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With the transition to remote learning we have all faced some difficulties, but how has this affected our students? Based on posts and stories that we have seen on the internet, we compiled this resource for students to help support their transition to remote learning.
Remote Learning for Students
Dear students,
We have been learning more about some of your fears, frustrations, anxiety, loneliness, uncertainty, and challenges that you are facing with the evolving situation of COVID-19, and how that is affecting your lives as well as your relationship with your college or university. We have read some of your stories and posts, and those have helped us start to understand the hardships and uncertainty some of you are facing during this unprecedented time. With the continually evolving updates, changes, and restrictions being communicated daily, your institution’s choice to move to remote learning might seem trivial given everything else happening around you. We hope that this guide can provide you with useful information, resources, and tools to make remote learning approachable and valuable to your education.
For as many different styles of teaching that exist among instructors, whether it’s reading content from slides, assigning multiple chapters of reading, or allowing a space for collaboration between peers, there are a far greater number of diverse ways that students absorb and learn information. We understand that being tossed into an online learning environment may not be the way that many of you prefer to learn, but there are some tools and strategies that you can implement to make it work for you.
One of the strengths of online learning is the diverse set of tools that you can individually use to support your learning. Our institutions want to support you through these times. If you have questions, please consult with your college or university to learn more about the support they offer. Students with minoritized identities may be impacted differently in this situation, and we encourage you to communicate with each other, and advocate for yourselves and your peers.
Student Support
Let’s get real about education, we all learn differently and we all respond differently to changes in our learning environments. Remote learning probably would not have been most students’ first choice. Some of us may thrive with remote learning and some of us may struggle. It is important to be honest with yourself and recognize that this is an unprecedented time and that we may experience struggles we have never encountered before. However, through difficult times comes new opportunities.
Why did my institution move to an online environment?
In this section, we’re not necessarily sharing the specific reasons why our two institutions may have moved to remote, but rather sharing various reasons that institutions have provided. There are a lot of reasons why colleges and institutions of higher education are moving to fully remote instruction. In this time of change, it is important to consider why your institution may have moved to remote instruction. Although it may seem like the obvious answer would have been to cancel classes the following are the reasons why classes may be continuing:

Some students may have already accepted a job contingent upon their graduation and by canceling classes and pushing them to a later time students would not be able to honor these commitments.
If classes were to extend through the summer, some students would have to deal with the unexpected costs of summer housing.
There are accreditation programs that the universities must meet and with those come specific responsibilities and assessment criteria that could not be honored if classes were canceled.
Institutions of higher education and students need to move forward. Putting students behind an entire semester will set back every subsequent class, both incoming and graduating.

Concerns with Remote Learning
Whether you have worked in an online environment before or not, you might be concerned about your level of readiness to succeed in your course. In order for our institutions to best support students, some questions have been gathered, and answers generated to address potential concerns among the student population.
I’m worried that transitioning to remote learning is going to impact my success.
Having an open line of communication with your instructor is important now more than ever. Instructors are trying to make sure that they are meeting their students’ needs and providing a successful learning environment for their students. However, this shift has not been easy for the instructors nor the learners. As everyone continues figuring out this change together, we need to be mindful of the challenges. If you have concerns about your performance or have other concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your instructor. This is an important first step to take.
Does moving online impact the assessments and expectations set at the beginning of the semester?
Moving to an online environment has also caused disruption to initial course objectives, goals, and how to meet them. Many adjustments to syllabi have been made to reflect the possible limitations posed in new learning environments. Focus on the big picture for your course: what is the central idea being taught, what are the main takeaways, and what do you need to know to be successful moving forward? Assessments should reflect the central concepts to your course, so focus your time and energy there and not on the miniscule details. If you are still feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, then reach out to your instructor and ask about their new expectations for you moving forward. If you are concerned with how quizzes or exams may be provided and/or proctored, be sure to communicate with your instructor.
How can I continue collaborating with my classmates?
Communication with classmates can be essential to your success in a course. In a face to face environment, these conversations happen naturally and not much thought goes into it. However, this is something we now have to actively think about and problem solve. If your instructor has not created an environment for student interactions to take place yet, it might be beneficial to request them to do so. This can be an open discussion forum in your Learning Management System (such as Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, etc.), a virtual meeting session especially for students to collaborate, or an outside channel (such as Microsoft Teams) for students to chat. Exchanging phone numbers, emails, or even social media information (to those who have it) can also be beneficial to keep conversations fluid and accessible.
Can I still meet with my instructor in a one on one setting?
Open communication with your instructor is vital. Remote learning can be challenging and we want to make sure we are able to support you in any way necessary. If your instructor held office hours before, they are likely still willing to hold office hours in a virtual setting. Reach out to ask how to schedule a meeting with them.
What impact will remote learning have on my future courses?
The uncertainty or newness in an online learning environment might leave you overwhelmed and concerned about what  impact this may have on your future courses. This can be especially impactful if you are currently in a prerequisite course or in a course that is core to your degree program. Ask yourself the following questions to gauge the potential impact of these courses on future courses:

How does this course affect my future learning?
Is it a requirement for my future courses?
Will I need this information to be successful in my degree program?
Have I thought about which information is the most important for my future success?

Your answers to the above questions should help you in prioritizing your current courses. Also, do not forget to reach out to your instructors if you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or concerned during this time.
Where else can I look for more support if these tips and tools aren’t enough?
Your college or university likely has additional resources. For example, if you are a student with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, and you think you may need an accommodation, we really encourage you to contact your Disability Services office. Moving to remote learning may change your needs and these offices are designed to aid students with disabilities in pursuit of their educational goals. Accommodations can be granted based on need, and the requirements for receiving accommodations will vary by institution. A diverse range of disabilities both physical and cognitive may make you eligible for accommodations.
Communication with Instructors
Transitioning to an online learning environment can pose new challenges compared to face to face discussions. Below you can find some templates for communicating with your instructors if you have questions, or are having difficulty in the new environment.
Ask your instructor to host open office hours through a virtual meeting platform for the whole class:
Option One
“Hi (insert name),
I am concerned about my ability to continue to meet with you during your office hours due to the recent shift to online learning. I was curious if you will continue to hold virtual office hours through (Teleconferencing platform: BlueJeans/Google Hangouts Meet/Zoom)? Could you provide me with the dates and times for these office hours and the link/phone number? I was also curious if you set up a protocol for how we should sign up for these sessions? All help would be appreciated!
Best,
(insert name)”
Option Two
“Hi (insert name),
With the recent shift to online learning, I am having some difficulty grasping the new concepts being taught. I am worried that without more one on one support I will not be successful for the remainder of the semester. I was curious if you are able to hold virtual office hours through (Teleconferencing platform: BlueJeans/Google Hangouts Meet/Zoom)? If so, could you provide me with the dates and times for these office hours and the link/phone number? I was also curious if you had set up protocol for how we should sign up for these sessions. All help would be appreciated!
Best,
(insert name)”
Ask your instructor if you can schedule a one on one meeting with them for support:
“Hi (insert name),
I just wanted to reach out to inquire about the possibility of one on one meetings. Remote learning is new to me and something I have struggled with in the past. I feel like I would perform better through weekly/bi-weekly check ups for clarity and understanding. I typically respond better to one on one interaction. Is this something we could set up? I think 15 minutes would be sufficient for me to ask questions or review content. Let me know if this is something we could set up! I appreciate all your support during this time.
Best,
(insert name)”
Ask the instructor if they can create a space for you and your classmates to have open discussions:
“Hi (insert name),
With the recent change to online learning, I have realized that my classmates and I are no longer able to ask each other questions as easily as before since we no longer have face to face interaction. These conversations helped me a lot throughout this course and it would be very beneficial for us to continue to have these conversations during this time. Below are some options that I think would be helpful to support our conversations in an online environment:



Virtual meeting sessions specially for students
(Class Chat Channel: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Facebook, etc.) channel for our course
Q&A thread in (Course website: Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, etc.)



