Sonoma State University

Student COVID-19 Resource Guide for Spring 2020

Student Resource Guide During Covid-19 Disruption

 

Thanks for visiting this guide, Seawolves! This is an unusual time, and this guide is aimed to help you navigate Sonoma State in this context. If this guide doesn’t answer your questions, you should visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Still need assistance? Please reach out to nomacares@sonoma.edu, and we’ll get you to the right place!

1. Remote Learning

All classes will be remote for the remainder of the spring semester. “Remote instruction” will mean different things in different classes. 

Here are 3 steps to get you started! 

Step 1: Check your “sonoma.edu” email for any updates from your instructors.

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

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

2. Campus Resources

A. Campus Offices

Residence halls, dining services, and the Student Health Center continue to serve students. The Library will be closed as of 5PM, March 25th. For updates on Library Services visit the Library Continuity Plan. Dining Services is providing “take away” meals. Have questions regarding housing and dining? REACH has developed a FAQ page to help! Other campus supports and services for students and faculty are operating remotely. 

If you decide to leave campus, take care to pack books, notes, and other course materials so that you are prepared to continue your courses remotely.

Here are services you’ll find particularly useful as we work remotely:

  • Sonoma State’s IT helpdesk is available to assist with teaching and learning during this time in addition to providing technical support. The helpdesk can be reached by phone 707.664.4357 or by email helpdesk@sonoma.edu. 

  • Sonoma State’s LARC (Learning and Academic Resource Center) which includes the Tutorial Program, Supplemental Instruction Program, and the Writing Center. All LARC programs and services will shift to online, mainly through Zoom. Tutoring appointments can be made online here: mywco.com/ssularc. Students who make appointments will receive a confirmation email with instructions for accessing their online Zoom session. Please note that all WEPT Exams have been cancelled for the Spring 2020 semester and all registered test-takers have been notified. Please see the WEPT website for more information. If you have Supplemental Instruction or a Learning Community attached to your course, please check your email and Canvas page for announcements about online sessions. Your SI Leader or Learning Community Mentor (LCM) will email you instructions on how to access online sessions. 

  • Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) at Sonoma State University is also offering tutoring virtually via Zoom. Check out https://scitech.sonoma.edu/mesa/tutoring for more information.

  • Sonoma State's University Library is available to assist with research and connect students with learning resources. While the physical Library will be closed as of 5PM, March 25th, the University Library will provide access to digital materials available to you on and off campus. For help navigating these resources, chat with a librarian online, anytime, 24/7, or make an appointment for a remote consultation via phone, email or videoconferencing with a librarian who is a subject specialist in your area. For additional Library information visit the Library Covid-19 Updates and Resources page.

  • The Career Center has moved most of their services to remote platforms. Students can schedule appointments as normal, and there is now an easy "schedule an appointment" button on their website! The Career Center will be launching a canvas "Student Career Toolkit" to all SSU Undergraduate students. It has 6 modules by topic area (ie: resumes, interviews, job search, etc) with TONS of resources. Handshake is still an incredible job/internship/career discovery website, especially during this time. For additional information visit the Career Center website.

B. Physical or Mental Health Concerns

If you are experiencing physical or mental health setbacks including stress please reach out to Sonoma State’s Student Health Center or to Counseling and Psychological Services.  

Please note that an on-call counselor is available 24/7 by calling our phone number at 707-664-2153 and following instructions to talk to a counselor immediately.  If you are in immediate danger of harming yourself or another, please call 911 or go to your local emergency room. The CAPS resources page on our website also has helpful information for coping during this difficult time. Visit: https://web.sonoma.edu/counselingctr/resources.html

C. Lobo’s Pantry

We are proud to be able to support student basic needs through this difficult time by keeping Lobo's Pantry open. Adjustments may need to be made to this plan as the usage pattern is determined and as the county and state public health orders change. 

Lobo’s Pantry Operations Plan

  • Lobo's Pantry will be open on Tuesday and Fridays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. 

  • Distribution will be limited to a pre-packaged bag of staple foods.

NOTE: Students who are feeling ill in any way should NOT come to the pantry.  Please see the SSU COVID-19 site. 

Pick-Up Guidelines

  • Bags will be placed on the table prior to distribution times.

  • No lines will be allowed to form.

  • Students will park in Lot A or in the small lot to the North of the Children’s School.

  • Students will enter from the east side of the Zinfandel plaza and exit to the west to reduce interaction. 

  • Social distancing of six feet between people must be maintained at all times.

  • Hand sanitizer will be provided at the tables.

  • Students will pick bags up from the table.

