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UMCal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About UMCal
What is UMCal?
UMCal is the University's centralized calendaring system. UMCal is an implementation of Oracle Calendar, a component of Oracle's Collaboration Suite. Oracle Calendar was formerly Steltor's CorporateTime, which was the calendaring system used at the Duluth campus.
How long has the U used UMCal?
UMCal went into full production in the Summer of 2004.
Why use UMCal?
There are a number of reasons to use UMCal in lieu of other calendaring systems, such as Meeting Maker and GroupWise. Standardized, University-wide calendaring is one of the largest benefits of UMCal. Previously, many units had maintained their own calendaring systems and these systems were not linked. For example, a user of one unit's Meeting Maker server would not be able to directly propose meetings to users on other units' Meeting Maker servers. With UMCal, all users can collaborate with one another, even with users at other campuses. Other benefits include integration with the X.500 directory, similar clients across platforms, centralized support, and licensing/cost considerations.
How many people use UMCal?
As of January 30, 2006, there were over 8,500 users of UMCal.
Who can use UMCal?
UMCal is available to all faculty and staff at any UMN campus.
What about students?
At present, the Twin Cities undergraduate classes of 2008 and 2009 may use UMCal, with future incoming classes also having access. Students at Morris in the classes of 2008 and 2009 are eligible as well. The graduate schools will be coming on during the 2005-2006 academic year.
What about student employees?
We will calendar-enable students outside of the already-enabled groups by request.
Is anyone unable to use UMCal?
Alumni accounts and guest accounts are not eligible to receive calendars.
Is there any scheduled downtime for UMCal?
Yes. UMCal maintenance is performed weekly on Sunday mornings between 6 a.m. and noon. UMCal is unavailable during this window.

Getting Started
How do I create my calendar?
To create your calendar, go to http://www.umn.edu/myaccount and follow the "Calendar Account Options" link. Follow the instructions given there to create your calendar.
What if I don't have a "Calendar Account Options" section?
If you do not have this section, you are not calendar-enabled. To be calendar-enabled, complete the request form at http://www.umn.edu/umcal/forms/UMCalIndSignUp.html.
How do I access my calendar through the web?
You may view your UMCal calendar through the myU Portal toolkit page. For interactive access, go to http://umcal.umn.edu.
Where can I download UMCal clients and other software?
UMCal software is available for download at http://www.umn.edu/umcal/download/. Your Internet ID and password are required to download UMCal software.
I have a firewall. What do I need to open up for UMCal to work?
All UMCal clients and sync tools connect to the servers over port 5730. You should ensure that you are able to connect to that port on the following hosts:
  • umcal.umn.edu
  • calvin.tc.umn.edu
  • hobbes.tc.umn.edu

Getting Help
Who supports UMCal?
UMCal is supported centrally by the Office of Information Technology. Academic & Distributed Computing Services is responsible for providing end user support, while Internet Services handles server administration.
How can I get help in the Twin Cities?
The two primary support channels for UMCal are e-mail and phone. For phone support, call ADCS 1-HELP (1-4357, 612-301-4357 off campus) and use either option one or option seven to speak to a consultant. Alternatively, you may send e-mail to umcal@umn.edu.
How do I get help at other campuses?
You can either contact central support, using the information above, or your campus helpdesk. Duluth users may call the ITSS helpdesk at (218) 726-8847, send e-mail to helpdesk@d.umn.edu, or visit the ITSS Helpdesk website. Morris users may call the Computing Services helpline at (320) 589-6391, send e-mail to mrshelp@mrs.umn.edu, or visit the Computing Services website.
Any other notes on support?
Yes. If you are a resource owner and need to change a resource password, please use the form found at http://www.umn.edu/umcal/forms/ResourcePasswordChange/.