I am also open to suggestions you may have as well to help in this area. Please let me know what you think of the above options.
Best,
(insert name)”
Communication with Classmates
We’ve been monitoring ways that students around the United States are choosing to keep in touch with each other. Below are popular options to support your continued engagement with your classmates.
Virtual Meeting Sessions (e.g., Bluejeans/Hangouts Meet/Zoom, etc.)
With the shift to remote learning, natural conversations that may have occurred before or after class can become more difficult to continue. These times are often a space to talk through questions or concerns with fellow classmates. If these conversations were something you found useful, we encourage you to reach out to your instructor to see if they would be willing to start a virtual meeting session early or keep it open after the class has ended as a space for students to collaborate. If you want a private space to talk with you and your classmates, then ask the instructor if they would be willing to share a virtual space where students can join at certain times to talk through content, concerns, or frustrations.
Teams Channel
Teams is a great resource for communicating with your classmates. It imitates direct messaging and you are able to download the application onto your phone allowing you to receive instant notifications from chat responses. If your instructor was able to create a Teams channel for you class you might benefit from asking them to create separate channels within the course channel so that you can communicate more directly with classmates on group projects and more. Once a separate channel has been created for your group only members of that group would be able to see your messages (including your instructor if they so choose).
Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are an easy way to stay in touch with your classmates. If you are looking for a space to converse more naturally than on a university platform then Facebook would be a great option. Keep in mind that not all of your classmates may have a Facebook or have access to continuous wireless support and may prefer exchanging phone numbers instead. It is best to have an open conversation with your groupmates or classmates to see which platform they may prefer.
WhatAapp
WhatsApp is a great platform for instant messaging, sharing content, voice messages, and video calls. Given the current situation, many students have returned to their permanent places of residence across the United States and abroad. WhatsApp allows users to communicate via Wi-Fi without a phone plan and without long distance rates. It can be an inclusive option for students who are not located on or near campus. It can be downloaded on Android and Apple devices as well as Mac or PC.
GroupMe
GroupMe is a free instant messaging app that works across iOS, Android, and Windows Phones, but you can send messages from your laptop as well. Users don't need to have the app to text, just add anyone from your contacts and they can chat within the group through SMS.
Slack Channel
Slack is a messaging platform that is used all around the world, throughout industry, and higher education. Within Slack users have the ability to create public and private groups, and send direct messages. Group work can be divided into “channels” for greater organization, and clarity. Slack even has integrations for apps like Google Drive and Box, if you’d prefer to avoid such integrations, then you’re able to share files through Slack as well. Calls can be made via Slack as well if you’ve integrated a video-conferencing solution like Bluejeans, or Zoom; however, on the free version of Slack, only 1:1 voice or video calls can be made, so you may consider using a video-conferencing software for that purpose specifically. Slack can be downloaded on MacOs or PC, and is mobile friendly for Android, and iPhone users.
Discord Channel
Discord is a free voice, video, and text chat service that is available to download on your PC, mobile device, or directly within your browser. This app was originally designed for online gaming, however over the past few years more instructors have been incorporating this tool into their courses to promote ongoing conversations among classmates.
Participation
If your instructor has enabled the “chat” feature in your virtual meeting sessions, try to participate and ask questions as they arise. On some platforms, you have the ability to submit questions anonymously. It is encouraged to use this feature if you are concerned about singling yourself out. Remember, if you need clarification or have a question, it is likely that others in class do as well. Don’t hesitate to join discussions if your instructor allows you the ability to collaborate. You can also share your contact information with others to provide support for them or vice versa. It is encouraged to find a platform where you can share information and questions with classmates. Try to regularly check the platform(s) and answer questions to support your classmates when you can help provide guidance.
Discussion Forums
Ask your instructor when new discussion forums will be opened, as well as when initial posts and responses are due. This will make it easier for you to keep track of your tasks as well as to keep you on top of checking the forums. Make sure you have a clear understanding of how many posts you need to contribute as well as the expectations for quality and quantity in your posts. Often, instructors will ask you to disperse your responses to prevent you from responding to the same post more than once. It is key that you understand what is being expected of you. Try to respond to topics that are of interest to you to provide more meaningful interactions even when tempted by others that only require a quick response. You will learn more from topics that draw your attention.
Assessments such as Quizzes and Exams
Your instructors may not know how their syllabus is going to be affected or how they expect to deliver quizzes or exams or other ways of checking your learning. You should ask your instructor if previously established quizzes and exams have been rescheduled. Update these assessment dates in your notes and begin to organize study materials accordingly. Remember, quizzes and exams may now be delivered through an online platform. Ask your instructor how they intend to offer their exams and how this might impact you.
Technical Support and Resources
Please note, that none of these links are endorsements towards any product or company, but rather are here as potential resources which you can look into on your own.
Wifi Access
Nationwide (United States) Connectivity Resources
With a note of thanks to Richard Saouma, Michigan State University, for compiling the original list. This was last reviewed 03/18/2020.
With the shift to remote learning, the need for reliable Internet connection has become vital. Below is a list from major internet providers and the services they are offering in response to COVID-19:

Comcast

Free essential internet for two-months and no data caps (60 days).


T-Mobile & Sprint

Unlimited smartphone data to existing customers (60 days), 20GB/month wi-fi hotspot for smartphone customers (60 days), free international calls to Level 3 impacted countries.


ATT

Free hotspot access to anyone, $10 home unlimited internet for qualifying households, no late fees and no disconnects.


Verizon

No late fees.


CenturyLink

No late fees, no disconnects, and no data caps (60 days).


EduROAM

Your institution may be part of this network, and you can login to your institution’s domain on multiple campuses throughout the United States.



Free Resources for Students
Please note that your institution may use or not use some of these tools. This list is not designed to indicate endorsement of any individual tool, but rather to help provide some starting points for students looking to adapt their learning style to the shift to remote instruction. These technologies may be potential useful tools for personal use. We did not test the accessibility of each of these technologies, but recommend you check out these and other technologies that support your learning or your peer group’s learning. The authors of this document do not imply endorsement, but rather want to link to Assistive Technology and studying tools. Please be sure to read the Terms & Conditions and End User License Agreements, and consider asking your instructors what tools they recommend. Be sure to read and make informed decisions when making agreements with companies.

