Public Town Hall

How to join a webinar

• Click the provided invite link. This may be provided by the host directly or in a Zoom email after completing registration. You may also find the link in a calendar invitation.
• Alternatively, after signing in to the desktop client, manually join the webinar by clicking Join and providing the webinar ID and passcode.

If the host hasn't started broadcasting the webinar or is in a practice session, you'll see a message indicating you must wait for the host to start the webinar.

How to connect to audio

Upon joining the webinar, you will be prompted to connect to audio.

1. Click Join with Computer Audio.
   Other options may appear, such as calling in to the webinar or being called into the webinar, but this depends on which audio options the host has provided.
2. (Optional) Next to the Audio Settings button, click  and select from available audio output options, such as speakers, headphones, or other bluetooth devices.
3. If the host allows you to unmute, you will be prompted to do so. After un-muting, click Mute / Unmute in the bottom-left corner of the webinar controls toolbar as needed to control your audio.
   Note: The host may disable your ability to unmute during the meeting. If so, you will be directed to contact the host through chat to unmute your audio.

How to chat in a webinar

Webinar attendees can chat with other attendees, the host, co-host, and panelists during the webinar.

1. In the webinar controls toolbar, click Chat. 
2. Click in the text input box and enter your message.
3. (Optional) Click the To: drop-down menu to select who to send your message to.
   Note: Your available options may be restricted by the host.
4. Press Enter to send your message.

How to virtually raise your hand

You can use the Raise Hand feature to answer an informal question or to indicate to the host that you have a question or need assistance.

1. In the webinar controls toolbar, click Raise Hand.
   The host and other panelists will be notified that your hand is raised.
2. If the host allows you to talk, you may be prompted to unmute yourself. While unmuted, your profile picture and name is displayed to the host and panelists. Only your name is displayed to other attendees.
3. Click Raise Hand in the webinar controls toolbar to lower it, if needed.

How to ask the host and panelists questions

Submit questions for the hosts and panelists to answer during the webinar.

1. In the webinar controls toolbar, click Q&A. 
2. Click in the text input box and enter your question.
3. (Optional) Select the Send anonymously check box to submit the question without your name associated with it.
4. Click Send to submit the question.
   Your submitted question is displayed with other attendees' submitted questions to the host and panelists. You may be able to view them on your end as well, if the host allows unanswered questions to be visible.
5. If the host allows it, you can click the thumbs up icon to upvote the question, or click Comment to add additional details or questions to a submitted question.

For more Zoom support, click here.

• For individuals who have visual or hearing impairments, the virtual town hall environment is provided by Zoom and comes compatible with most common screen readers as well as real-time closed captioning. Learn more here.
• If you would like to request a braille copy of the 2023-28 strategic plan or a copy of the town hall presentation, please email us at [email protected].
• For individuals whose mother tongue is a language other than English, Zoom provides translation in real-time through the closed caption feature. Learn more here.