FAQs: Phone Features

How do I turn call forwarding on?

To forward calls to any telephone number:

  • Press the Line key (or lift the receiver)
  • Dial 806. Listen for the stutter tone.
  • For on-campus phone number, dial the 5 digit extension
  • For off-campus phone number, dial 9 plus the phone number
  • Hang up

How do I turn call forwarding off?

To turn off call forwarding:

  1. Press the Line key (or lift the receiver)
  2. Dial 807
  3. Hang up

Can I get Caller ID?

Yes.  Caller ID is a standard feature on all digital Meridian phone sets.

How do I transfer a call?

You can transfer calls without the assistance of a campus operator.

  • Tell the caller you are transferring the call.
  • Depress switchhook* momentarily.
  • Listen for stutter dial tone.
  • Dial the 5-digit extension number.
  • When you hear the number ring, hang up.
If the extension is busy or no one answers, depress the switchhook twice to restorethe original connection and inform the caller. If operator assistance is needed to transfer the call, dial 0 instead of an extension number after obtaining the stutter dial tone.

Do not delay dialing once you depress the switchhook* or your party will return within 18 to 20 seconds.

* On electronic keysets, press the "Flash" or "Transfer" key.

How do I make a conference call?

There are two types of conference calls (not to be confused with three-way calling): a station dial conference where the caller initiates the conference call and an operator assisted conference call where the campus operator initiates the conference call.

Station Dial Conference Call - Suggested use for on-campus conference calling

A conference call can have up to six parties--five conferees plus the originator. If more than 6, contact the campus operator. Any or all of the five conferees can be outside of the University system. You may get assistance from the campus operator to help you initiate the conference call if you are calling from a number that is restricted. (The campus operator will require a chartfield for billing.)

  • Dial the number of the first conferee.
  • Press the switchhook* once momentarily and listen for a "special" dial tone.
  • Dial the conference call access code, 802. (A fast busy signal means the circuit is busy.) You and the conferee are now in a conference call.
  • Press the switchhook* once and listen for the "special" dial tone.
  • Dial the number of the next conferee.
  • After the conferee answers**, press the switchhook* once and listen for the "special" dial tone.
  • Dial the conference call access code, 802. All the conferees are in the conference call.
  • The conference call disconnects when the last person on a University extension hangs up.
  • Additional conferees can be added by repeating steps 4 through 7.

* On electronic key sets, press the "Flash" or "Transfer" key.

** If the conferee answers and does not want to be added to the conference call, or if the number is busy, do the following: Press the switchhook once, dial the conference call release code, 803, then dial the conference call access code, 802, to re-enter the conference call.

Operator Assisted Conference Call - Suggested use for conference calling when off campus, local, long distance and/or international numbers are involved.

An operator assisted conference call can have up to 26 participants. These calls must be scheduled in advance with the campus operator. The operator is given a list of participants with a day and time to intiate the call. The operator calls the originator at the appointed time and then adds each of the particpants from the list. To schedule an operator assisted conference call, contact the campus operators at 1-7200.

Can I place someone on hold and call a 3rd party, or conference 3 parties?

You may hold an existing call, originate a call to another extension for consultation, and then return to the original call. This is known as a consultation hold. You may also add a third party to an established call. This is three-way calling. For either of these options:

  • Depress switchhook* momentarily.
  • Listen for stutter dial tone.
  • Dial third party.

When the third party answers, you may talk privately. You then have a choice to drop the 3rd party by depressing the switchook* twice, or after the third party hangs up, depress the switchhook* once to restore the original connection.

If the party to be added is busy or doesn't answer, restore the original connection by depressing the switchhook* twice.

If any of the three parties hangs up, a new third party may be added by repeating the above procedure. Parties can remove themselves from the call by hanging up.

Do not use this feature to hold one call while answering another. Once the switchhook* is depressed, a delay in dialing (18 to 20 seconds) will reconnect the original caller.

* On electronic key sets, press the "Flash" or "Transfer" key.

How do I speed dial a number?

You can dial telephone numbers quickly and easily using one- or two-digit codes. Speed Call provides you with the 10 one-digit codes (0-9) or up to 70 two-digit codes (00-69). See your Customer Service Representative or System Administrator to find out which type of codes are available to you.

To Program a Speed Call number:

  1. 1. Dial the "Spd Call" code: 874 (one digit) or 875 (two digit).
  2. Enter a one- or two-digit code (0-9 or 00-69)
  3. Dial the telephone number you want to assign to that code. You can store telephone numbers up to 24 digits long.
  4. Press the "Spd Call" button again.
  5. Make a note of the Speed Call code and telephone number for future reference.

How do I get call waiting?

Call Waiting is included in all Centrex lines' custom calling feature package at no additional monthly cost.  This service is available for on-campus phones.  However, it is not a widely used feature because adding a second line or using voicemail is typically more professional and effective in an office setting.

How do I use call waiting?

Call Waiting lets you know when you have a second incoming call by sending a single tone to the handset at regular intervals.

To answer your second call on your multi-line phone set:

  1. Press the feature key showing the flashing indicator. The original call goes on hold automatically.
  2. To return to your original call:
    Press the line key of the original call. You can alternate between the calls by pressing the appropriate line key.

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