If you’ve spent any time wrangling campus communications, you know the drill:
Too many phone systems, not enough budget, and the constant feeling that one dropped call could snowball into a bigger problem. It’s a headache Boston institutions know all too well.
There’s the good news, though: Gamut has become an approved vendor with the Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC)!
For those who don’t live and breathe procurement contracts, here’s why that’s a win for you. MHEC exists to help public institutions save money and time by connecting them with trusted vendors that have already been vetted.
Instead of wading through a months-long RFP process, members can flip open the catalog and start working with a vendor they know meets the bar.
Now, Gamut is on that list with a specialty in UCaaS (Unified Communications as a Service). This cost effective solution replaces outdated phone setups and actually works for sprawling campuses and tight budgets.
Let's walk you through it.
What UCaaS Means for Higher Education Institutions
UCaaS is a phone system based in the cloud that handles phone calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, voicemail-to-email, file sharing, and even emergency notifications (if you work with Gamut).
Instead of juggling many communication tools or keeping on premises phone systems alive in the basement, you get an all-in-one cloud phone system that you can securely access from anywhere, on mobile devices or desktops alike.
For a university or college, that means improved communication with:
- One platform for audio calls, video calling, chat, and more
- Centralized management across departments and locations
- Less hardware to maintain on-site
- Scalable service that adjusts as enrollment and staffing change
In short, it’s unified communications for higher education that actually keeps up with the pace of campus life.
Why Higher Education is Ready for Something Better
Let’s be honest. . .plenty of campuses are still running on legacy phone systems that have seen better days. Some of these higher ed telecom solutions are patched together across buildings, others rely on hardware that belongs in a museum. The result?
- Fragmented communication between departments and campuses
- Maintenance bills that never stop climbing
- A multiplicity of headaches when scaling up or down
- Mounting safety concerns if systems can’t keep up in an emergency
Meanwhile, faculty and staff are being asked to collaborate across offices, campuses, and even states.
Students expect communication channels that “just work.”
Budgets are tight.
The math doesn’t add up. . .unless you move to a cloud-based phone system built for this exact reality.
What Makes Gamut’s UCaaS Platform a Great Fit for New England Campuses
Joining the MHEC catalog wasn’t a rubber stamp. It reflects that Gamut’s UCaaS platform can actually solve the problems higher ed institutions face every day.
Instead of Disconnection, You Get One Login with Real Control
When departments are all running different phone systems, even simple changes turn into full-blown projects. Gamut’s UC solutions put everything (every user, every feature, every site) into one centralized dashboard.
That means IT teams can make system-wide updates in minutes, not days. It also eliminates inconsistencies between buildings or campuses, so everyone’s using the same settings, same features, and same standards.
Instead of Bloated Mystery Costs, You Have Manageable Costs You Can Actually Plan For
Legacy hardware that runs through the public switched telephone network (PSTN) has a way of breaking right when budgets are locked. One failed switch or surprise repair bill can throw off your entire fiscal year. UCaaS shifts telecom from unpredictable capital expenses to a steady monthly cost.
Procurement teams finally get predictable cost savings. Instead of patching together end-of-life equipment, they have a clean, consistent line item they can actually forecast. So, say goodbye to your budget season wincing, and hello to improved collaboration solutions.
Instead of Dreading Growth, You Can Easily Scale Without the Scramble
Academic environments change constantly. New buildings open, departments shift, summer staff rolls in, and then it all resets in the fall. Traditional phone systems aren’t built to flex like that, but a unified communications platform is engineered to help your institution stay connected.
With UCaaS from a trusted UCaaS provider (a.k.a. Gamut), adding phone lines for a new dorm or expanding services for a seasonal program takes a few clicks. The new system is designed to deliver more value without saddling you with weeks of rewiring and chasing contractors.
Instead of Worrying About Security, You're Safety-Ready from Day One
In an emergency, every second counts. Gamut’s cloud-based phone system comes with Enhanced 911 and location-based routing, so first responders know exactly where a call came from, not just “somewhere on campus.” It’s built in from day one, so schools don’t have to bolt on fixes or cross their fingers when things get serious.
Instead of Clunky Add-Ons, You Can Enjoy Collaboration Tools That Don't Get in the Way
Work in higher ed happens across departments, offices, and often, miles. Faculty committees, student services, research teams, they all need certain features to meet, message, or share updates on data insights without jumping between five tools.
Gamut’s UCaaS makes it easy. One system handles incoming calls, video, chat, and voicemail. An admissions counselor can start the day on the phone, hop into a video meeting with financial aid, then send follow-ups in chat, all from the same platform.
This lets you make faster decisions, enjoy fewer dropped threads, and endure way less “can you hear me now?”.
Here’s what it looks like in action:
- Facilities crews coordinate maintenance across buildings without juggling radios and landlines.
- Campus security sends out alerts to the entire institution in seconds.
- Admissions and student services offer a consistent and reliable experience, whether on the main campus or at a satellite office.
- Faculty and staff can easily work remotely, hosting virtual office hours or remote meetings without needing a separate app.
When everyone’s on the same platform (from the same cloud phone service provider), it saves time and makes the whole campus feel more connected.
Our Answers to the Top 5 FAQs about How UCaaS Works for Higher Education
Now, we know you probably have questions (we would too). So here are a few quick answers that might help! If you have any additional questions, don't hesitate to drop us a line.
1) Will it play nicely with what we already use?
Absolutely. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Okta, ServiceNow. . .you name it. Gamut UCaaS slots right in, so your faculty, staff, and students don’t have to change how they work.
2) Do we need to scrap all our old phone gear?
Not at all! We conduct a phased rollout based on your needs and timetables. Blue-light phones, elevators, labs, faxes, and more can all stick around with adapters until you’re ready to make the switch. In fact, your current numbers port over quickly and easily, with no late-night panic cutovers and using minimal tech resources.
3) Is it actually secure enough for a university?
Yes. Everything’s encrypted, access is locked down with SSO and MFA, and compliance boxes like FERPA get checked. Call recordings and voicemails follow your retention policies, not ours.
4) How does it handle emergencies and downtime?
With location-based E911, alerts that reach the right people, and redundant systems that keep calls flowing even if a campus loses power or internet.
5) What’s the buying process and price look like?
Through MHEC. Which means no six-month RFP grind. Our pricing is also predictable (monthly per user), so procurement can plan on more value without sweating hidden costs.
The Bottom Line? Gamut Can Alleviate the Pain of Outdated Communication Tools
Nobody’s got time for another bloated system that just adds to the noise. What you need is something that works, whether you’re in a lecture hall in Worcester, an admin office in Amherst, or keeping a Boston campus running smoothly.
That’s what UCaaS should do.
That’s what Gamut's UCaaS platform does.
As an MHEC-approved vendor, we’re here to keep communication simple, predictable, and reliable for campuses across the region. No red tape or gimmicks, just cloud-based tools that actually make a difference (and local support who knows your name).
Curious how it’d look on your campus? Let’s talk. We’re right here in Massachusetts and ready to help.
