Information helpful for CNS students can be found on this page.
Questions about this page or have other ideas you think we should add? Send them to Dr. Drew (cns-studentdean@austin.utexas.edu).
Helpful Links
Most Useful
- University Health Services for vaccines, free testing and more
- Protect Texas Together app for download: Use this daily when coming to on campus
- Protect Texas Together website
- Natural Sciences Council Resource Page
- Graduate School FAQs for Graduate Students
- Keep Learning: Texas One-Stop COVID FAQ
- Online Class Pre-Check Canvas course
Also Useful
Overarching Questions
Are there resources to help me succeed with online courses?
- Yes! TIDES has created a starter guide to learning online
- Texas One Stop has several resources
- Sanger Learning Center has a guide to learning online and is still available for tutoring
Are there any technical preparations I need to do if I am taking all remote courses?
- The University has set up an Online Class Pre-Check Canvas course, open to all students. It is designed to help you make sure you are ready to access your classes online with as few problems as possible. Visit the course at https://utexas.instructure.com/courses/1278503. This course will guide you through checks of your internet connection, computer, and installed software. In addition to Canvas, the course will also introduce you to campus-supported tools Zoom and Panopto, which your instructors may use to help you successfully complete your coursework this semester.
- If you need hardware or wifi access, please see the technology section of this FAQ.
Wellness
There's a lot going on right now and our instinct is to take care of those around us. In order to do that, we have to take care of ourselves first. Below are some action items you can do:
- If you feel panicked: This 10-minute guided meditation may help loosen the grip of fear
- If you’re distracted: This app by scientists & musicians can help you refocus in 15 minutes.
- If you're on info-overload: Turn on "Do Not Disturb" on all your devices between specific hours.
- If you're overwhelmed: Try this simple 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique.
- If you’re fearing the unknown: These 3 free meditations aim to help you weather the storm.
- If you feel isolated: Block time for at least one phone date a day with someone you love.
- If you feel stressed: Try this free 30-minute yoga practice aimed at taming anxiety.
- If you just don't know how you feel: Through simple prompts, this app checks in with you daily to help track and better understand your moods.
Also useful
- The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) remains available for counseling and psychiatric services over the phone, and the CMHC Crisis Line, 512-471-2255, also operates 24/7.
- The College of Natural Sciences has two counselors available especially for our community. They are: Nic Dahlbert and Andrea Ortega.
- Hogg Foundation on Mental Health's Information and Resources
For International Students
If you are a graduate student, in addition to the questions below, please see the Graduate School FAQs for Graduate Students.
I’m having issues with my visa and am being told I must return to my home country. I’m worried I won’t be allowed to return and continue my graduate education.
- If you are experiencing visa issues, please work with Texas Global.
CNS Advising
How do I get in touch with my advisor?
- Your Academic Advisor is still here and eager to talk to you. Contact your Advisor via e-mail.
- If you know their name, you can find them in the UT Directory.
- If you don’t know their name, you can look up who your advisor is here.
- Check the CNS Advising page for more information about how your advisor is doing appointments
Technology
I don’t have a computer and/or high-speed internet and some of my class offerings are online. What resources are there?
- You can best access technology support services available through Student Emergency Services: studentemergency@austin.utexas.edu.
How can I make sure my technology setup is right to get started on online classes?
- Visit this UT Canvas course to make sure that you are ready to participate in your online classes. This course will check the equipment you are using at your current location (your computer and the reliability of your internet connection), as well as the tools and applications you will be using in many of your courses in Canvas.
CNS Courses
How will attendance policies be affected by COVID-19?
- We realize that there are any number of challenges with learning during a pandemic. If you find that an attendance policy is not sufficiently accommodating to your situation, please email Dr. Drew at cns-studentdean@austin.utexas.edu.
My faculty member is not offering in-person office hours. How do I get in touch with my professor?
- Many faculty members offer their office hours on Zoom. You can also contact them through UT Directory or through Canvas. E-mail is best as almost all of them are working remotely.
Financial
I don’t have what I need to succeed in online courses and can’t afford to buy anything. Is there any financial support?
- Contact Student Emergency Services: studentemergency@austin.utexas.edu.
Why didn't UT reduce tuition?
- Tuition dollars support the delivery of our educational mission. We continue teaching and supporting students in a variety of formats, creating choices and options for students that include digital resources, learning platforms and enhanced support for completing coursework remotely. Rates will remain at the levels etablished by the UT Board of Regents for online, hybrid and on-campus courses will have the same tuition rates.
Could we advocate for free academic summaries or transcripts? Normally you can get a free academic summary by going to the Registrar’s office in person, but that’s no longer possible.
- Please reference the Texas One Stop FAQ for up to date information.
Events
Can my student org still hold its planned event?
- Find the latest on events, including COVID-19 safety protocols, at the Protect Texas Together website.
Student Support
Will the Health Professions Office (HPO) provide appointments?
- Yes. Please contact them by e-mail for more information: hpo@austin.utexas.edu.
Will Career Services provide appointments?
- Yes. Career Services is holding virtual appointments via Handshake. Visit their website to learn more.
Will TIDES have online resources for students?
- Yes. TIDES has resources for students interested in experiential learning and a guide specific to remote learning.
Who can I talk to if I’m feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed?
- The Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) remains available for counseling and psychiatric services over the phone, and the CMHC Crisis Line, 512-471-2255, also operates 24/7.
- In addition, the College of Natural Sciences has two counselors available especially for our community. They are: Nic Dahlbert and Andrea Ortega.
How do I get accommodations related to online learning?
- The accommodations already in place through Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) still hold, though if the needs are different with courses having components online please reach out to your instructor.
- If you didn’t need accommodations before but now do because of the move to online courses, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) office.
Research
Are we able to return to our research as students?
- Research has restarted across campus. Learn more from your faculty member and from the Office of the Vice President for Research.
What if I never started research but want to do so to get ready for graduate school?
- Besides checking in with TIDES, here are some things you can do:
- Read the Ten Simple Rules to Make the Most Out of Your Undergraduate Career
- Look at faculty profiles to get an idea of the type of research that might interest you at UT and beyond. Don’t limit yourself to just a few profiles! Look extensively, so that you may get a sense of the range of research areas available.
- Get involved in research opportunities that can be done remotely or in person.
- Read, read, read! Reading research articles on topics that interest you or articles authorized by faculty whose work seems exciting is a good way to strengthen your background. [Advice on how to read and understand a scientific paper.]
- Attend seminar talks in your department or from other departments (via Zoom or in person).
- Seek out and read advice from professional organizations relevant to your field of interest.
- Ask your professors about their thoughts and experiences with graduate school. Professors are an invaluable resource for graduate school advice and are happy to share their career advice with like-minded students interested in graduate work. (This is also a great way to break the ice in office hours).
- Similarly, ask your graduate student TAs about their journey to graduate school. Like professors, they have much to offer regarding career advice.
- If you already have graduate programs in mind you might be interested in attending in the future, don’t hesitate to get in touch with graduate programs and/or professors in the program doing research you are interested in. This allows you to build a network, shows a proactive and serious approach to your career explorations, and often results in your recruitment to a graduate program or lab with which you developed a rapport.