  • Staff will stay 6 feet away from distribution tables during pick up.

  • Staff will wear gloves at all times.

D. Other Concerns

If you are experiencing financial hardship or other basic needs that are not addressed here visit the Covid-19 Resources page on the Student Affairs website for additional resources.

If you have other concerns and are not sure who to contact, reach out to NomaCares for assistance nomacares@sonoma.edu . 

Want to help others? Go here If you’re looking for ways to help others in our SSU community. 

3. Off Campus Resources 

A. Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

The federal CARES Act includes several provisions to aid higher education institutions and their students. 

  • The CARES Act pauses federal student loan payments for 6 months and halts interest accrual during that period.

  • Students who do not complete the spring semester will not have the payment period counted toward their maximum of 12 semesters of federal aid.

  • Schools do not need to return federal aid funds if a student withdraws due to COVID-19 crisis.

  • The CARES act calls for direct emergency aid to students, including “grants to students for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.”  At this time, the U.S. Department of Education has not provided guidance about the amount of aid or who will qualify. Due to this lack of guidance, no grants can be processed at this time.

  • For information on COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim, the federal Cares Act, and latest news for workers Click Here

4. Academic Deadlines and Processes

A. Academic Calendar for Spring

SSU’s spring 2020 Commencement and cultural celebrations have been postponed. 

During these unprecedented times we hope to support you if you are struggling academically because of the response to the coronavirus. We offer these suggestions:

1.    Talk to your instructor(s). They may be able to help, especially if you are having trouble accessing materials or participating in remote sessions.

2.    Talk to your advisor, either in your department or in the Advising & Transfer Center. If you do not know who your advisor is, you can look in your MySSU or check out Where to Seek Advising. The Advisors can help you work through the options.

3.     The COVID-19 - Academic Affairs Info Hub is also full of many wonderful resources to help you transition to remote learning.

Below are some additional options you can consider:

Credit/No Credit - Students may petition to change their grade-mode from letter-graded to CR/NC after the semester has ended. This option is available now through June 5th 2020 at 5:00pm and only applies to courses taken in the Spring 2020 semester. To make this request, use the Special Circumstances for Spring 2020 form on the Registrar’s website. For more information, see our guide to Academic Grading, Withdrawal, Refunds, and Financial Issues.

Course Repeats - The campus policy on course repeats ordinarily permits a student to repeat a course in which they earned a C- or below once for “grade replacement” and again for “grade averaging” in the same grade mode, up to a total of 16 units. The temporary modifications for Spring 2020 are the following:

  • Students who are repeating a course in Spring 2020 that they previously took for a letter grade may use a CR earned in Spring 2020 for “grade replacement.”

  • Students who earn either a CR or a NC grade in Spring 2020 may subsequently repeat the course for a letter grade. 

  • Students who are currently repeating a course in Spring 2020 for “grade replacement” may choose to take the course a third time in a future semester for “grade replacement.”

  • Units earned for a repeated course in Spring 2020 are excluded from the 16 unit maximum for “grade replacement.”

Withdrawing - Between May 9, 2020, and December 4, 2020, students who have explored and exhausted all other options, may petition to retroactively withdraw from one or more classes after the last day of instruction.  To make this request, use the Special Circumstances for Spring 2020 form on the Registrar’s website. For more information, see our guide to Academic Grading, Withdrawal, Refunds, and Financial Issues.

Financial Aid - For general questions about financial aid visit https://web.sonoma.edu/finaid/home/contact.html, email finaid@sonoma.edu, or call (707-664-2389) from 10am-2pm.

 

B. Course Adjustments

Please be advised that instructors may alter course schedules, readings, assignments, tests, or other course requirements to accommodate public health concerns. Watch for information from your instructors, and be sure to contact them if you are unclear about the expectations. 

No courses have been cancelled or reduced in units.

C. Access to remote technologies

Low-cost Internet: Because the campus remains open, on-campus internet is available. Additionally, several cable companies are offering free internet during this time. Here are their Covid-related web pages: include Cox, Charter, Comcast, Xfinity, and AT&T. 

Tips for Success in Remote Classes

  • Online classes are not easier and do not require less time. The time you would normally put into an in-person course should now be put into the online course. Your instructor may conduct live lectures, which you will be required to attend. Other instructors may require additional readings or assignments in place of traditional, in-person class meetings. 

  • Be sure to dedicate specific times to work on your coursework. You may need to ask your friends and family to kindly give you study space so you can concentrate.

  • Communicate regularly with your instructor about questions and concerns. 

  • Complete and submit assignments on time. 