Note Taking Tools

Glean

This is a free resource being offered to students through fall 2020. It allows you to record a video (lecture, informational, etc.) so that you can actively listen instead of focusing on taking notes and possibly missing important information. It also allows you to import slides directly in the notes and flag areas of importance to revisit at a later time. There is also a real-time captioning feature built in.




Study Tools

Quizlet

Quizlet allows you to either build your own custom digital notecards or import your notes which can be converted into notecards. Once your note cards have been created you can easily share them with fellow classmates. If you have a particular card you are struggling with, Quizlet allows you to “star” certain cards and only review those cards at a particular time.


Kahoot!

You can create a Kahoot (quiz) for yourself off of items you think will be asked on an assessment. You can then make Kahoot live and share it with friends to see how everyone does.




Screen Recording Tools

Loom

Loom is a free software that allows you to record your screen, video, or app without the need of a built-in camera. This can be used to screen record your virtual lectures to support note taking or for video responses that you have to create for your course.


Techsmith Snagit

Snagit is a screen capture and screen recording tool. It makes screen recording and screen capturing an easy and seamless process for users. TechSmith is currently offering Snagit for free through the end of June 2020.




Speech to Text, Text to Speech, and Captioning Tools

Otter.ai

Otter ai is a free captioning tool for real time video content that allows users up to 600 free minutes a month. It can also be used as a speech to text tool for creation of notes.


Kurzweil 3000

Kurzweil 3000 is a text to speech software that allows a user to have electronic text aloud. It can help with concentration and focus and is beneficial for those who learn through auditory means. For MSU students: before downloading a free trial reach out to your campus’ Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities since they often have free licenses.


Read&Write

Read&Write is an additional text to speech software that allows a user to have text read aloud and that can also be useful for writing and note-taking. For University of Michigan students, faculty, and staff: please visit the accessible computing webpage at ITS for details on how to download this free of charge.


NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA)

NVDA is a free, open-source screen reader technology which can be used to read webpages, documents, or applications. NVDA is a commonly used assistive technology by folks who are blind and low vision.


Google Docs

Google Docs has many useful built-in features to support students. One to highlight is the speech to text feature. This tool can be used to support the creation of notes, papers, discussion responses, etc.




Time Management Tools

Be Focused Timer

This app has a built-in timer that provides users with a way to stay focused, manage tasks, and track progress over time. You can set timers for work durations as well as short and long breaks to help maximize productivity.


Remember the Milk

This app allows users to create to do lists and set up reminders that link can be linked to other apps such as Gmail, Outlook, and Google Calendar. The user even has the ability to attach documents to tasks to stay organized.




Focus Tools

Freedom

This app allows the user to take control of distractions. Freedom can limit websites, desktop apps, or the internet as a whole and can sync these blocks across all devices.


Reader View Chrome Extension

Reader View strips away unnecessary clutter on a webpage and allows you to focus only on the content. It removes all advertisements to help prevent distraction. It also allows you to change the text size, font, contrast and layout for easier reading.




Additional Tools

Grammarly

Grammarly is a browser plugin that runs a grammar check on your content and offers suggestions on how you can improve your wording or punctuation. This can prove especially useful for email correspondence.


EquatiO

EquatiO is a tool designed to support students in mathematics and STEM courses. With this tool the user has the availability to type, write, and dictate expressions and equations. It also has the ability to predict expressions and transform your handwritten expressions into text. It also allows the user to grab an equation and transform it into digital text. Users can take a picture of a written equation and upload it into a digital format.


WordToEPUB

WordToEPUB is a tool that allows for the converting of Word documents to accessible EPUB files. The EPUB format makes for easier reading on laptops, smartphones, and other devices.





Note Taking Support
How you take notes might be a new obstacle with changing to an online environment. There are many tools available to help support the note taking process and to ease the burden on the student. Below are some tools to assist in the process as well as some organizational recommendations in platforms you might already be using (such as Microsoft Word documents). None of these are endorsements and please make informed decisions and review user agreements when choosing a tool that works for you. or You may also consider asking your instructor or classmates if they would like to create a shared note document. Make sure to choose a platform that works for all students in your class or group, regardless of any disability. Sometimes technologies may not be as accessible as we like.

Tools:

Evernote

Evernote is a note taking tool that allows you to take and organize notes, as well as include files, photos, and voice memos in the same area. The basic version of Evernote is free and can be downloaded and synced across multiple devices.


Glean

This is a free resource being offered to students through fall 2020. It allows you to record a video (lecture, informational, etc.) so that you can actively listen instead of focusing on taking notes and possibly missing important information over notes. It also allows you to import slides directly in the notes and flag areas of importance to revisit at a later time. There is also a real-time captioning feature built in.


Loom

Loom is a free software that allows you to record your screen, video, or app without the need of a built-in camera. This can be used to screen record your virtual lectures to support note taking or for video responses that you have to create for your course.


OneNote

OneNote is a note taking tool that allows users to take and organize notes in one place. You can sort your notes into different tabs, sections, and pages. Flag important information with to-do tags, insert files and record audio files within your notes. OneNote also allows you to draw and annotate on a touchscreen that will save within your notes.




Tips

Microsoft Word

Making use of the following features while taking notes in a Word document will make it easier to organize your content and easily navigate your content when revisiting notes for studying.

Make use of headings in your document. Main content areas can be marked with headings. This will make navigating your document more seamless because with the use of headings an outline will be available in the navigation view.
Make use of comments throughout your document to place emphasis on important topics and details.
Organize your notes with the built-in list styles. This will help you to create a natural hierarchy of information throughout your notes.
Through Office365, you have the ability to share your documents with others to collaborate on a document in one place at the same time.







Accessible Note Taking
When it comes to sharing notes or sharing content it is important to keep in mind that accessible content is better content. Accessible content is content that can be accessed by any individual regardless of disability. This is important when it comes to sharing content with fellow classmates or professors. Here are a few quick tips for accessible content:

Make use of heading styles.
Make use of built in list styles.
Consider your color contrast (text vs. background color).
Try to avoid using color alone to denote meaning.
Make use of descriptive link text.
Add alternative text to images that are non-decorative.
Make use of header rows and columns when building tables.

For more detailed information on how to produce accessible content please visit Michigan State University's Webaccess website where detailed tutorials can guide you through accessibility of various document types.
Organization
You probably have heard several different strategies for doing this from your instructors. We wanted to provide an additional strategy for when you run out of all of those other ones. Here’s some things that we’ve heard have worked for others. Maybe they’ll help you, too. We also just wanted to quickly note that all of us are different. We each have different responsibilities, strategies, and spaces to work from in this time. Some of us have families to care for or are balancing other work responsibilities. Take from these what you will. An important tip: you learn how you learn. This is not a one-size-fit-all solution.
Managing your Calendar
There are a variety of ways to keep a calendar, or manage a calendar. Many of us have calendars on our phones, and laptops that make it easy to save events, schedule appointments, and access a high-level overview of our week. Additionally, many Learning Management Systems (LMS’s) like D2L and Canvas, have built-in calendars and calendar integrations to things like Google Calendar, which allow you to automatically schedule assignments and receive reminders. You may find it helpful to set recurring reminders for study time and homework time.
Managing your Email

Keeping emails organized and unifying information streams from instructors is important. Advocate for a single source of information that links to other areas.
Create a separate folder for each of your classes within your email so you can more easily navigate back to content. You can also set up rules so that information is funneled appropriately as it comes in.
Compile resources as you go in one single document. With all the information that is being shared it can be easy to lose information or track down that information once you leave it. By copying information into one single document you will have an easier time referring back.

