Academic Continuity Student Information

• • Many courses will undoubtedly use online discussions as a method for replacing the discussions and communications that would have taken place in the classroom. Check out our Online Presence page to get a better sense of how to best utilize and prepare for this space. 

  • Check computer system and web browser recommendations from Marywood Educational Technology Services

  • While a USB headset is not required, it may be helpful to have one (or a good set of earbuds with a microphone) for courses that will be utilizing virtual classes through a web conferencing systems such as Bongo or Google Hangout. 

  • Please confirm your notifications from Moodle are enabled. How do I set my Moodle notification preferences as a student? 

  • Test required tools and systems such as Bongo or Google Hangout before an assignment due date.

  • Make sure your computer virus and malware protection is up-to-date. 

  • Back-up your files in the event of a hardware malfunction. As Marywood students, you have access to Google Drive.

  • On a personal note, remember that social distancing is NOT social isolation. Learn more about this from one of our very own Psy. D. students, Tyshawn Thompson. 

As a student with accommodations you are still eligible for accommodations while Academic Continuity is in effect. It is important to remember that how your accommodations are offered may look different or may already be naturally included in an online learning situation. 

If you have questions about your current accommodations, or think that you may eligible for interim accommodations due to a temporary disability-please contact the Director of Student Disability Services, Kaitlin Anderle, kaanderle@marywood.edu .

Students involved in these activities should receive direction from their faculty and supervisors at clinicals or field placements or other activities like aviation lessons. If you do not receive direction, you should contact them for instructions. 

If you do not have reliable internet at home, a number of providers have taken steps to provide access for free or at a discounted price for a limited time. There is an FCC agreement  in place waiving late fees, preventing cutoffs due to non-payment, and open hot-spots.

• • Comcast COVID-19 response: free WiFi for 2 months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time

  • Spectrum COVID-19 response: 60 days Free internet access to qualifying homes with students or teachers

  • Charter Free Internet offer for 2 months

  • AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low income families

  • Verizon COVID-19 response: open hot-spots.

  • Sprint COVID-19 response: Existing customers have unlimited data and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020,  all handsets can enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.

  • T-Mobile COVID-19 response: Existing customers have unlimited data and is expected to allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.

 Be aware that Marywood University is not in a partnership with any of these services and has not fully reviewed the terms and conditions of use for any of these services --- all those that choose to pursue this path should review the terms and conditions on their own prior to signing any contract or using any services. Also, note that contracts (of any kind) that are free for a limited time generally require cancellation prior to the end of the free service to prevent full charges in future months. 

• Check your email and Moodle frequently for communications from your professor. As things progress they will be there to guide you and still ensure that the objectives for your courses are being met. 

• Be prepared for you class to be a little more fluid. No one anticipated a need for the shift months in advance. Your syllabus for each course may look a lot different now as activities and skill sets transition to an online learning environment. 

• Ask for help as soon as you need it! Whether it's an academic or technical question, do not wait to seek help. Look at resources, ask a friend, ask your professor or submit a Help desk ticket. While faculty and staff are working around the clock to support student needs, be prepared for asynchronous communication (like email, tickets, or messages) to take a little bit longer. 

• Get organized! Without a  physical classroom space to visit and professor to see, it is easy to become a bit more lax in your approach---this often translates to procrastination. Keep a planner with a list of the activities and live sessions (if any) that you need to complete each day, each week, even for the semester. 

• Schedule time~ (more time than you think!) to study the materials provided by your instructors and to work on each activity you have to do.