FAQ on Changes to the University Cell Phone Policy
About the Cell Phone Policy Change
The university cell phone policy is being updated for consistency, equity and streamlining of options. The Marquette cell phone plan and university cell phones are being eliminated in favor of a $50, market-based cell phone allowance for employees whose role qualifies under newly standardized criteria. (See criteria below.) Cost savings will be realized as a result of these changes.
Why was this decision made?
One of the specific cost reduction actions undertaken through Marquette’s Securing Our Future initiative, which is being implemented under the “Healthy Campus” theme of the Marquette 2031 strategic plan, is to reduce cell phone stipends to better align with current cell phone plan fees in the marketplace. This was a recommendation from IT Services to the Securing Our Future steering committee, which was accepted by the committee and approved by ELT (Executive Leadership Team).
What was the criteria made for determining who would qualify for a cell phone allowance moving forward?
Employees must meet one or more of the following criteria to qualify for the cell phone allowance:
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On-call employees: Employees who have roles that have designated on-call shifts or those who are required to respond immediately to emergency situations outside of normal business hours may be eligible for a university cell phone allowance.
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Public safety: Employees who are considered key personnel for emergency or safety purposes may be eligible for a university cell phone allowance.
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Medical professionals: Employees in roles that require immediate response to medical emergencies may be eligible for a university cell phone allowance.
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Work location: Employees who perform a majority of their duties in the field where communication by other means is not available or is inefficient may be eligible for a university cell phone allowance. Working from a remote location including home, satellite offices, and university travel do not qualify for cell phone allowance.
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Regulatory requirements: Employees who are required by law or regulation to maintain constant communication for compliance or reporting purposes may be eligible for a university cell phone allowance.
Does this imply my job is not important?
Absolutely not. This change is not a reflection on the importance of anyone’s role. Rather, it’s an effort to bring consistency and equity to the cell phone policy by eliminating Marquette cell phone plans and university cell phones in favor of one market-based cell phone allowance for employees whose role qualifies under newly standardized criteria. Cost savings will be realized as a result of these changes.
How was the $50 cell phone allowance determined?
A subcommittee with representation from areas across campus reviewed cell phone allowances from companies in our marketplace and benchmarked the average cost of cell phone plans.
How do I set up a new account?
Transfers of existing accounts to the allowance model will be processed. Please contact the person in your area responsible for processing online payments for Payroll. They will then follow the Additional Pay Transaction directions PDF (Campus Access only) .
What if I want a more expensive phone?
Under the new policy, each employee has discretion over their type of phone. Employees who receive a cell phone allowance can put that allowance toward the phone plan and phone of their choosing.
Where can I find the policy?
The policy is available on the University Policy and Procedures (UPP) website (Campus Access only).
I’m currently on a stipend. Do I get to keep my stipend?
Employees who are authorized to have a cell phone for their job will be transitioned to the allowance model. They will receive direct communication with the details.
Is there a difference between a stipend and an allowance?
No, we are changing the name to be more in line with current standards.
May I keep my phone and number?
Yes, if the port out directions are followed.
What provider do I have?
After you contact the TechSquad, they will explain the process and identify your provider.
What is the process of moving to a different provider as well as moving from a Marquette plan to a private plan with the same provider?
The procedure may differ slightly depending on the provider. Initially, you will need to contact TechSquad to obtain your port out PIN. Once you have received the required PIN, provide the information below to your provider, who will assist in porting your phone. Please note that if you are using AT&T and still under contract, you must use AT&T to keep your phone and number.
AT&T port process
- Contact the TechSquad to initiate the process.
- ITS will request a port out PIN from AT&T.
- After generating the port out PIN is received, the user must present the following information to their new provider:
- Billing name: Marquette University
- Billing address: PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201
- Billing account number: 287254201820 (main account) or 287259462788 (residence life)
- AT&T port out PIN: PIN generated from the premier request above.
T-Mobile port process
- Contact the TechSquad to initiate the process.
- ITS will request the port out PIN.
- Once the port out PIN is requested, give the new provider the following information:
- Billing name: Marquette University
- Billing address: PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201
- Billing account number: 979411364
- T-Mobile port out PIN: (will be either 0000 or 000000)
If staying with T-Mobile to initiate a change of ownership, we recommend first submitting the request to T-Mobile to get the process started. After they receive your request, you’ll follow these steps:
- Call T-Mobile at 1-800-937-8997 and enter the T-Mobile number associated with the corporate account when prompted.
- When connected to a representative, please mention that you are not an authorized user but would like to complete a change of responsibility to transfer the line from corporate liability to a personal account, as indicated on the mobile number. You can also choose to transfer to a prepaid account if preferred.
- After reviewing the details, you will be transferred to the activation team, who will assist with a credit check if there is no existing postpaid account under your Social Security number (SSN). If the line is being transferred to another person’s account, the account holder must complete the transfer.
- Once the transfer is complete, you’ll receive a new account number along with your rate plan details.
UScellular port process
- Contact the TechSquad to initiate the process
- ITS will contact UScellular to obtain the port out PIN.
- Give the new provider the following information:
- Billing name: Marquette University
- Billing address: PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201
- Billing account number: 922553477
- Port out PIN
If I have more questions, who do I contact?
- For technical assistance: IT Services TechSquad
- For help processing the cell phone allowance: Your area’s business manager
- For questions relating to your role and phone usage: Your supervisor