Managing your Files/Documents

If you are downloading content from a course and adding notes try to save those files with descriptive file names (e.g., Biology_Lecture_001) in a specific folder designated to that course on your Laptop.
If your computer has limited storage you can make use of OneDrive which is a free tool to all students.

Managing your Time
If you’re new to online learning it can be easy to become overwhelmed with the lack of structure, and subsequently fall behind in all your classes. The following strategies may help you to more efficiently manage your time:

Try to avoid working in bed.
Get ready as though you were leaving your home.
Eat breakfast, just coffee does not count.
Whether your classes are synchronous or asynchronous, follow your class schedule to keep structure to your days.
Take a 15 minute break for every hour of work or study time. Your eyes will strain from looking at screens for too long.
Minimize distractions by working with the TV off, and away from your Xbox, PS2, Atari, GameCube, etc.
Schedule online co-working sessions with your classmates to increase accountability and productivity.
Put your phone on “Do not disturb.”
Make a to do list for each class and pick which items you will work on each particular day.

Wellness Strategies

Plan a healthy lunch to the best of your ability.
If it’s an option, work in different locations within your permanent residence. You can get stagnant being in one place for too long.
If you’re able: do some stretches, go for a walk, or exercise in some way that works for you in order to keep your energy up and your mind sharp.
If you’re in isolation, call, email, Facetime, or video chat a friend. We’re primarily social beings, and even the most introverted among us require human contact.
Reach out to your campus Mental Health Professionals (MHP’s) if you’re feeling isolated, anxious, or depressed. These services are free on most campuses.

Applications to Support Health and Wellness

What’s Up (Free; What's Up for iOS and What's Up for Android)

What’s up uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy approaches to help users cope with depression, anxiety, and stress. The app contains over 100 different questions to help pinpoint what you are feeling and offers thinking patterns to teach you how to stop negative internal thoughts.


Mind Shift (Free; Mind Shift for iOS and Mind Shift for Android)

Mind Shift is an app designed specifically for young adults with anxiety. Mind Shift helps users change their focus from avoiding anxious feelings to being mindful about how you think about anxiety and process through anxious situations and feelings.


Self-Help for Anxiety Management (SAM) (Free; SAM for iOS and SAM for Android)

SAM supports users in creating a build your own 24 hour anxiety toolkit. This toolkit supports users in tracking anxious thoughts and behavior and then pulls from 25 different self-help techniques and tailors the recommendations to the user. SAM also allows users to connect to an online community for additional support.



Phone and Hotline Resources

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in a suicidal crisis or emotional distress. By calling 1.800.273.TALK (8255) you will be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7. Hearing-impaired TTY users may dial (800) 799-4889. 
The Trevor Lifeline is the nation’s only around-the-clock crisis intervention and suicide prevention lifeline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Call 1.866.488.7386. [Note: the lifeline will talk with any individual regardless of sexuality or gender.]

For University of Michigan and Michigan State students: for further information about available resources, please visit Michigan State University’s Emergency Resources for Students or University of Michigan’s CAPS Services Regarding Covid 19 Update.
Productive Ways to Fill Your Time

Join a Facebook group that is of interest for you.
Schedule FaceTime/Snapchat/Facebook video sessions with your friends and family to keep up with social interactions.
Refresh your resume.
Apply for jobs.
Apply for scholarships.
Take a free online course through the libraries if you are interested in a specific topic.
Look into graduate school programs that might be of interest in the future.
Take a YouTube crash course and build your own website.
Develop a daily schedule.

What should I do if I have unresolved concerns?
It is a difficult time and we are all doing the best we can. However, if you feel frustrated or have a concern that warrants attention and you have not received a response in a timely fashion, then it is important to know with whom to speak. Ensure you have accurately and succinctly voiced your concerns to your instructor. Instructors have struggles and time constraints just like you, and they might just need a few days to circle back. If your instructor is not responsive, or you believe they've requested something of you that is inappropriate, e.g., such as attending midterms in person, the next step would be to escalate those concerns to the chair of your department, or find an associate dean or dean of your college. If you have a course coordinator or are aware of a program coordinator they would also be a good person to reach out to as well. Do not be afraid to follow up as many times as are necessary, it is the responsibility of these offices and persons to support you. If you feel as though you need to escalate even further, you can bring the issue to your University’s Ombudsperson office. Their charge is to assist students in resolving conflicts.
Keep Learning
Remember, higher education institutions are here to help you learn. What is important right now (for us, and we’re hoping for you, too) is that you are safe and that you have good opportunities to learn. We’ve heard from some students that the reason we call this remote teaching is because we have “no remote idea” what we’re doing, and you may be onto something there... So help us help you, and communicate openly with your instructor about your needs! We know that these times have not been kind or fair to many of you, and that many of you face significant personal challenges or uncertainty at this time. We hope that you can get to where home is or needs to be right now. Things can be ambiguous and scary right now. We hope that you can focus on learning the things that move you forward and keep you safe, and that you will share in the joy in learning that all of us in higher education have. We thank you for your patience and grace in this process. And for keeping us going, too. #KeepLearning
Sincerely,
Brooke Knapp (Michigan State University), Darrell Williams (University of Michigan), Gabrielle King (Michigan State University), and Phillip Deaton (University of Michigan)
References

Create A Work From Home Workplace Wellness Program
How to Work From Home & Still Be Productive
EMERGENCY Resources for Students | Counseling & Psychiatric Services | Michigan State University
Tips for Excelling in an Online Learning Environment
Purdue Online Student Toolkit
A Brief Letter to an Institution that Believes Extensions are the Accommodations We Need Right Now

Organization:
 
While your syllabus may have all the information necessary for the class, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to find. Reading this guide for example would be more challenging if it was given in paragraphs as opposed to how it is broken into sections. Often students repeatedly return to the syllabus to find key information about the course. This can also be a benefit to instructors because if their syllabus is well-structured, they’ll deal with fewer questions about details about the class and can focus more on details about the content of the class. Here are some things you should be adding to make your syllabus easier to read, and some examples of how one could implement them.  
 

Add headings and subheadings as needed.

