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Due to the impact of COVID-19, starting Monday, March 30, ALL courses at MSU Denver are required to be taught online through the remainder of the semester. Instruction and student support will continue through the remainder of the semester in a virtual fashion, with limited resources available on campus.
Has MSU Denver moved classes online?
Beginning on Monday, March 30, ALL classes will be taught online.Since each individual class is different, please contact your instructors and other faculty members with any questions or concerns you might have, and please check your University email frequently so that you have the most up-to-date plan for each of the classes that you are enrolled in.
Will physical labs be used? How will my lab/studio/physical education/other course with instructional activities that can’t be moved online be affected?
While each class is different, faculty and staff are exploring options to use simulations as replacements to in-person labs or learning activities where possible. Faculty and staff may choose to offer open lab time in their respective areas on an opt-in basis when the campus is open, meaning this is not required but could be an option. In this scenario, NO student will be required to come to campus for any course or lab session. If a department decides to utilize open labs, MSU Denver and AHEC representatives will activate unique cleaning protocols for these spaces.
I am currently in an internship, clinical, or fieldwork course. How will the move to online delivery impact these courses?
If internship and field-placement sites are open, students may continue their internships. If internship and field-placement sites close or restrict student interns’ work, students should consult with their faculty member or academic program for guidance, in accordance with guidance from the department’s/discipline’s accrediting body. Teacher Education clinical experience students have already received a separate communication from the School of Education or College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. The MSU Denver Classroom to Career Hub is ready to support any student, faculty member or community member with questions about how to manage these work-based learning/experiential learning opportunities.
I have never taken an online course and I don’t feel prepared to succeed. What should I do?
You are far from alone. We know approximately half of existing students have completed an online class at MSU Denver, which means half have not. Students new to online learning should visit www.msudenver.edu/technology/onlineready/ to get acclimated. Also, please continue to be flexible and empathetic to your instructors as many, like you, prefer in-person instruction. However, we want to ensure your academic progress and help you reach your personal and professional goals after graduation the best way that we can.
I only have a cell phone. Is that enough?
It is likely that your cell phone will be enough. The training that faculty and staff has received is designed to move your course online in a way that all assignments and instruction can be done through a cell phone. You can access Blackboard through either the Student Hub on your browser or by downloading the Blackboard app. And while a cell phone maybe enough, using a laptop or tablet will be far easier.
What if I don’t have a laptop or tablet…or wifi or wired access for that matter. Any suggestions?
Even though you may not have wifi, you may be able to access wifi or a hotspot through your cellular plan. Those with a plan that allows for their cell to serve as a hotspot should research how to use this functionality (also known as wifi tethering), which connects any computer or tablet they have to the internet through their cellular plan. Please note that this may cost extra, so be sure to review your plan or contact your cell provider.
Comcast is also offering 60 days of free internet to low-income customers who live in a Comcast service area. Check Comcast’s Internet Essentials program for more information and to see if you qualify.
In addition, all Xfinity WiFi Hotspots are now open to everyone on “xfinitywifi." Hotspots can be found around town if you are out for essential needs, and from your neighbors’ Home Hotspots. Non-Xfinity subscribers need to accept Terms and Conditions to access the network and repeat when requested to continue to receive free unlimited access. To find a hotspot, check the location map at wifi.xfinity.com or download the Xfinity WiFi Hotspots app from the App Store or Google Play.
If you don’t have a personal device other than a cell phone, the hotspot option doesn’t work, and you’ve tried using your cell phone for class but it isn’t working, visit www.msudenver.edu/technology/hardwareservices/ or call 303-352-7548 to request use of a loaned device. Note that these resources are limited and will be provided to those in greatest need.
If you don’t have a personal device other than a cell phone, the hotspot option doesn’t work, and you’ve tried using your cell phone for class but it isn’t working, visit www.msudenver.edu/technology/hardwareservices/ or call 303-352-7548 to request use of a loaned device. Note that these resources are limited and will be provided to those in greatest need.
What is the best way to contact faculty and staff who support my classes, learning, and enrollment?
Visit the office’s website for the most efficient way to make an appointment or get in touch with a representative. Staff will be available via phone and email as usual and specific offices will post on their websites how they may support students via virtual collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams.
Will academic departments remain open? Will I be able to schedule office hours?
It is recommended that you touch base with faculty and staff before making a visit to campus, as those that are working remotely may not be in their office. While academic departments will remain open for as long as the campus is open, virtual office hours can be scheduled, as well. Meetings can take place via phone calls, Microsoft Teams or other collaboration tools for real-time audio/video drop-in advising.
Will learning support services like Academic Advising, the Access Center, Supplemental Instruction, the Testing Center, the Tutoring Center, and the Writing Center remain open for in-person use?
Academic Advising – Academic advisors will be available for remote advising. Students can schedule appointments online through the Student Hub by clicking on the “Get Advising” block, or email the appropriate contact number on the “How to Find My Advisor” sheet available here. Remote advisors are trained to advise students in multiple ways including over the phone, email and using virtual tools such as Teams.
Access Center – Staff will be available remotely to address questions and provide support. The Access Center will not be conducting in-person appointments until further notice. To schedule a virtual appointment while the office is physically closed, please email [email protected]. Note that they have resources posted on the Access Center website as well: https://www.msudenver.edu/access/.
Supplemental Instruction – Supplemental Instructional (SI) will continue to support the same courses and is offering collaborative group study SI Sessions all online by March 30. Students can view the online SI Session schedule by visiting the SI website. Students, faculty and staff should email questions to [email protected].
Testing Center – As all courses are now online, faculty will use ProctorU Auto at https://sites.msudenver.edu/etc/proctoring-and-authentication/ when proctoring is necessary.
Tutoring Center – The Tutoring Center also offers Online Tutoring, 24/7, free of charge, and in collaboration with TutorMe. Please note that this service is not conducted by MSU Denver tutors. Students can access online tutoring by following the steps below:
A) Login to Blackboard Learning via the Student Hub
- Under My Organizations, click on Learning Support Services
- Inside the Tutoring Center folder, click on the Online Tutoring link
For any additional questions and/or concerns, please visit the Tutoring Center’s website or email your inquiries to [email protected].
Writing Center – The Writing Center will expand access to existing online synchronous tutoring and will continue to support call-in tutoring. Students can make appointments by visiting the Writing Center website.
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams or Teams is a collaboration tool in the Microsoft 365 Suite that is free to all MSU Denver faculty, students, and staff. In it, you can chat, share documents and links, place calls, and setup real time video meetings or classes. A more comprehensive guide to Teams for uses like creating a team, chat functionality, and scheduling meeting is available at https://www.msudenver.edu/technology/onlineready/teams/.