training.

UMConnect is not perfect

Videoconferencing is a convenience.  However, not every meeting and event should be held via UMConnect.  A group should be familiar with the practices, participants and the purposes of their work before attempting to utilize videoconferencing.

It is wise to know each other and the scope of the work before trying to utilize technology to meet. Many committees and agencies throughout the conference schedule a combination of face-to face meetings and UMConnect meetings. This combination approach creates an optimum culture for accomplishing the goals and purposes of the group.

There is limited availability. Only 15 ports can be used at one time. A port is a room system, a phone user, a tablet user, a desktop computer or tablet user.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about the UMConnect system contact David Stucke by e-mail or phone 605-990-7795. 

UMC

Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church 605.996.6552 https://www.dakotasumc.org/media/library/fluid-mod-setting/12/logo/logo.png https://www.dakotasumc.org/media/library/fluid-mod-page/2/slideshow_home/Multiplying Love Lenten Study Slider_3.jpg 1331 University Ave. Mitchell SD 57301-0460 US 43.69689310 -98.03291320 122 W. Franklin Avenue Ste 400 Minneapolis MN 55404 US 0.00000000 0.00000000 1331 W University Ave Mitchell SD 57301 US 0.00000000 0.00000000 1331 University Ave Mitchell SD 57301 US 0.00000000 0.00000000 http://www.facebook.com/dakotasumc http://www.twitter.com/DakotasUM https://vimeo.com/dakotasumc https://www.instagram.com/dakotasumc https://www.flickr.com/photos/dakotasumc/albums