Based on this guide you may want to create sections for:

Course Topics
University/Course Policies
Grade Scale
Contact Information
Important Dates
Major Assessments


You could also consider adding a brief introduction. Which could include:

Your teaching style/core values
Contact information 




Include tables/graphics where possible

Examples may include:

Grade Scale Table
A table of important dates
Flow Charts for course structure or learning outcomes
Concept maps
A table containing the class schedule




Adding bullet points or numbered lists:

Examples may include:

List of important dates.
List of Exams/Projects/Major Assessments.
List of Learning outcomes/course topics
Listing contents and where to find them at the beginning.




Reflections/Questions to Consider:

If you were a student, what information would you be looking for?

And how would you find it?


How long is this document?

If it is many pages, are students going to be able to engage with it, or will it feel intimidating?
If it is a single page, does it contain enough information for students?





 
Course Schedule:
 
The course schedule can be an extremely effective tool for helping students navigate the college experience. Depending on the school students may have 4, 5 or even 6 classes they are taking at a single time and knowing ahead of time when one class may require more attention is extremely helpful! However, it’s also important not to hide other key information of a syllabus within the schedule as it runs the risk of making the syllabus harder to navigate. Some recommendations about course schedules:
 
·         If you meet multiple times a week, don’t explain each class.
o   You want the schedule to be flexible to adjust for the needs of a class.
§  Perhaps you have a great plan for a particular topic, but it doesn’t end up panning out as intended.
§  What happens if your institution cancels a day of class? Is the entire schedule irrelevant from that point? Do you need to re-write it?
·         Create a schedule based on each week:
o   This will allow:
§  students to plan out the expectations of the course a week at a time.
§  you flexibility in the time it takes to present material.
o   Highlight Important Dates:
§  Include if there are due dates, exams/quizzes
§  If your institution has course drop deadlines, they should be outlined.
§  The final exam time at institutions is often at a different time than the typical class.
o   Moving forward this document will assume the schedule is broken down per week.
·         Outline Prep materials required each week.
o   Course Readings
o   Journal writings
o   Rough Drafts
o   Artifacts they should bring.
o   Reflective Questions they should consider before class.
o   Etc.
·         Stay Vague!
o   If you feel your schedule is becoming muddled, it most likely is. Attempt to keep descriptions brief and verify it’s easy to read.
                 
Descriptions of Assignments/Assessments:

Briefly outline the information in particular assignments/assessments. 
Reflections/Questions to Consider:

Projects:

Is this a group or individual project?
How much time do students have to complete it?
Is a rubric provided for the project to help guide student work?
What materials will be needed for the project?
What form should the final product take?

Presentation?
Poster?
Paper?
Etc.




Exams: 

What material will be covered?
If not stated elsewhere:

What percentage of the grade is it? 
When is it? 


What is the modality? 

Online? In-person? Take-home?


How will it be graded?


Assignments: 

What is the modality? 

Online? In-person? Take-home?


How many questions is the assignment? 
When is it due? 
What material is covered? 
What are the associated learning outcomes? 


Readings:

What do you want students to take away from the readings?
How will you use the information a student reads during class?





 
Expectations:
Every instructor has some level of expectations on their students. Often, this includes some degree of participation, attendance, completion of material, etc. However, are these expectations clearly outlined in the syllabus? If not, it can be extremely helpful.
 
Student Expectations:

Examples include:

How many hours they should expect to spend on material/reading outside of class.
How many assignments they’ll be asked to complete.
Rubrics: What are the expectations of a particular project/assignment.
Attendance.

How many days can a student miss before it affects their grade?
How should a student inform you that they are unable to attend.


Participation:

What does it mean to participate in your class?

Discussions? Asking Questions? Coming to office hours? Email?




Etc.



 
Teacher Expectations:
Students also want to know that if they follow through on your expectations, that you are also holding yourself accountable to them.

Consider communicating:

How long it will take to respond to emails.
When you’ll be able to grade assessments, projects, assignments.
What type of feedback you intend to offer students.
Any changes to the course schedule.
How students can reach out to you or get additional help.  



 
Outlining all of this information effectively begins the process of integrating the syllabus into the course itself. Making it a living document that grows/changes as the class does. Crafting syllabi to facilitate communication between educators and students helps set clear expectations and provides the instructor the opportunity to reflect on their own pedagogy by referencing their syllabi. 

***This is part of a series of articles compiling useful resources and information for new graduate students. Some of the information in this series will be relevant for anybody new to MSU, including undergraduates, postdocs, faculty and staff. The topical areas range from settling into East Lansing and Michigan, getting to know which services can be found on campus to administrative steps and information needed throughout a graduate program at MSU. For the full series, see this playlist dedicated to (international) graduate students.***
 
Hello and welcome to MSU!
My name is Clara and I am one of your fellow international graduate students from Germany.
Moving to a new country and starting to study/ work at a new institution can be both exciting and a little stressful at times. I, along with many others in our community, definitely experienced both!
This “playlist” brings together many useful resources and information to make your transition into MSU and East Lansing easier. In the next few days, you will receive a lot of information at the welcome events organized by OISS and your individual departments. However, not every available resource will be covered and it is hard to remember them all afterwards!
As one of the Graduate Leadership Development Fellows in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, I tried to create a ‘one-stop-shop’ for these information and resources. This “playlist” is meant to be a starting point to learn about MSU and your new home (without having to turn the search for resources into another research project). 😊
While I draw from and reference the official websites for most of the information, please note that this resource compilation is a work in progress based on both my experience and a survey among international students in December 2019 (for more information see the article on “My Leadership Fellowship experience”).
If you feel there are important resources missing, please leave a comment below the articles so that we can continually improve this resource list for future generations of international graduate students.
Go Green!

Introduction
In an age where technology can help to remove barriers and foster inclusivity, it is still quite common for users to encounter accessibility challenges in the digital space. The ChatGPT platform, while revolutionary in its capabilities, is not exempt from such hurdles. In this article we will discuss some known accessibility issues associated with the ChatGPT tool and its associated support site, and provide suggestions for making the platform more accessible for users with disabilities.
Current Issues and Potential Workarounds
In general, both the ChatGPT tool (chatbot) and associated documentation are accessible to most users, however, the platform does present barriers to users who access digital content using a screen reader, those who navigate using only a keyboard or alternative navigation tools, and users with color related vision issues or low vision.Note: This review lists issues observed as of December 2023. Please comment if you believe specific issues have been addressed and we will update the article as needed.
Both the Chat GPT tool and associated support website were tested against the W3C WCAG 2.0 AA standard in Windows and MacOS using NVDA and Voiceover screen readers and common browsers. The following information details which accessibility barriers were identified, how they may affect users, and some potential workarounds for helping to provide equitable access to the desired functionality.
Login Process
During the login process users are presented with the option to create an account or login using an existing Google, Microsoft, or Apple accounts. There are multiple issues with this process that may present barriers for users.


Issue:
Several elements associated with the login process do not meet minimum contrast requirements which will make the associated text difficult or impossible to read (e.g., elements using light green text on a white background and white text on a light green background).

Who this may affect:
Users with low vision or color related vision issues who rely on high contrast between text and the associated background may find the associated text difficult or even impossible to read.

Workaround:
Encourage users to log in using an existing Google, Microsoft, or Apple account, or consider providing written instructions detailing the login process and associated controls.


