The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardships and uncertainty for many students around the United States. Most of our partner colleges have transitioned to distance learning for the remainder of the spring and summer 2020 semesters. In New York, the epicenter of the pandemic, our partner colleges are making great strides to ensure students start and continue their education. Our partner colleges are making great strides to ensure students start and continue their education. In part one of this blog series, we will note the different measures implemented by partner colleges in New York to guide and assist students while they are at home.
Queens College
To navigate the academic transitions, students can connect with advisors virtually through FaceTime, Google HangOut, Skype, and Zoom. To make a virtual appointment, students can call the Academic Advising Center at (718) 997-5599, email advising@qc.cuny.edu, or download the QC Navigate app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Queens College is also loaning Chromebooks and iPads through the Spring Semester to provide students with vital technology for distance learning. Students can request these loaner devices through the Office of the Provost, which mails the devices directly to the students’ preferred mailing addresses. Additionally, remote library access is available using live chat with a librarian or the QC ID.
Students seeking socio-emotional support and assistance with academic-related stress may access free services of a licensed mental health professional through the Counseling, Health, & Wellness Center. Students are encouraged to call (718) 997-5420 and leave a message with their contact information. Callbacks take place during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM.
To prevent food insecurity in the lives of its students, Queens College established the Knights Table Pantry in 2018. The Pantry continues to provide enrolled students with access to non-perishable food items for themselves and immediate family members. Students can access the Pantry via appointments only. Students are advised to email KnightsTable@qc.cuny.edu or call 718-997-0393.
Mercy College
In response to the pandemic, Mercy College changed its grading policy. Each student can select the credit earned or the no earned credit option for any individual Spring 2020 course starting Monday, April 20, 2020. The deadline to complete this request is Thursday, May 7, 2020. However, once a student selects the credit earned or the no earned credit option, they are unable to change back to a letter grade. Students struggling with the transition to online learning can also secure tutoring services. The Tutoring Center is offering online tutoring services on a revised schedule and by appointment only through the Mercy Campus EAB platform.
Mercy College’s Student Counseling Center is offering all appointments through the virtual platform, Doxy.me. To schedule an appointment, students must email CounselingCenter@mercy.edu. Students facing technical issues with their Blackboard platform, emails, or computers can connect with Mercy’s IT Helpdesk. The Helpdesk is available 24/7 at helpdesk@mercy.edu or (914) 674-7526.
Mercy College is committed to keeping its students informed and safe. It has developed the resource pages below to aid in this task:
Hunger Relief & Social Services: https://www.mercy.edu/student-affairs/mav-market/resources
Emotional Wellbeing: https://www.mercy.edu/student-affairs/counseling-services
Career & Professional Development: https://www.mercy.edu/about-mercy/coronavirus-information/career-and-professional-development-resources
Online Support: https://www.mercy.edu/about-mercy/online-student-resources
Binghamton University
To navigate the academic transitions, students have the option of connecting virtually to academic advisors via email, phone, and Zoom. The Student Services webpage includes information on how to contact and set up appointments with each of Binghamton University’s schools. A Pass/Fail policy was also implemented for the Spring 2020 semester, which applies to most undergraduate students, except for those in academic programs with licensure or accreditation regulations.
Binghamton University created a website with information for students on how to use technology successfully, communicate in an online environment and remain motivated when taking classes online. Students lacking devices necessary for online learning can submit a request for a laptop, Wi-Fi HotSpot, or other electronic equipment through the University’s Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT).
Students with food insecurity can still access the campus Food Pantry via an online ordering process. The online ordering form asks for a student’s first name, Binghamton University’s ID number, and a choice of day/time for pickup. The Pantry’s staff bag the items and have them ready at the requested pickup time. The form is available each week at 3 PM Friday for the following week’s orders.
Binghamton University remains committed to keeping its students physically and mentally healthy. It has set up the resource pages below to aid in this task:
Academic Continuity website
BFirst
B-Healthy
The CARE Team
Health Promotion and Prevention Services
Meditation labyrinth
Services for Students with Disabilities
Stay tuned for more details on what our partner colleges in the Midwest are doing to support current and prospective scholars!
