Academics

Your health and safety should be your top priority. Take a moment to check in with your physical health – take proper precautions washing your hands and cleaning your devices, and seek care if you are ill. Don't forget to consider your emotional well-being. We know that transitioning to a new learning environment is a big adjustment. Make sure you have the technology you need to access your courses and a stable internet connection. Know where to go if you need help, and communicate any needs or limitations to your instructor.

Organize your schedule. Dedicate time for each of your classes, and be prepared to attend live lecture sessions via Zoom if required. Check your syllabus, email and announcements in Blackboard for details from your instructors on upcoming assignments, testing changes and other course expectations. Expect ongoing changes, and be patient with your instructors – and with yourself – as we all adjust to a new learning environment.

Your librarians are an excellent resource. Ask a Librarian page.

Hours of access

Please check the library homepage to be sure before making the trip.

Phone and Text

The main number is 716.839.8243.  Individual librarians can be reached even if they are working from home. Use the Ask a Librarian page above or the directory.  Leave a message if no one picks up immediately. You can text the numbers for the library and librarians as well.

Email

Email communication is very effective.  Again you can email individual librarians or use the general email: library@daemen.edu. 

If you have questions or concerns about the library please contact the Library Director, Melissa Peterson by email or call 716.839.8477.

Blackboard (learning.daemen.edu) is our web-based course management software system used to support teaching and learning. It is designed to help faculty integrate resources into their courses and allow students access to the content as needed in support of the learning.

Zoom - A free video, audio and chat collaboration tool used. It allows for video, audio, and screen sharing between participants. It can be used from any computer, laptop, tablet, or phone, and it works on PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Microsoft Suite - All Daemen College students are eligible to download Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) at no cost. 

AntiVirus - All Daemen College students also have access to a list of recommended free anti-virus software as part of our computer security recommendations. 

Google Apps for Education and Google Hangouts is also available.

How Do I? is a source for all technical resources. 

• Blackboard mobile app
• Google Apps for Education
• Zoom

Here are tips to help you be successful while learning remotely:

Communicate Often

• Reach out to your instructors to find out how and when your classes will be held. 
• Check Blackboard for updates. Instructors are encouraged to use Blackboard to keep you informed. Your instructors will contact you with information regarding any scheduled tests and exams.
• Contact the IT Help Desk if you have questions about tech tools.
• If offered, participate in virtual office hours over Zoom.

Stay Organized

• Take the time to put together the schedule and expectations for each of your classes. Check your course for updates to your syllabus.
• Prioritize your work. What due dates are coming up first? Make a smart decision about how to best spend your time.

Take care of yourself

• Stay healthy by getting adequate rest, nutrition and exercise. Schedule time to take care of yourself.
• Keep a growth mindset as you adapt to new circumstances. Your success has as much to do with your effort as it has to do with your ability.
• Monitor your self-talk and stay positive.

Manage your environment

• Schedule specific times in your day to study or participate in your online class. Check with your instructor if you should be calling into live Zoom lectures.
• Consider using the "Do Not Disturb" function on your devices or a lockdown browser on your computer when you are trying to manage distraction.
• Find a space that is comfortable and allows you to focus. This can be your home base for coursework.

Stay engaged

• Communicate regularly with your instructors for updates.
• Don’t forget to call, text, and message friends, family and classmates.
• Take your student organizations to Zoom or hold a group chat to stay in touch.

Ask for help

• If you need learning accommodations, you can request help fromStudent Success Center 
• Contact your instructor for resources specific to your courses.

The Student Success Center (SSC) Offices will remain available remotely during regular office hours M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m..  Students will still be able to contact offices through phone and email utilizing the campus directory.

https://www.daemen.edu/student-life/student-services/student-success-center

ADVISEMENT:

Student advisement will be provided virtually using Self Service, email, phone calls, or video meetings (using Zoom or Google Hangout).  Students are encouraged to start preparing for this process early on. All special permission forms can be handled through email and sent to the Registrar’s Office at registrar@daemen.edu. 

As our policy is currently stated, student questions or concerns are encouraged to first discuss the matter with the course instructor. If the student's concerns remain unresolved following discussion with the instructor, the student may appeal in writing to the chair of the department (If the department chair is the course instructor, the divisional dean shall help find a resolution to the issue).

For assistance with Self Service, Registration, or Advisement questions please feel free to email studentplanning@daemen.edu

LEARNING CENTER: Online Professional Writing Coaching will be available for students. Please contact the Learning Center Writing Specialist, Jillian Ziemianski for assistance getting services arranged. The Learning Center’s academic support services will be provided remotely for the remainder of the semester.This means academic coaching one-on-one or in groups, GGS (guided group study) sessions, and PLTL (peer led team learning) sessions will be held online via Google Hangouts Meet. Please see the Learning Center homepage for more detailed information about how to access these sessions.

https://www.daemen.edu/student-life/student-services/student-success-center/learning-center/find-coach

DISABILITY SERVICES: Students with Disabilities are encouraged to consult with faculty regarding their specific accommodations (extended time on exams, etc). Please consult with Director of Disability Services, Therese Bass, at tbass@daemen.edu or 716-839-8583 for questions and guidance.

While counseling services in the CHIP Center will continue to be open remotely Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. as always, we now are using ability to conduct tele-counseling for those students who need it.  The CHIP Center will send out a communication to those who are already scheduled first followed by an open call to others to sign up.