Student Support

My Schedule

I typically try to clear all of my 'To Grade' list on Canvas and my inbox each morning.

NOTE: If you email me and do not get a response within 24 hours, please resend your email - it's not obnoxious, it's just how you can ensure I get to your email when I go through my daily email purge. I always start with the most recent, so once something is buried, it's unlikely it will get dealt with.

When not to expect feedback / responses / grades:

• M-Th 1-3pm. I teach at a local high school because I can't seem to get a calculus class here at Mesa and this is when my classes are!

• After 4pm any day. This is my family time. I like being able to focus on my toddler and not being at my computer. I may respond to something quick or exceptionally timely (like the StatCrunch login getting locked), but you likely won't get a response until the next morning.

• After 9pm any day. Just assume my old old self is asleep and will not see your email, no matter how urgent, if you email after 9pm.

NOTE: Make the same commitments for yourself! Set time blocks that are just for yourself (relaxing, playing a game on your phone, exercising)!

How to contact me

Here's the hierarchy in terms of contacting me. This is SUPER IMPORTANT!

• Message through Canvas - this is the best option for a number of reasons.

  • It comes straight to my inbox (and phone) with your section number and name already there! You don't have to worry about the details because Canvas has taken care of that.

  • We've had a TON of issues with our email this semester (folks less adept at technology than most grandparents keep clicking on phishing emails) - we've had period of a week where NO email came in or went out and our sdccd.edu domain is STILL blocked by hotmail. So, if you send through Canvas, none of those issues will arise!

• Email me - I just went through the reasons this is a bad idea... but you can still do this. Just know if you don't get a response within 24 hours, if may be because I never received it or your email host rejected my message.

• Pronto - I LOVE Pronto, but I'm bad at keeping up with it. I'm in too many other instructors' classes and classes for instructors, so there's a ton in Pronto that isn't from my students. I try to check it weekly, but I'm definitely not good about it.

Note: I have 119 unread text message right now, so honestly, you get a better version of me than my friends and family do...

What to call me

I'm personally fond of "Kelly" or "Professor Spoon." I'm completely OK with the familiarity of us being on a first name basis, especially if it helps you feel more comfortable and removes some of the power dynamics of the traditional classroom. But I also understand many students are uncomfortable with that lack of formality, so you can also call me Professor Spoon. Heck, you can call me "Spoon" "Teacher Lady" "You" - as long as you're talking to me, that's the goal.

The only things I don't love being called are "Mrs" or "Dr" - while I guess I 'earned' the former by being a married woman, it's just not my jam. And the latter, I didn't earn with my ABD...

Note: I do recommend referring to all of your professors as "Professor Last Name" unless they tell you otherwise. It's safe way to show respect without assuming gender or doctorate!

Content & Tech Help Services

Navigating new technology and new subject matter can be daunting, even in the best of times. Here are some resources to help you navigate these new tools and ideas.

• Help with CANVAS: there is also a “Help button” on the left-hand sidebar of the Canvas homepage.

• Online Tutoring - There's also a direct link to this on the navigation in Canvas!

Counseling & Other Student Services

There are also other excellent services to help you navigate your educational journey on campus.

• Mesa COVID Page - this site has links to sign up to check out a laptop, apply for emergency relief funds, and for the wifi lot on campus.

• Mesa Student Services - get help remotely from counselors or services on campus.

• Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS)

Other Help

It can be challenging to do your best in class if you have trouble meeting basic needs like safe shelter, sleep, and nutrition. If you have difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or lack a safe and stable place to live, I urge you to contact The Stand, Counseling, and/or me. We are here to help.