Issue:
  Focus indication for the login and account creation buttons is not sufficient. Some users may not be able to move past the account creation and login area without assistance.

Who this may affect:
Keyboard users who rely on clear and obvious visual indicators to track which element is currently selected when navigating a webpage.

Workaround:
Encourage users to log in using an existing Google, Microsoft, or Apple account, or consider providing written instructions detailing the login process and associated controls.


Issue:
During the account creation process, password requirements appear after the password creation field. Instructions and requirements for a form field should be presented prior to the user accessing that field. Also, there is no error indication for assistive technology users who enter a password that does not meet minimum requirements. The cursor simply remains in the password field with no feedback for the user. This also occurs if an incorrect password is entered during login.

Who this may affect:
Screen reader users may not be able to move past the account creation and/or login area without assistance.

Workaround:
Encourage users to log in using an existing Google, Microsoft, or Apple account, or consider providing written instructions detailing the account creation and login process. Include password requirements and an explanation of the application’s behavior when the password either does not meet the minimum requirements or is entered incorrectly.
Chatbot User Interface
Some elements within the ChatGPT chatbot user interface make the tool difficult to use and potentially confusing for assistive technology users. Issues we experienced include portions of the screen that cannot be accessed by keyboard-only users and numerous interactive elements that do not include descriptive names/labels causing them to be unusable by screen reader users.


Issue:
Not all buttons contain descriptive labels or information about their purpose or function (e.g., send message button, clipboard, and up/down vote icons).

Who this may affect:
Screen reader users who rely on clearly labelled buttons and interactive elements for navigating and interacting with an application. If a label is not provided or does not describe the purpose of the button or element, that button or element is essentially useless to screen reader users and will block their ability to effectively use the associated application. Example: the “Send Message” button is simply read as “button, group” by screen readers, giving users no indication of its purpose or functionality.

Workaround:
Screen reader users may require assistance navigating the user interface to help learn the functionality of interactive elements when initially using the tool. Consider not requiring the use of unlabeled elements such as the voting buttons.


Issue:
Elements of the main message and reply functionality are not presented in a logical order, a typical workflow would not have replies appearing above the message input box. This layout requires users to navigate back up the page to interact with chatbot replies/answers. There is no indication to assistive technology users that replies/answers have been generated or that they appear above the message input field.

Who this may affect:
Screen reader users require notification when information on a page is changed, when that change is complete, and where the new information is located. Lack of notification about when reply generation is complete and how to access the replies will make the tool difficult to use without assistance.

Workaround:
Screen reader users may require assistance navigating the user interface to help learn the main workflow and how to navigate the message and reply when initially using the tool. Consider providing documentation detailing the chatbot message and reply window to help assistive technology users more effectively use the tool.


Issue:
Under user account Settings and Custom Instructions some of the associated pop-up windows are not read in a meaning sequence (e.g., the Custom Instructions pop-up opens with focus on the “Ok” button and no indication that there is text/information above that button). These windows also contain unlabeled buttons (e.g., buttons used to close the pop-up windows).

Who this may affect:
Screen reader users rely on information being presented in a logical order. When a new window is opened the screen reader software should be told to start reading from the top of the new content, not set to a button or element at the bottom of the window. Also, lack of descriptive labels on buttons used to close the pop-up windows may prevent users from exiting the Settings windows.

Workaround:
Screen reader users may require assistance navigating the account related tool windows. Consider providing documentation detailing the Settings and Custom Instructions windows.
 
The Impact on Users
Barriers to access limit a platform’s usability for a wide variety of users. All students deserve equal access to information and opportunities, inaccessible technology widens the digital divide and hinders the ability of users to fully participate in online conversations and access valuable resources. 
The Importance of Accessibility
Addressing accessibility concerns is not just a matter of compliance; it is a moral and ethical imperative. Inclusivity should be at the core of technological advancements. As we work to provide the best possible learning experience for our students, we must ensure that no one is excluded or left behind. By acknowledging and actively working to overcome accessibility challenges we can create a more equitable and inclusive online space and experience for all users.

Check out February’s courses available at no cost to all students, faculty, and staff. Visit SpartansLearn for more information and to register.
Featured Course of the Month 
Microsoft Forms – Creating Forms and Surveys
Wednesday, February 19, 9:00 a.m.
Looking to gather valuable insights from your classmates, students, or coworkers? Forms are your go-to tool! Discover how to effortlessly create engaging forms and surveys, customize their format, add branching logic, collect data seamlessly, and share them with ease. Unlock the power of feedback and make informed decisions with confidence.
 
What participants are saying...
“I liked that we built the surveys and actually got to use the knowledge.”
 
February Schedule
To register for the following virtual instructor-led training courses go to SpartansLearn.
 
Zoom – Getting Started
Friday, February 7, 1:30 p.m.
Engage new audiences, elevate customer experiences, and get more done together with an all-in-one communication platform! Our trainers will help you explore how Zoom seamlessly brings together remote teams for work that goes wherever you do. This course will cover the basics of Zoom Meetings to include settings prior to a meeting, starting a meeting, and managing meetings. 
 
Spartan 365 – Overview
Thursday, February 13, 1:30 p.m.
Have you ever wanted to work collaboratively in a document or simultaneously on any device? Spartan 365 makes this type of teamwork easy! Spartan 365 offers robust features and a secure environment. This one-hour course will give an overview of the main Microsoft 365 apps including Forms, OneDrive, OneNote, Outlook, SharePoint, and Teams.
 
Microsoft Teams – Working with Teams
Monday, February 17, 11:00 a.m.
This hour-long course is valuable to individuals, teams, and departments looking for a centralized hub for communication, file sharing, and collaboration. Learn how to request a new team or join an existing team, manage channels and tabs, and manage the team’s members, settings, and analytics.
 
OneDrive – Working with OneDrive
Tuesday, February 25, 1:30 p.m.
Expanding on the basics of OneDrive, learn more about this great storage tool. Discover navigation strategies, explore the desktop app settings and options, manage accessibility of files and folders, and more.
 
Can’t attend a live course? Watch on-demand anytime at SpartansLearn.Monthly office hours are available for those with questions about content shared in the courses. Find the schedule at SpartansLearn.All participants are invited to share anonymous feedback about their course through our End of Course Survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to help shape and inform our future offerings. Congratulations, Nancy Spitzley in MSU IT Data Center Operations, our quarter 4 drawing winner for completing an End of Course Survey!For any other questions about technology training, please contact train@msu.edu. 
 

Introduction
A Tale of Two Tests:
Imagine that you are a student and you have to take two tests for different classes.
Test 1: For this test, you will be given a typical multiple choice question exam.  You can take the test home, fill it out, and give it back to your instructor the next day. The exam will determine your entire grade for the course, so the instructor tells you not to look at other materials.
Test 2: For this test you are asked to name the seven dwarfs of Snow White, but to do this, you have to install special software, show your id to prove your identity, document your environment to show you have no outside help, find a specific location for your computer that is level, quiet, and where you will not be interrupted. You will only have 2 minutes to answer this question, and this will determine 1% of your grade in this course.
From these examples, hopefully you can see that neither one makes sense in that there is a mismatch among factors such as the importance of the exam, its integrity, and burden placed on the learner.  
To create better testing experiences than these examples, we hope that in this lesson, you will be able 


to weigh multiple considerations to decide whether or not to have your digital assessment proctored and 


to identify some approaches you might use to better prepare your students.  