For Departments
Can my entire department be given access to UMCal?
Yes. Departments can be UMCal-enabled on an individual basis. Enabling a department in UMCal gives all staff and faculty in the department the ability to create their UMCal calendar.
Are there any users who would not be included in an enabled department?
Yes. Departments are enabled by department code, so staff and faculty must be paid from the department code(s) specified in the request form and must have an active employee record in PeopleSoft.
What about students, both undergraduate and graduate?
When a department is enabled, most graduate students are enabled as many have staff appointments at the U. Undergraduate students in the department are not enabled, although the classes of 2008 and 2009 (Twin Cities) are already calendar-enabled. If student employees require calendar access, please have them submit a calendar access request form.
What is an 'OU2' name?
An OU2 name is an organizational unit name. In UMCal, OU2 names are assigned to department codes as a means of identifying users within those departments. The OU2 name is also used to identify the department any resource is associated with. OU2 names are typically either acronyms or abbreviations for a department's full name (for instance, 'Academic & Distributed Computing Services' has an OU2 name of 'ADCS').

An OU2 name may consist of letters, numbers, and hyphens. The name must begin with a letter and should be at least two characters in length (ideally three or more). You can request that multiple department codes that are associated with one another be given the same OU2 name but, you can not request an OU2 name in use by an unaffiliated department.

A list of OU2 names currently in use can be found at http://www.umn.edu/umcal/ou2names/.
Can users of other calendaring systems be converted to UMCal?
Yes. Users of Meeting Maker and GroupWise systems can easily be converted to UMCal using the available conversion tools. Conversion from other calendaring systems is possible, when the other system provides the ability to export calendar data in iCal or vCal format. Information in iCal and vCal format can be imported into UMCal.
How long does the conversion process take?
This depends on the size of the group, the number of resources and groups involved, and other factor.
What assistance can I expect during the conversion process?
If the UMCal Team is contacted prior to conversion time, we will assign a consultant to coordinate the conversion process with your group. For larger groups, we may also be able to provide day of, on-site assistance, given sufficient notice.
Is training available?
Yes. Three separate UMCal classes are available: an orientation, a hands-on basics class, and a hands-on advanced class. Each of these classes is offered throughout the year and is available publicly. Custom training for your department is also available. For custom training inquiries, please call the University Technology Training Center at 5-2005, or write to uttc@umn.edu. More information on these courses is available at http://uttc.umn.edu/training/resources/umcal/. An online orientation is also available at http://uttc.umn.edu/training/resources/umcal/orientation/.
Any other suggestions to help in the conversion process?
Only that you contact the UMCal Team sooner than later so that we can better assist you through the conversion process.

Accounts & Calendars
Are calendars in UMCal linked to user accounts (Internet IDs)?
Yes, most calendars are. Every user calendar and event calendar is tied to an Internet ID. Resource calendars are the exception. For more information on resources, see resources section of this FAQ.
What type of calendar will an account get?
All Internet IDs for individuals receive user calendars. Accounts for individuals include all standard faculty, staff and student accounts, plus friend accounts. All Internet IDs for entities receive event calendars. Entity account types include departmental and other organizational accounts.
What is an event calendar?
See the 'Event Calendars' section of the FAQ for more information.
If my name changes, will my name in UMCal change?
Yes. Your name displayed in UMCal is the same as your preferred name in the X.500 directory; if you look yourself up http://search.umn.edu, the name displayed there will match your name in UMCal. If you would like to change your preferred name, you will need to update your personal information through OneStop.
What if my Internet ID changes (i.e. from 'publi123' to 'jqpublic')?
Once your Internet ID change is processed, your calendar will be associated with your new Internet ID.
As a faculty or staff member, how long does my calendar stay active after leaving the U?
If you leave the University, not due to retirement, your calendar will remain active until your central e-mail account is closed, a minimum of 30 days following your last day of employment. If you retire from the University, you are allowed to keep your calendar indefinitely. If you will not be using your calendar, you may ask that it be removed. We may also ask you if it would be acceptable to remove your calendar if your department requests it; this typically occurs in cases where you have proposed future meetings to others that they can not update.

