March 25, 2020
Dear students,
We hope that the transition to distance learning is going well so far, for each and every one of you. Our faculty and staff are going above and beyond to try to make this transition as smooth as possible. But if you are having some challenges, please let us help!
Don’t have Internet service at home? We’ve pulled together some more information here about your rights and finding cost-effective options in your area.
You have lots of resources…
- Computing & Technology Services (CTS) Helpdesk: Just email your detailed concerns to helpdesk@potsdam.edu from your SUNY Potsdam email account. Please include your phone number so we can call you back, should we need to.
- Open SUNY Helpdesk: Submit a support request online or call 1-844-OPENSUNY.
- Drop-In Student Support: Join a live, drop-in session using Blackboard Collaborate to get real-time answers to any questions you have about online/remote courses. Just click the link or dial in at 1-571-392-7650 PIN: 258 129 3907
- Online resources: We’ve compiled info on common questions, like how to install Office 365, Adobe Reader, upload documents in Moodle and reset your password.
- Something else: Don’t have access to the technology you need? Let your faculty members know what your issues are, and they can direct your concerns to the correct offices.
Need tips for learning remotely?
We’ve put together resources to help you make the transition to remote learning, along with the top tips to have a successful end to your semester. Check back often, updates are made on a regular basis.
We pulled together answers on the top topics we are asked about, related to the Registrar, Financial Aid and Student Accounts, like:
- Credits and refunds: For residential students who have left campus, there will be a credit issued for the unused portion of on-campus room and board, as well as certain fees connected with on-campus living. Watch for a message with more information about how this will work for our campus on Thursday.
- S/Us and course withdrawals: The deadlines are next Friday, April 3. However, we realize that there might be extenuating circumstances this semester and we are considering exceptions to the deadline on a case-by-case basis. Please be sure to first discuss your requests with your advisor.
- Need more help? Just ask.
Wondering about advising and registration?
Please note that the schedule has been adjusted due to the extended Spring Break. More information on your top questions is up online.
- If you already receive tutoring through the Student Success Center, EOP, CSTEP or TRiO, keep an eye out for an invite for a tutoring group meeting invite in Microsoft Teams.
- Find out how to request group tutoring here.
- Get online tutoring through the STAR-NY service here.
- The Writers’ Block is offering free online tutoring, too!
The College Libraries has 24/7 chat help, plus online content, new e-resources and more.
What about… ?
Need to talk to someone?
Even if you are off-campus, you can set up virtual or teleappointments with Student Health Services or the College Counseling Center. Just call during business hours. Both centers have detailed info and resources available online for students as well:
- College Counseling Center: (315) 267-2330
- Student Health Services: (315) 267-2377
We are here for you. This is not how any of us wanted to end the semester. But we will get through this, together. Thank you for taking the important social distancing and public health steps needed to slow the spread of COVID-19, and protect our campus and our communities.