It should be noted from the onset, that no practical system of assessment prevents 100% of academic dishonesty.  The goal for this document is to make recommendations that will help you to choose reasonable options for your context.  As these will differ from course to course, you should explain to students what is allowed during exams with regards to collaboration and the use of information sources.  It is not necessarily intuitive especially given new modalities of course delivery.


Be clear about the expectations of what students can and cannot do for exams based on the technology and pedagogy you are implementing.


Background information 
At MSU, we have 3 main methods that faculty are using to increase the academic integrity of their multiple choice question (MCQ) exams:

using features that are built into D2L (without video proctoring) vs.

Click this link to see considerations for D2L Quiz settings


implementing Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor (video proctoring) or

Click here for a short overview video of Respondus


using Zoom and student’s iphones (video proctoring)

Click here for a panel discussion of Texas A&M faculty about how to use Zoom for proctoring



In making a determination of what to use, there are four main considerations that you might take into account before choosing an approach:


The anxiety induced by the testing environment you create


The importance of the exam


The technology available to students, and resources available to instructors


The privacy of your students


Test Anxiety
Increases in anxiety affect student performance on exams.  At lower levels anxiety can increase student performance, but at higher levels it can impact both cognitive and academic performance.  Anxiety can be caused by the actual exam and course content, but if we look at just the components of a test environment there are factors that can increase anxiety, they can include:


Finding and maintaining a quiet, uninterrupted space, with adequate internet bandwidth


Increased technology complexity needed to complete tasks


Being observed 


Students feeling they must limit normal physical behaviors that might be seen as academically dishonest (e.g. looking off screen) when in reality it may be a behavior used for processing information or to reduce stress.






Allow students to take the test at times that they are able to find that best meets their lifestyle and context (e.g. after kids are put to bed or when there are not multiple people using the internet),

Offer students the opportunity to try out proctoring technology to make sure it works on their system and to familiarize them with the software interface, and
Work with students to accommodate their test taking behaviors and not jumping to conclusions about observed behaviors representing academic dishonest.



For more on this read
Kolski, Tammi, and Jennifer Weible. "Examining the relationship between student test anxiety and webcam based exam proctoring." Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration 21.3 (2018).
Exam Stakes
The test itself can generate anxiety, again at low levels increasing student preparedness for an exam, but at higher levels it can be demotivating as well impacting cognitive ability.  As a test has higher stakes (i.e. becomes more important for the student as a gatekeeper to success either in the class or future career) the more likely you will see academic dishonesty.  
Similarly, the more a test is not an authentic task to what is being trained, the more likely you will have academic dishonesty.  For example, MCQ exams rarely match performance expectations in a job (i.e. you rarely take quizzes or MCQ exams to get hired or a raise, although exceptions to this exist).  To improve authenticity of exams, please review the other section of this site: Approach 1: Assessment Options Beyond the Exam: High-impact Assessment Design.



Offer multiple lower stakes exams that are delivered in less stringent environments.  It can reduce the stress and prepare students for larger stakes exams where proctoring might be used.



Technology and Resources Available
Technology available to students is one potential barrier to plans for using video proctors. Even though proctoring is free for faculty to implement, students may lack the needed equipment or environment. In a recent survey asking about students household environment, 


43% said they did not have a quiet, safe space to study


And 7% said they lived in a different time zone than East Lansing.


 
In looking at students’ technology capabilities


14% lacked a reliable internet connection


6% lacked a reliable smartphone


11% lacked a webcam for their computer 


All of these factors could impact a students’ ability to participate effectively in an online proctored exam. Click here to see the full report.


Have an alternative approach for your assessment delivery and 
Use a practice exam and have students test their hardware, this can lower students anxiety of the technology and help you identify students who may need to take advantage of your alternate approach. 


Privacy
There are many reasons for why students may not want to turn on their webcam to participate in classroom discussions.  Some of those reasons may revolve around showing their home environments to others or giving over control of their computer's recording devices and some information to an entity not of their choosing. 
These concerns may impact their ability and willingness to take exams.  Even though the University is providing options for proctoring, you should consider whether or not the benefits outweigh a student's concern for privacy. Of our three methods, D2L quiz settings do not impact privacy, Respondus Monitor only reveals student environments to course staff but collects data on students, and Zoom proctoring does not collect student data but may reveal student environments to both course staff as well as other students.
The recordings that are captured by Respondus and/or Zoom are considered academic records and will need to handled according to FERPA requirements.  Be transparent with students about who will see these recordings and how those records will be handled.  Sample syllabus language and additional points can be found in the Overview of FERPA concerns link below.


Click here to see an overview of FERPA concerns with video recordings at MSU
Click here to see Respondus' data privacy policy


Technology Comparison





Approach


Description


Pros


Cons




D2L Quiz features


Use D2L settings such as limit number of questions per page, randomize questions/answers, use pool of questions, etc.



Can be done asynchronously.
Does not impact privacy.
Lower environment anxiety.




Hard to limit collaboration on exams or referencing outside material





Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor

Used in conjunction with D2L Quizzes the system uses students' webcams and video analytics to record student identities and "flag" potential cheating incidents.


Can be done asynchronously.
Does not reveal student environment to other students.
Automatically records student ID, environment, and flags potential incidents of academic dishonesty.




Higher environment anxiety
Some student data is collected by company.
You need review flagged videos and student ID which may increase time





Zoom Proctoring

Using Zoom on student phones or other devices,  instructors and/or TAs will monitor a group of students.  May be used in conjunction with a students computer.


Can be used with a myriad of software, not just D2L.
Students and faculty are familiar with the software.
No data collected on students.




Higher environment anxiety.
Students have to share their environment with others.
Requires students have both computer and cell phone or other device
Has to be done synchronously.






Weighing these concerns, what proctoring method will you choose?  How can you prepare students to succeed on your assessments?

Dear MSU Faculty and Academic Staff,
Thank you for all you are doing to support our students and our community. On Friday evening, you were sent a letter from Interim Provost Jeitschko highlighting resources to help you in your teaching as we move into the coming week. These resources are available on #iteachmsu’s playlist and include: a recording of Friday’s webinar on Rebuilding Hope: Teaching in the Aftermath; curated written resources; a recording focused on resilience; and information about accessing additional opportunities in the coming week for consultation, discussion, and support for your teaching. 
We send this message today as an expression of support. Included is a succinct reminder of practical steps you may want to integrate into your teaching practice this week.
These suggestions are endorsed by both Dr. Jason Moore and Dr. Alyssa Dunn, who talked with us in Friday’s webinar, and they are aligned with widely recommended practices. Note also that step 5 includes links to MSU CAPS (which provides counseling services for students) and MSU EAP (which provides support services to faculty, staff, and graduate students). We want to be sure you have these resource links readily at hand.
You may want to print off this message for quick reference as we move into the first days of class.
6-step approach to starting class

Consider sending a brief email ahead of your class time indicating how you plan to run class on Monday/this coming week, which may include:

An acknowledgement of the “violent events experienced by our community,” which is the trauma-informed way of addressing the shootings
A review of available resources
Discussion on plans for the class and potential adjustments to the syllabus that you are considering
Emphasis on flexibility and choice (consider modifying assignments, tests, and due dates to support students)
A move to continuing instructional content


At the start of your first class back, begin by thanking students for coming together as a community.