Resources
What is an UMCal resource?
A resource in UMCal is another type of calendar. Resources are utilized for conference rooms, equipment, and "managed calendars."
Can resources be created for classrooms?
Typically, no. Classrooms are commonly noted as being a code 110 or code 120 space, and these rooms are managed centrally by the Office of Classroom Management. These rooms will be managed using Resource 25 (R25), another system entirely.
What is a "managed calendar" resource?
Managed calendars are effectively a catch-all for group calendars. Some common examples of managed calendars include departmental sick/vacation calendars, meeting calendars, and position schedules (i.e. front desk).
How are resources created?
For a resource to be created, a resource request form must be submitted. The resource will then be created and the requestor notified when this is complete.
How are resources named?
All resources follow a standard naming convention. Resources begin with a type identified, RM for rooms, EQ for equipment, and MC for managed calendars. This is then followed by the department's OU2 name (or departmental short name/acronym/abbreviation; specified when a department is enabled). For equipment and managed calendars, a short description of the calendar completes the name. For rooms, the official building abbreviation follows the OU2 name, along with the room number or name. Some examples include:
  • MC ADCS Vacations
  • EQ ADCS Dell 5150
  • RM ADCS ShepLab 127
How are resources managed?
Resources are managed by the resource owner(s). Once a resource has been created, access to that resource and its general use are in the hands of the owner(s), with the exception of changing resource attributes (see below).
How do I change a resource password?
Use the form found at http:/www.umn.edu/umcal/forms/ResourcePasswordChange/.
How do I change resource settings?
With the exception of access rights, resource settings must be changed centrally. Please e-mail changes to umcal@umn.edu. Adjustable settings include:
  • contact name
  • contact phone number
  • room capacity
  • resource description
  • allows conflicts/requires approval
  • approver e-mail address
  • approver e-mail on/off
  • resource availability (times to gray out)
Can resources be renamed?
Resources can be renamed but, they must still conform to the standard naming convention. If you would like a resource renamed, please send an e-mail to umcal@umn.edu. Be sure to include the current and new names of the resource. Resource names can not exceed 40 characters, though 32 characters is the suggested maximum.

Event Calendars
What is an event calendar?
An event calendar is a type of calendar that differs from user calendars and resources. Event calendars were previously assigned to Internet IDs that represented departmental or organizational accounts. At this time, no new event calendars are being created; departmental/organizational accounts now receive regular calendars. We will soon begin the process of phasing out the event calendars that already exist.

Groups
Can groups of users be setup in UMCal?
Yes.
What can groups be used for in UMCal?
Groups can be used to invite multiple users to meetings, more easily open other users' agendas in the group view scheduler, and populate users into the access rights list.
When using a group, do I have to use the entire group?
Yes and no. When you use a group to invite multiple users to a meeting, for instance, it will add the group members' name to the invitee list but unnecessary invitations can be easily deleted; the group can be broken down. In cases like this, where there may be a group of 20 users but only 15 of them need to be invited to an event, it will still be easier to utilize the group and remove the five unneeded invitations that to enter 15 names one-by-one.
What types of groups are available?
There are three types of groups: private, members-only and administrative (public). Private and members-only groups are owned and controlled by individual users, while administrative groups are controlled centrally.
What are the differences between private and members-only groups?
Private and members-only groups are both user-controlled but differ on one point: who can use the groups. Private groups are just that, private; only the user who creates a private group will be aware of its existence and be able to use it. Members-only groups may be utilized by the owner of the group and anyone who is a member of the group. For instance, a department might task one individual to construct and maintain (people leaving, new hires, etc.) a members-only group of their entire department. This way, only one person need maintain the group and anyone in the department will be able to utilize that group.

Choosing a Client
What clients are available?
UMCal is accessible via its web client, desktop clients for Windows, Mac OS 9, OS X, and Linux, and the Oracle Connector for Outlook (OCFO or the "Outlook Connector").
Which client should I use?
Selecting the best client is a personal choice. The web client provides the simplest method of accessing your calendar but may be cumbersome if you will be working as a designate on other calendars (users or resources). The desktop clients allow multiple calendars to be open simultaneously, have drag-and-drop interfaces, and many other bits of functionality that may make for a more satisfying experience than the web client, especially for those who regularly collaborate with others. The Outlook Connector is an addition for Microsoft Outlook that allows profiles to be setup that utilize UMCal to provide the calendaring component.
If I'm still not sure what client I should use, where should I start?
Begin with the web client. If it turns out that the web client meets your needs, you can avoid the need to install client software to connect to your calendar and can have a common experience between computers.

