Resources for Students

The information below is intended to help you prepare for what do and where you to find help if you need it!

Back to School Checklist Links to an external site.

Communication and Expectations

Communication with your instructors, TAs, and fellow students is always very important, and it remains so during this time of transition. Please make sure to keep in good communication with your instructors regarding their expectations, and their abilities to support you.

  • Talk to your instructors and make sure they have a plan for communications. Do they prefer messages in Canvas, by email, or is there another tool that works best?
  • Ask about policies for attending live classes vs. watching recordings afterwards. If you have circumstances because of your home or family environment that affect your participation, let them know as early as possible!

 

Access to Technology and Internet

Technology and Internet Resources (Link to page and PDF download)

Engaging with online courses means using your own computer or other devices, and the internet connection you have available in your location. You should make sure that these are sufficient for course needs and seek help if you need it!

You can refer to the technical requirements for Zoom Links to an external site. and for Canvas if you have questions about your needs.

Using Zoom for Online Classes and Meetings

All students at UW have access to Zoom Pro, meaning you can not only join meetings hosted by others but also host your own meetings for group study or making connections with Peers. Some classes may have synchronous Zoom sessions you can engage in while many will use it as a tool to record in-person lectures to share with students for later watching.

Using Canvas as Your Classroom Environment

Canvas will most likely be the primary place that your instructor posts information about the course, including schedules, communication plans, and updates about any relevant information. You should make sure you're familiar with how to access Canvas and how to navigate it.

Keep in mind that different instructors may set up their courses in different ways, so you should make sure you know how each course is organized.  

The UW's Canvas site for Students is a very comprehensive resource on how to use the many features of Canvas, including:

Instructions on netiquette (for students posting in online forums): Links to an external site.UW IT had compiled a list of best practices for both students and faculty to follow when communicating online. Netiquette (net + etiquette) is a code of proper conduct applied to virtual online environments. This code is dictated by common sense rules (manners) and social conventions, similar to those you would follow with face-to-face interactions. 

Remote Participation in Graduate Student Exams

While many exams will likely take place primarily in-person, many students who are being accommodated for remote learning still need to be able to take their exams. 

(From an email sent by the Graduate Enrollment Management System (GEMS) on 3/16/20): "In order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a student or any member of the supervisory committee who chooses not to come to campus or otherwise participate in person must be allowed to participate by video conference. If you have questions about video conferencing during exams, please contact GEMS at gemshelp@uw.edu ." Additionally, exam warrants may now be signed and submitted electronically. 

Accessibility

Other Resources