Zoom: Add an Alternative Host to Meeting/Webinar

Environment

Zoom

Issue

How do I add an alternative host to a meeting in U-M Zoom?

Resolution

You can use the alternative host feature to designate another U-M Zoom user to start your meeting or webinar if you are unable to. (The alternative host cannot be someone outside of U-M. They must have a U-M Zoom account to be an alternative host of a U-M Zoom meeting.) If the option is greyed out, check whether it is a recurring meeting. If so, you have to choose to edit ALL Occurrences, not just one.

To set an alternative host for your meeting:

1. Sign in to U-M Zoom.
2. Click Meetings, and select Schedule a Meeting (if creating a new meeting) or Edit (beside an existing meeting).
3. Click Show next to the "Options" section.
4. Enter the alternative host's email address in the Alternative Host field.
5. Click Save to finish.

To set an alternative host for your webinar:

1. Sign in to U-M Zoom.
2. Click Webinars, and select Schedule a Webinar (if creating a new webinar) or Edit (beside an existing webinar).
   • You must have a webinar license assigned to your account before you can create a webinar.
3. Enter the alternative host's email address in the Alternative Host field near the bottom of the page.
4. Click Schedule or Save to finish.

Once you assign the individual, they will receive an email with a link to start the meeting. The alternative host will need to use the link in the email or ensure they are signed in at zoom.umich.edu before joining the meeting to be recognized as a host by Zoom. The meeting will not be displayed in the list of upcoming meetings in the desktop client or mobile app for alternative hosts.

You can also give another U-M Zoom user scheduling privileges, which will make them an alternative host for all of your meetings and webinars and allow them to schedule meetings for you. If both you and the user with scheduling privileges have a webinar license, they can also schedule webinars for you.

Additional Information

• For instructions on adding alternative hosts other than through the web portal, refer to Zoom Support | Designating an alternative host.
• If you are attempting to add a Michigan Medicine staff/faculty member using their @med.umich.edu email address, this will not work, as their MM email address is not associated with U-M Zoom. Use their @umich.edu email address to add them as an alternative host. (If that still doesn't work, they may not have created their U-M Zoom account yet.)
• If a host is attending a meeting but needs assistance managing it, they can assign a co-host during the meeting.

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.