Web Client
What is the address for the web client?
The web client can be accessed at http://umcal.umn.edu. HTTP requests will be redirected to HTTPS (secure).
What should I bookmark for the web client?
Bookmark only http://umcal.umn.edu. Logging into UMCal and booking the URL for the page that appears may result in a loss of preferences in the web client; you should always go to http://umcal.umn.edu.
What browsers and operating systems are compatible with the web client?
Generally speaking, any recent, JavaScript-enabled browser will work with UMCal. Officially supported browsers are:
    Windows - Internet Explorer 5.x/6.x; Netscape 6.x/7.x; Mozilla (suite or Firefox)
    Mac OS X - Internet Explorer 5.x; Netscape 6.x/7.x; Safari
    Mac OS 9 - Internet Explorer 5.x; Netscape 6.x/7.x
    Linux - Netscape 6.x/7.x; Mozilla (suite or Firefox)
Are there features in the web client that aren't available in the desktop clients?
There is one notable feature of UMCal that is only accessible via the web client: the global agenda. For more information, see the Global Agendas section.

Desktop Clients
What platforms are the desktop clients available for?
The UMCal desktop clients are available for Windows, Mac OS 9 and OS X, and Linux. A Solaris client is also available, although it remains untested. To obtain the Solaris client, please write to umcal@umn.edu.
What differences are there between platforms?
All-in-all, the UMCal clients are very similar between platforms in terms of functionality and appearance. One of the most notable differences between clients exists between Windows and Mac: the Windows client uses lists, trees or tabs in many locations (i.e. preferences, access rights) while the Macintosh clients utilize preference panes, a more iconic view.
What is an "offline agenda?"
An offline agenda is a copy of your calendar, tasks and contacts that is stored locally, allowing you to access your information without the need for a network connection. An offline agenda is required to manage contacts in UMCal.
How do I delete my offline agenda?
Deleting an offline agenda varies by platform. It should be noted that the Mac OS X client requires an offline agenda and will create one automatically if necessary. To delete your offline agenda under Windows 2000/XP:
  1. Exit the UMCal desktop client.
  2. Navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Oracle\Calendar (default location).
  3. Delete the files:
    • xtmlocal.dat
    • xtmlocal.ndx
    • xtmparam.ini
    • xtmtzone.ini

To delete your offline agenda files under Mac OS X:
  1. Exit the UMCal desktop client.
  2. Navigate to /Users/<username>/Documents/Oracle Calendar User Data (default location).
  3. Delete the files:
    • Oracle Calendar Index
    • Oracle Calendar Data
    • Oracle Calendar Params
    • Oracle Calendar Time Zones

To delete your offline agenda files under Linux:
  1. Exit the UMCal desktop client.
  2. Navigate to ~/.OracleCalendar (default location).
  3. Delete the files:
    • OfflineData
    • OfflineIndex
    • OfflineParameters
    • OfflineTimeZones
How can I stop the Windows client from asking me to create an offline agenda?
Before preventing the offline agenda question from being asked, keep in mind that an offline agenda is required if you wish to manage contacts in UMCal using a desktop client. That said:
  1. Exit the UMCal desktop client.
  2. Navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Oracle\Calendar (where <username> is the user's Windows username).
  3. Open the unison.ini file using a text editor, i.e. Notepad.
  4. In the [GENPREFS] section of the file, add the following line (with no leading spaces):
        offlineab=false
  5. Save the file and close the text editor.
I changed my Internet password and now can't login. How can I fix this?
Once you change your X.500 password it may take up to 15 minutes for the change to take effect in the directory. You may wish to try your old password. If you are using a desktop client version prior to 10.1.1.0.2, you will also need to change your offline agenda password to match your new Internet password. To do this in a desktop client:
  1. Select "Off-line" from the Connect to dropdown at the client login screen.
  2. Enter your username and previous Internet password. Click Sign-in.
  3. Select Change Password from the Tools menu.
  4. Provide your old and new passwords. Click OK.
  5. Enter your new password again to confirm the change. Click OK.
  6. Select Work On-line from the File menu to connect to the server.
If you are unable to recall your previous Internet password, you will need to delete your offline agenda. Your new offline agenda will be created using your current Internet password.
I haven't changed my password or Internet ID and suddenly I can't login using the desktop client but, I can still login with the web client. What happened?
First, make sure that the Connect To: drop-down is set to UMCal. If you have recently installed any firewall software, ensure that the client is able to talk to the server. If you have recently changed your name in the directory (either as the result human resources paperwork or an update to your preferred name through OneStop), make sure that the user name field is set to your Internet ID, not your full name. If you are still unable to login using the desktop client, please call 1-HELP.
I'm receiving an error 0x16327 in my desktop client. What does this mean?
This error indicates that your offline agenda has become corrupted. This error occurred with some regularity under Mac OS 10.2 and 10.3, while it is far less common in Mac OS 10.4. This error can also occur for Windows and Linux errors. The only solution to this issue is to delete the affected user's offline agenda.
Why does a new user not appear in UMCal when I try to add them to a meeting?
The 10.1.x series of desktop clients include an option to use the 'Global Address List' to lookup users. The global address list (GAL) is updated only every seven days and users who create their accounts after you receive your GAL will not appear. Entering the user's Internet ID or doing a complete directory search will locate these users. To force a GAL update, either sign in as a different user in the desktop client or exit the client and delete the GAL file. The GAL file for the Windows desktop client is stored in the user's application data folder:

