Recommended Zoom Settings

Configure these before the session starts. Most are found in the Zoom web application → Settings.

Setting	Where to find it	Configuration	Recommendation
Waiting room	Account settings → Webinar → Security	Enable	Students queue before being admitted, giving you control over who enters. Instructions on waiting room use whilst in session.
Meeting passcode	Account settings → Webinar → Security	Enable	Prevents uninvited participants from joining. Share via Canvas.
Authenticated Users only	Settings → Meeting → Security	Enable	Only authenticated staff and students can access the meeting. Assists in identifying any students not present.
Mute participants on entry	Account settings → Meeting → Schedule meeting	Enable	All students join muted. Note: Ask students to stay muted unless raising a hand.
Participant screen sharing	Account settings → Meeting → In Meeting (Basic)	Disable	Only host needs this capability unless using all screens mode.
Recording	Account Settings → Recording → General	Enable as a reference	Ensure you are recording to the cloud.
AI Companion	Account Settings → AI Companion → Meeting	Disable	Ensure there is no continued conversation with students after the meeting.
- Zoom Apps - Whiteboard - Notes - Docs - Tasks	Account Settings	Disable	Ensure students cannot engage in add-on activities within zoom.

Setting up the Zoom meeting

Sign into the Zoom web portal using your university account — not a personal account.
Schedule a new Meeting. Set the date, start time, and duration. Include a window of 15 minutes both before and after the quiz to give additional time to the duration of the meeting.
Set a meeting passcode and provide it to students within the Canvas course site alongside the Zoom link.
Enable the waiting room so students’ queue before being admitted. This lets you control when students enter.
Send the meeting link and passcode to students in advance, along with any expectations (camera on, microphone on, student ID ready, quiet space, single monitor).
Do a brief test run the day before to confirm your audio, video, and settings work as expected.
Provide students with an opportunity for a practice run. You can either provide a set time for students to practice live with you as the host or get them to ensure they have activated their UON Zoom account, downloaded the app and checked their microphone and video settings.

Note: If you have a teaching assistant available, add them as a co-host. You can do this within the Zoom meeting or when setting up the meeting.

Next: Running and Monitoring the Session
Related links: Supporting Online Assessment Security Using Zoom, Considerations, and Practical Tips and Checklist

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.