  • Access online class materials once a day unless otherwise directed by your instructor. Check Canvas for announcements, due dates, and feedback on completed assignments.

  • Allow yourself extra time for assignment completion in case of unexpected technology glitches.

  • Working remotely requires self-direction and independence. Push yourself to think creatively, and collaborate with your instructors to overcome any hiccups.

  • Even though you don’t see your classmates physically, they are still there and can be a valuable resource when you need help. Maintain communication!

D. Disability Services

If you have an accommodation through Disability Services, you continue to be entitled to accommodations. Disability Advisors and Coordinators continue to be available remotely. Call DSS at 707.664.2677. While you likely alerted your instructors to your accommodations at the beginning of the semester, you might consider reminding them as the course moves online since the appropriate accommodations may change. Here is some quick information about how DSS is continuing its services!

E. The Advising & Transfer Center

The Advising & Transfer Center is seeing students remotely for both drop-ins and appointments. for information on how to join a drop-in or schedule an appointment, check-out our webpage. If you need assistance getting connected to us, please email us at ssuadvisingcenter@sonoma.edu. For more information about using Zoom, check-out the support-links on SSU’s Zoom homepage.

5. Special notes for Graduating Seniors (Congratulations!)

A. Graduate on time

SSU will postpone Spring 2020 Commencement and cultural celebrations. This does not mean that your graduation is postponed! You can still graduate on time, and diplomas will be mailed out to graduating seniors. 

SSU partners with Herff Jones to provide your academic regalia and other graduation mementos. You have two options: (1) Keep and use the gown for your own pictures and celebrations or for the to-be-rescheduled commencement, or (2) leave the unopened gown in the bag and send it back for a refund. For more information, contact Herff Jones customer service @ 1-800-837-4235.

B. All courses are still running

No classes (not even science labs!) are being cancelled as a result of COVID 19. Units are not being reduced. See below for tips for success in remote classes!

Summer courses are still being offered, check out the course availability in your MySSU.

C. Exceptions to WEPT

All graduating seniors who have applied and been approved for Spring 2020 or Summer 2020 graduation will automatically have their GWAR requirement completed in their ARR (Academic Requirement Report). This update to students' ARR will happen in April; please check your ARR after April 10th to make sure that this requirement has been marked as fulfilled. Please see the WEPT website for more information or email wept@sonoma.edu with any questions. 

D. Your advisor is available online

Please continue to check in with your advisor to ensure you are on the right path to graduation. Talk to your advisor, either in your department or in The Advising & Transfer Center.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

What are “serious and compelling” reasons for withdrawing from a class?

In the context of the coronavirus, the University Standards Committee will consider  cases including (but not limited to) those in which a student and/or the family of the student have become seriously ill, experienced the death of a family member, had significant caretaking responsibilities, inability to access course materials, or experienced significant psychological and/or physical trauma as a result of the virus. Read more about COVID-specific reasons here.

May I take an incomplete in my course? 

SSU policy allows for incomplete in certain circumstances. Your instructor may allow an incomplete provided you have completed a substantial amount of the work for the course (usually a minimum of 50%) and that the remaining work can be completed outside of class and within a timely fashion. Even though the semester is over, requesting an incomplete may still be an option. The Request for an Incomplete form can be found on the Registrar’s website. 

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 Summer 2020 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. All laptop loans must be returned by August 15, 2020 without exception.

We are currently only accepting requests for Summer 2020 loans. For information on Fall 2020 laptop loans, check back for updates on the Library COVID-19 Updates and Resources page. 

What should I do if I am unable to return to campus?

The Sonoma State University community wants to do everything we can to keep you on track to graduate. There are many options to discuss with your academic advisor including taking a Leave of Absence (Find your Advisor). Taking a leave is a major decision that almost always has financial implications you should know about and discuss with Financial Aid advisors before making this decision.

How do I communicate with my professors?

It is important to stay in contact with your professors. Emailing a professor should be straightforward. You send emails all the time! However, emailing a professor is different from emailing a friend or family member. These tips will help you write an email that is appropriate and gets an answer.

Can I still get help with my disability?

Absolutely! Contact DSS @ 707.664.2677 to arrange a Zoom appointment. You might also find your answers in this DSS Continuity Plan.

Can I still work at my on-campus job while classes are cancelled?

Yes, please email your supervisor to determine remote work!

Where can I receive more help?

If you have other questions or would like additional information or support please email 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 (www.sonoma.edu) 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! Instructions are here: https://web.sonoma.edu/risk/emergency/ens.html. 

What courses will be offered in person during the Fall 2020 semester?

The courses currently approved by the Chancellor's Office to be offered in person can be found here.