    C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data\Oracle\Calendar\Global Address List.gal

Note: version 10.1.1.0.2 of the Macintosh desktop client currently refreshes the GAL at each login.

Why does my desktop client lose its preferences?
If your desktop client does not exit normally (exiting from the file menu or clicking the X to close the application) you may lose your preferences. If you are disconnected from the server and the client exits, or if the client crashes, some of your settings may be lost. Always exit the client normally when possible.
Why does my desktop connection lose its connection to the server?
The UMCal desktop clients require a persistent network connection to stay connected (similar to a SSH connection). Any network interruption may cause the client to disconnect. Wireless users will be disconnected when any handoff between access points occurs. Macintosh users: if your computer enters sleep mode you will be disconnected. The UMCal desktop clients require a persistent network connection to stay connected (similar to a SSH connection). Any network interruption may cause the client to disconnect. Wireless users will be disconnected when any handoff between access points occurs. Macintosh users: if your computer enters sleep mode you will be disconnected.
Why does the file unison.log appear on my desktop?
This is the calendar log file. The placement of the log file is based on the "start in" location of the shortcut used to invoke the UMCal desktop client in Windows. To place this file in a better location:
  1. Right-click on the shortcut used to start to UMCal and select Properties from the contextual menu.
  2. Change the Start in: location to "C:\Program Files\Oracle\Calendar" (including the quotation marks).
  3. Click OK.

Outlook Connector (OCFO)
What does 'OCFO' stand for?
OCFO stands for 'Oracle Connector for Outlook.' For brevity, OCFO is usually referred to by the acronym or as the 'Outlook Connector.'
What does OCFO do?
OCFO makes available an additional account type in Microsoft Outlook that can be setup to use UMCal. This allows users to use a single, integrated client for both e-mail and calendar, as the standard calendar in Outlook is replaced by the user's UMCal calendar.
What versions of Microsoft Outlook are supported?
Microsoft Outlook 97 and newer are compatible with OCFO, however, OCFO is only tested with Microsoft Outlook 2002/XP and 2003.
Are there any support limitations related to OCFO?
Yes. Any UMCal user may use the Outlook Connector but only installations on University-owned computers are supported.
Why are my meetings in the Outlook Connector all showing at the wrong hours?
Time zone settings in Windows/Outlook may make your meetings appear at the incorrect hours. This can be corrected by setting your time zone to central (DST-6) within Outlook. To do this:
  1. Go to the Tools menu and select Options.
  2. While at the Preferences tab click Calendar Options.
  3. Click Time Zone.
  4. Set the current time zone to (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada).
  5. Check the Adjust for daylight savings time box.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Click OK.