Approach the beginning with grace, humanity, and humility


Acknowledge the tragedy in plain, direct terms, the loss of fellow classmates/Spartans, and that this loss will be with us in this class and on campus.
Acknowledge and validate that there are various reactions to trauma with different trajectories over time for different people.
Provide links to MSU resources, and SAMHSA, APA, NCTSN trauma information (listed below):

MSU CAPS, MSU EAP
These links describe common reactions and healthy habits to do/keep doing, leaning on ways one typically copes in positive ways (e.g., being with friends and loved-ones, social engagement, exercise, regular meals, prayer):

APA: Managing Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting: Managing your distress in the aftermath of a shooting (apa.org)
SAMHSA: Coping with Grief After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: Tips for Survivors: Grief After Disaster or Trauma (samhsa.gov)
NCTSN: College Students: Coping After the Recent Shooting: College Students: Coping After the Recent Shooting | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org)






If you do not have trauma-informed training or do not feel prepared to invite discussion of trauma reactions in the classroom for any number of reasons (e.g., size of the class) …

Invite/ask permission to shift to the educational/discovery content planned for the day:

Now that we are all here in this learning space together, if you are ready, we will shift to the learning content for the day
It might be hard to learn right now because of distraction by stress or other trauma-related symptoms and that’s OK
Students can feel free to take a break if they want to or leave at any time
Demonstrate grace, humanity, humility, and flexibility with class attendance, coursework, etc. in line with university guidance 





If instructors have trauma-informed training or otherwise feel prepared to invite conversation about trauma reactions in the classroom

Consult available resources (https://iteach.msu.edu/pathways/346/playlist).
Consider incorporating aspects of the 6-step approach outlined above.
Send a message to your class ahead of time informing students that part or the whole of the class will be used to discuss trauma reactions.

It is critical to be clear in your message before class that the class discussion of trauma reactions is completely optional and students can opt in if they so choose and can otherwise choose to not to go to class without any justification or notification.
Be clear in your message what you plan to do in the coming class sessions so that students who do not wish to participate in the discussion of their trauma reactions can choose when to return to class.

Some students may have not received your message before class, so be sure to review the purpose of your class session before beginning to allow another chance for students to leave if they do not wish to discuss their trauma reactions and/or hear others’ trauma reactions.

Finally, just as a reminder, Interim Provost Jeitschko reported Friday that students have a Credit/No Credit grade reporting option for all undergraduate courses for the entire semester. Undergraduates will be able to use it to report the grade in any 100- to 400-level course. Students will have until the end of the semester to make that selection. Further details on this process will be made available shortly.
Thank you for your dedication, care, and compassion as you support our students. Your work is central to the well-being of our learners. And please also find ways to care for yourself as you carry on this important work.
With appreciation,
Ann Austin
Interim Associate Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Affairs
Prabu David
Associate Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff Development
Marilyn Amey
Assistant Provost for Faculty and Academic Staff DevelopmentPhoto by Rubén Rodriguez on Unsplash

Guidance for educators for Spring 2024
As we look to the Spring 2024 semester, we are also approaching the one-year mark of the violence of Feb 13, 2023. The university’s commemoration events are being designed to provide opportunities for all members of our community to come together and take the time and space they need for ongoing healing. 
Following is guidance from the Office for Resource and Support Coordination (ORSC) to help educators throughout the Spring 2024 semester.
Educator guidance related to the one-year mark of Feb 13:

As most classes are canceled on Feb. 13, it will be important to commemorate that day prior to the date.
Educators are encouraged to acknowledge the upcoming date and its significance via a one-time statement but avoid constant, regular, or frequent reminders of the impending one-year mark.
Validate and respect that students, as well as everyone in our community, will have various reactions to the anniversary, as each person remains on their own individual journeys.
There is no “typical” reaction, even to the same event, so a wide range of reactions and emotions to the commemoration, from intense grief to indifference, are to be expected.
Bear in mind that not everyone in the class may have been part of the community last year (such as freshman, graduate or transfer students), and thus may not share the experience or memories in the same way.
Making space for learners who do not share the same cultural touchstones can be difficult but acknowledging that not everyone will have the same reaction to the one-year mark can be helpful in making it safe for those who were not present to feel like they are a part of the community now.
Trust and believe your students who express the need for additional time, space, and support during this period.

General educator guidance post-mass violence:

Educators should refrain from references, language, humor, and “off-topic” examples related to mass violence, unless directly relevant to course work.
Educators should avoid open-ended, classroom-wide discussions on the topic and not invite students to share their experiences, thoughts or feelings related to Feb 13 or other mass violence events, unless directly relevant to coursework.
Providing narratives or listening to others’ stories can be quite activating for those who have experienced trauma.
Without the support and direction of mental health professionals, this type of exercise can create additional distress, often unexpectedly.
Educators are encouraged to review course material ahead of time for potentially disturbing images or references to gun violence, except in instances where that is directly warranted by the course subject matter.
If these topics are relevant to course material and assignments, educators are encouraged to provide statements and content descriptors that prepare students and consider options for student engagement where possible.
Remember and acknowledge that cultural differences in response to mass violence exist.
Share resources and information about the anniversary of a traumatic event.

Trauma Reminders: Anniversaries (National Center for PTSD)


Provide links to on-campus MSU supportive offices and safety information:

Counseling & Psychiatric Services
Office for Resource and Support Coordination
MSU DPPS Safety Tips


Provide educational links related to coping with trauma:

APA: Managing Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
SAMHSA: Coping with Grief After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
NCTSN: College Students: Coping After the Recent Shooting


Consult teaching and educator wellness resources for yourself as an educator to build comfort and confidence in supporting your students and your own journey following Feb. 13. 
Do not neglect your own emotional health and wellbeing. All these resources are intended to support you and others within our community, as well.
Lean into your existing processes and experience in classroom management to help resolve matters as they arise.
This situation is unique, but the resolutions do not have to be. Your department, school, college, and university have existing resources, policies, practices, and procedures for handling classroom needs, use them as needed.

As there is limited research on the effects of commemorations of traumatic events, the information provided here is intended to serve as a guide. The research that does exist points to the complicated nature of commemorating mass trauma and acknowledges how different responses to commemorations are influenced by individual and social factors. For those who do experience an increase in negative trauma symptoms, it is completely expected and they typically resolve within two weeks of the anniversary.