Remote Instruction at SSU

As remote instruction continues at Sonoma State, we know that this new normal brings new challenges for students, faculty, and staff. The purpose of this section is to provide information and resources so that students at SSU are able to continue their work and studies successfully.

The focus of these resources is on academics at SSU. For general information regarding the university's ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, please see the university COVID-19 information page. For non-academic information (such as information on student activities, food and housing, health and wellness, etc.), students should refer to the Student Affairs Student Resources page

Faculty will primarily be supported through the Center for Teaching and Educational Technology's Teaching Through Disruptions page, as well as Faculty Affairs' COVID-19 Info Page.

Quick Guide to Remote Instruction

Many classes will be offered online. “Remote Instruction” will mean different things in different classes. Here are three useful steps in order to help prepare yourself for success with remote learning and instruction.

Step 1: Remember to frequently check your “@sonoma.edu” email for updates from your instructors or the university. 

Step 2: Log into Canvas: https://canvas.sonoma.edu/

Step 3: Download Zoom (or other technologies your instructors are using).

Student Resource Navigation Guide

Resources for success with remote instruction can be found across the SSU website. For ease of use as we transition to this new normal, those that pertain to academics have been collected here.

  • SSU LARC - The Learning and Academic Resource Center (LARC) includes the Tutorial Program, Supplemental Instruction Program, and the Writing Center.
  • MESA Zoom Tutoring - Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) is offering virtual tutoring via Zoom.
  • SSU University Library - The University Library is available to assist with research and connect students with learning resources.

FAQ

How do I obtain my textbooks or other course materials?

The university bookstore website is accepting orders and rentals for textbooks and orders for course materials. Physical items will be shipped to you.

How do I communicate with my professors?

It is important to stay in contact with your professors. Emailing a professor should be straightforward. These tips will help you write an email that is appropriate and gets an answer.

What if I don't currently own a computer?

The University Library has a limited number of laptops that can be borrowed by students for remote learning on a first-come, first served basis. Students must be enrolled in classes at SSU to qualify. While supplies last, you may request to have a Macbook laptop sent to your home address by completing this form

Laptops will be loaned for one semester, only. At the end of each academic term, all laptops must be returned to the library to undergo maintenance and repair for redistribution to remote learners for the following semester.

Can I still take my WEPT exam?

Please see the WEPT website for more information or email wept@sonoma.edu with any questions.

Where can I receive more help?

If you have other questions or would like additional information or support please contact nomacares@sonoma.edu

How do I know what is happening at Sonoma State?

We encourage you to check your SSU email as well as the SSU website frequently and also to sign up for our emergency notification system (ENS). We use the ENS for urgent communication needs so be sure to sign up!

Important Communications

Fall 2020 Update from the President - July 2, 2020

Dear Sonoma State Campus Community,

I am writing with an update about fall 2020 now that our plan for academics, housing, and dining has been approved by Chancellor Timothy White and the CSU Chancellor’s Office. As you know, classes, academic support, and student, faculty, and employee services will largely be virtual, but below is a summary of the main elements of the plan:

  • 55 courses or educational experiences comprising 106 sections (approximately 3% of our total course offerings), with a projected headcount of 686 are approved for in-person instruction. These classes include lab, clinical, fieldwork, research, and residency experiences that are not replicable in a virtual format, must occur in fall 2020, and/or must occur in person to meet accreditation, licensure, or regulatory requirements. Even these approved courses will, in most cases, not be taught fully face-to-face; lectures, for example, may be delivered virtually. You will find the list of approved courses on the Academic Affairs website.
  • First-year students will complete virtually all of their coursework remotely, and other co-curricular experiences will be delivered remotely.
  • Cleaning of campus will be increased and enhanced. Environmental and workplace protocols provide cleaning, sanitation, and physical distancing practices that are compliant with health orders.
  • Campus Housing will be available for 1,325 students with occupancy limited to one person per bedroom and bathroom, which is approximately 41% of typical capacity (3,223). Dining services will be scaled to address the actual occupancy of Campus Housing for fall 2020 and will be primarily grab-and-go.
  • We will centralize in-person courses, create flexible-use office space for faculty/staff, and place needed support services primarily in Darwin and Salazar Halls.
  • We will ensure Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and county guidelines will be followed regarding physical distancing, face coverings, sanitation, and cleaning to promote public health and provide safe conditions for learning and working. 
  • The Continuity Planning Groups have established a subgroup to create and evaluate protocols to phase in faculty research activities that require campus facilities.
  • Employees who can effectively work remotely are encouraged to continue to telecommute for the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester. This will allow us to maintain appropriate physical distancing on campus in order to protect public health and safety. We have distributed an assessment survey to managers to understand which critical functions are required to be performed on campus. Managers will communicate with employees in their departments about the work format (telecommuting, on-campus or a combination of both) from July 6 through the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester. 

To help with future updates we are developing a comprehensive website that will provide details related to Sonoma State’s plans for fall 2020. The website will be ready in the next two weeks and will be linked directly from the campus COVID-19 homepage.

The unpredictable nature of this pandemic requires us to be flexible while doing as much as possible to ensure health and safety. While this fall will be different than previous years, we approach it with the total commitment to student success and transformative impact that defines Sonoma State. Thank you for your contributions to our efforts.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

With gratitude,

sig-judy-sakaki.jpg

Judy K. Sakaki

President