Handhelds/PDAs/PIMs
What types of devices are supported?
Generally, Palm OS and Pocket PC/Windows Mobile devices are supported. Device requirements vary; please see the relevant software installation guides for up-to-date compatibility information.
What areas of UMCal can be synchronized with my device?
Your calendar, tasks, and contacts can be synchronized. Note: the Mac OS X sync tool for Palm devices is reliable only for calendar synchronization at this time.
Do I have to synchronize this information through my computer?
For devices without 802.11b/g or data service from cellular providers, yes. For devices that do have wireless network access, SyncML can be used to synchronize your data wirelessly. For more information on SyncML, see the SyncML for UMCal pages.
My cell phone has a calendar. Can I synchronize this with UMCal?
Some newer cell phones include a SyncML client that can be used to synchronize with UMCal. The cell phone must also support SSL for SyncML to work. For more information on compatible devices, see the SyncML pages.
Are there any recommended devices?
A list of recommendations for Palm OS devices is available. We do not currently have a list of recommended Pocket PC/Windows Mobile devices, however, a number of users have opted for Dell Axims and we have successfully synchronized Axim X3 and X30s devices with UMCal, both through ActiveSync and SyncML.
What about BlackBerries?
BlackBerries are not currently supported for UMCal synchronization. Oracle is said to be working on a SyncML client for BlackBerries that would allow for wireless synchronization, however, this software is not yet available.
I get an error 0x11603 when trying to sync my Palm. What is this?
This error may indicate that you entered the incorrect node number when configuring the synchronization tool. It may also indicate you miseentered the server address, umcal.umn.edu, your Internet ID, or Internet password. To determine your node number, visit MyAccount and click the Calendar Options link.
Why do meetings on my handheld appear with square brackets and one more symbols at the beginning of the name?
These symbols in square brackets indicate both your attendance status and whether or not you own the event.
  • [+] - An event you own and are attending
  • [-] - An event you own but are not attending
  • [?] - An event you own but for which you have not yet confirmed your attendance status
  • [*+] - An event you do not own and are attending
  • [*-] - An event you do not own and are not attending
  • [*?] - An event you do not own and for which you have not yet confirmed your attendance status

Access Rights
What access rights can be set in UMCal?
UMCal provides access rights options that include viewing rights, designate rights (sometimes referred to as proxy rights), and scheduling rights. These three areas define what other users may view in your calendar, how other users may manipulate your calendar, and if other users are able to propose meetings to, respectively.
How do viewing rights and designate rights differ?
Viewing rights define what others can see in your calendar, while designate rights define what others can do to your calendar.
What are the default viewing rights?
The default viewing rights in UMCal are set such that other users are able to open your calendar and see your busy times but not the details of any events, such as title, location, etc. (view times only). The default viewing rights for tasks are set such that no other user will be able to see your tasks.
What are the default designate rights?
No designate rights are granted to any other users by default. Designate rights cannot be set such that all users are grantees; designate rights must be specified for individual users.
What is the default scheduling option?
By default, any other user of UMCal is able to propose meetings to you.
Are example of common access rights settings available?
Yes. Privacy and access rights are a major concern for many users. An article providing additional information on access rights and privacy appeared in the April 2005 OIT Newsletter. A web page complementing the article can be found at http://www1.umn.edu/umcal/privacy/.

Designates
How do I open a calendar as a designate?
In a desktop client, simply go to the File menu and select Agenda->Open as Designate or Open as Designate->Agenda (varies by client version). If you have designate rights on only one calendar, that calendar will open automatically. If you have designate rights on multiple calendars, you will be presented with a list. In the web client, use the View Agendas button, search for the calendar you wish to open, and add that calendar to your favorites list using the Add to favorites with designate rights button.
If I have both viewing rights and designate rights on another calendar, how should I open that calendar?
You may open the calendar either way, however what you are able to view may differ between the two, as viewing rights and designate rights are distinct.
What is the "View/Reply" designate rights option?
The view/reply option allows a designate of your calendar to view the details of meetings on your calendar and update your attendance status however, they will be unable to make changes to the event itself.
If a calendar still appears in my designates list but I no longer need designate rights to it, what should I do?
UMCal support will, at your request, revoke designate rights you have been granted if the grantee has left the University. Note that we will never grant rights to other calendars; if you request a revocation of rights and that request is fulfilled, we will not be able to reinstate those rights, the owner of the calendar must do so.

