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Zoom

For all KAUST community members

Overview

Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing and collaboration platform that allows KAUST community members to host and join meetings, webinars, and collaborative sessions from desktop computers, mobile devices, or web browsers. KAUST Single Sign-On (SSO) is enabled through kaust.zoom.us, allowing sign-in with KAUST credentials. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required when prompted.

KAUST Use Cases

  • Department and project meetings
  • Research collaboration sessions
  • Academic discussions and seminars
  • Workshops, training sessions, and webinars
  • External collaboration with partners and guests
  • Remote participation while traveling or working off campus
  • Brainstorming and visual whiteboarding sessions

How to Access and Sign In

  1. 1 Go to kaust.zoom.us
  2. 2 Select Sign In
  3. 3 Enter your KAUST email address if prompted
  4. 4 Complete KAUST Single Sign-On (SSO)
  5. 5 Authenticate using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) when required

Mobile Access

Install the Zoom app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Open Zoom, select SSO, enter kaust as the company domain, and sign in with your KAUST credentials.

Key Features

Zoom Meetings

  • Schedule and join meetings from desktop, mobile, or web
  • HD video and audio conferencing
  • Screen sharing and in-meeting chat
  • Meeting recordings when enabled by the host
  • Breakout rooms for workshops, classes, and collaborative sessions
  • Webinars and virtual events for larger audiences

Screen Sharing

  • Share your full screen or a specific application window
  • Present documents, slides, research content, or demonstrations
  • Allow participant screen sharing when appropriate

Zoom Mobile App (iOS and Android)

  • Join meetings from your phone or tablet
  • Full access to audio, video, chat, and screen sharing
  • Notifications for meeting start and in-meeting activity

Zoom AI Companion

Zoom AI Companion is Zoom's built-in generative AI assistant designed to support productivity before, during, and after meetings. Depending on enabled features and licensing, AI Companion can help with:

  • Generating meeting summaries and action items
  • Answering questions about ongoing meeting discussions
  • Smart recording highlights and key topic identification
  • Note generation and post-meeting follow-up support
  • Whiteboard content generation and brainstorming assistance

Important

AI features may process meeting content, transcripts, recordings, chat messages, and shared information depending on configuration and enabled features. Always ensure discussions and shared content comply with applicable KAUST policies and information security requirements.

Zoom Whiteboard

Zoom Whiteboard provides a collaborative digital workspace for brainstorming, planning, and visual collaboration before, during, or after meetings. Participants can use sticky notes, text boxes, shapes, diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, and drawing tools. When enabled, AI Companion can generate whiteboard content to help teams start from a structured foundation rather than a blank canvas.

Scheduling and Joining Meetings

Scheduling a Meeting

  1. 1 Sign in at kaust.zoom.us
  2. 2 Select Schedule a Meeting
  3. 3 Configure meeting settings, including date, time, and participant options
  4. 4 Save and share the meeting invitation with participants

If Zoom Outlook integration is available on your device, meetings can also be scheduled directly from Microsoft Outlook.

Joining a Meeting

You can join a Zoom meeting by:

  • Selecting the invitation link
  • Entering a Meeting ID in the Zoom desktop or mobile app
  • Joining from a supported web browser without installing the application

Tips and Best Practices

  • Test your microphone and camera before important meetings
  • Use a headset for clearer audio in open or shared environments
  • Mute your microphone when not speaking
  • Share specific application windows to avoid exposing unrelated content
  • Use waiting rooms and passcodes for meetings involving sensitive topics
  • Lock meetings after all expected participants have joined
  • Record meetings only when appropriate and inform participants beforehand

Security and Privacy

  • Share meeting invitations only with intended participants
  • Review participant permissions before meetings begin
  • Use waiting rooms and passcodes when required
  • Protect confidential information appropriately during screen sharing
  • Follow applicable KAUST information security requirements when using AI features, recordings, and shared content

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join Zoom meetings without installing the application?

Yes. Many Zoom meetings support joining directly from a web browser.

Can external participants join Zoom meetings?

Yes. Zoom supports participation from both KAUST and external attendees.

Do I need VPN to use Zoom?

Zoom can generally be accessed directly from the internet. However, access to certain KAUST resources shared during meetings may still require VPN connectivity.

Is Zoom AI Companion always enabled?

Availability depends on licensing, account configuration, and enabled features.

Support and Contact

Need Help?

  • Contact the IT Service Desk through VITA at vita.kaust.edu.sa
  • Call 910 or +966 (12) 808-0910
  • Walk-in support is available at the IT Walk-In Support Desk in Building 14