Update from Academic Continuity Team - April 6, 2020

Today’s update covers academic support services that are available to help students as they continue to adjust to distance learning.

Distance Learning and Technology

To our students, just because you’re learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re alone. Ensuring that you’re able to succeed academically is our priority, and university leaders have resources in place to help you continue to progress toward your academic goals. A full list of RIT’s academic support resources is available on the Distance Learning and Technology page of the Coronavirus website.

MyCourses

Your instructor may use RIT’s online learning management system, myCourses, to create an online “classroom.” Here are some helpful tips for using myCourses as your online classroom:

• Check myCourses regularly. Try to log into myCourses and check all of your classes at least once a day. Check to see if there is new course material or if there is an upcoming due date. Your instructor might be using a new tool to provide content. If you have questions, contact your instructor.
• Manage myCourses notifications. You can be notified by myCourses when new content is posted, when a grade is released, and so on. You can receive these notifications by text message or email.
  • Information on adjusting your myCourses notifications:
    • Manage myCourses Notifications 
    • Mycourses Notification- Video Tutorial Sign Language
• Be aware: RIT due date times are set for Eastern Time. MyCourses due times for Quizzes and Assignment folders are displayed as Eastern Time by default. If you add due dates and times to your personal calendar, make note of time zone differences. If you would like myCourses to display the due dates and times in your local time zone, follow these steps:
  • In myCourses, click on your name, then choose Account Settings.
  • Scroll down to select your time zone.
  • Once you select your time zone, the due date times displayed in myCourses for Quizzes, Assignments and other items will not match due date times in printed materials such as the syllabus or announcements the instructor might post. You’ll need to remember that you have selected your home time zone as the default.

Technical Assistance for Remote Access Software

University leaders have established a remote access solution providing student access to certain software available in RIT computer labs. Your instructor will let you know if this option is available to you. Here is a list of the technical support resources.

Tip: While it's important to stay connected to those we are unable to see in person, it can also be helpful to set a regular time to come together with others in your home. You can schedule a coffee break or play a board game!

Additional Coronavirus communications are available online.