Global Agendas
What is a global agenda?
Global agendas provide a view of user and resource calendars on the web. Global agendas are accessed using a URL that can be sent from the web client. Busy times are displayed for events with an access level of normal or public. No information, including busy times, are currently displayed for personal and confidential entries (the vendor has been asked to remedy this). This assumes that the default viewing rights for other users are set to view or view times only for normal events, otherwise these events do not appear in the global agenda.
How can I enable my global agenda?
The global agenda functionality is off by default for all user accounts and must be enabled before the URL can be sent. All global agenda functionality is controlled through the UMCal web client. Once logged in to the web client, click the Preferences button in the toolbar (toward the upper-right) and switch to the Security tab. Check the Allow Global Agenda Viewing box on to enable your global agenda and click OK to save your changes. Note: disabling global agenda access in the future will prevent those who already possess your global agenda URL from continuing to make use of it.
How can I send my global agenda URL to someone?
Once your global agenda is activated, use the "E-mail Agenda" link to send the URL to others. When you are viewing your calendar in the web client, this link may be found toward the upper-left.
Can I tell who has been provied with my global agenda URL?
There is no way to track this information.
Can I shared only a specific date range or ranges?
No, you will be providing limited access to the entirety of your calendar.
Will my global agenda URL ever expire?
No, your global agenda will continue to work until you turn off global agenda viewing for your calendar, your calendar goes inactive (you depart the U in most situations), or your calendar is recreated (your calendar is restored).
How do I turn the global agenda feature for a resource on or off?
The global agenda feature for resources is controlled centrally and can not be set by resource owners. The resource creation request form gives requestors the option of enabling the global agenda when the resource is created. To enable or disable the global agenda feature for a resource, e-mail umcal@umn.edu, making sure to include the full resource name. If you did not request the resource or are not listed as the resource contact or approver, please contact the owner.
How do I send the global agenda URL for a resource?
Using the web client, open the resource agenda as either a viewer or designate. The "E-mail Agenda" link will be available if the global agenda feature is enabled for the resource.

New Features in 10g
How do I invite an external attendee to an agenda entry?
An external attendee can easily be invited to a meeting simply by entering their e-mail address in the field you would normally enter another UMCal user's name in. If you have an entry in your personal address book for an external attendee you would like to add, and the automatic name completion and personal address book search options are enabled (see below), you may begin typing that person's name into the appropriate field and select the corresponding entry from the list of matching users and contacts. Alternatively, you may right-click (control-click for OS X users) on a contact in your personal address book and select the new entry type you would like to add.
What new address book functionality is available in the desktop clients?
The updated desktop clients include the ability to utilize the global address list (GAL) and your personal address book when searching for users. A feature that allows for the automatic completion of names in certain dialogs (i.e. when inviting other users to an agenda entry) is also available. To enable these features in Windows XP/2000:
  1. Go to the Tools menu and select Options.
  2. Open the Addresses group in the list on the left and select Address Lists.
  3. Check on the Global Address List and Enable automatic name completion checkboxes. You may also check on the Enable searching for invitees checkbox to allow searches for external invitees using your personal address book.
In Mac OS X:
  1. Go to the Oracle Calendar menu and select Options.
  2. Open the Addresses preference in the list on the left and switch to the Address Books tab.
  3. Check on the Global Address List and Enable automatic name completion checkboxes. You may also check on the Enable searching for invitees checkbox to allow searches for external invitees using your personal address book.
In Linux:
  1. Go to the Tools menu and select Options->Addresses.
  2. Switch to the Address Lists tab, if necessary.
  3. Check on the Global Address List and Enable automatic name completion checkboxes. You may also check on the Enable searching for invitees checkbox to allow searches for external invitees using your personal address book.
Can I redirect my e-mail reminders and notifications to another e-mail address?
Yes. An alternate e-mail address can be set in any of the desktop clients and reminders, notifications (for new, updated, or deleted events), or both, can be directed to this address. In Windows XP/2000:
  1. Go to the Tools menu and select Options.
  2. Open the Scheduling group in the list on the left and select Receive Notification.
  3. Enter your alternate e-mail address and check the box or boxes you desire.
In Mac OS X:
  1. Go to the Oracle Calendar menu and select Preferences.
  2. Open the Scheduling preference pane in the list on the left and switch to the Notification tab.
  3. Enter your alternate e-mail address and check the box or boxes you desire.
In Linux:
  1. Go to the Tools menu and select Options->Agenda.
  2. Switch to the Notification tab.
  3. Enter your alternate e-mail address and check the box or boxes you desire.