COVID-19 Student FAQ

There are a myriad of FAQs around the University and we wanted to provide some CNS-specific answers.

Information helpful for undergraduates and for graduate students can be found on this page.

Questions about this page or have other ideas you think we should add? Send them to Dr. Vanden Bout (cns-studentdean@austin.utexas.edu).

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?

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.

I miss my friends and classmates. How can I connect with them?

Social distancing is really more about physically distancing, not disconnecting. UT has several ways to stay in contact with your friends and peers.
- Zoom – UT now has a campus-wide license with Zoom to allow groups to meet, have virtual lunches, for scholarly work ,and for fun.
- Canvas – this tried and true method allows for discussions within courses, group work, and messaging.
- While only Zoom and Canvas are supported by UT, we can’t resist sharing some other good ideas we have seen:
  - Host watch parties through apps like Kast.
  - Draw pictures with your friends through various apps like io or Draw with Friends
  - Get your nerd on and play Words with Friends
- Check out Natural Sciences Council Resource Page for more ideas

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

What if I experience any sort of harassment tied to the Covid-19 pandemic?

We are steadfastly committed to enriching and transformative educational and research experiences for every member of our community. Any incivility directed towards one of our students based on race/ethnicity/gender/sexuality/religious affiliation or any other group identification is unacceptable. Please report any such incidents here.

For Graduate Students

In addition to the questions below, please see the Graduate School FAQs for Graduate Students.

As a graduate student receiving a stipend, will I continue to be paid on time and in full?

Based on the vital role our graduate students play in our research mission, it is the college’s strong desire to see there is no disruption in stipends and feel confident that there will be no disruption in stipends during this unusual fall semester. We will work with Human Resources, as well as college and university leadership, to ensure consistency through the summer should the current situation extend that far into the future.

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. Given that staff are primarily working remotely, please 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 to do my online classes. What resources are there?

You can best access technology support services available through Student Emergency Services: studentemergency@austin.utexas.edu.
If you do not have a smart phone or any internet connection to conduct the survey online, please call (512) 232-9020 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you shortly.

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 moving to online?

We realize that there are any number of challenges in moving to online courses, especially when you’re not in your established space of a residence hall or apartment. If you find that an attendance policy is not sufficiently accommodating to your situation, please e-mail Dr. Vanden Bout at cns-studentdean@austin.utexas.edu.

What will an online lab course look like?

This will vary from department to department, course to course. The goal is to continue your education in that particular content area through non-in-person means. If you have specific questions, please reach out to your individual instructor as they’re the ones who will know the most.

How do I contact my professor?

You can access 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.
CNS and SES are working together so either survey should connect you with resources

Why didn't UT reduce tuition for the fall?

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

Will we have Commencement this year?

At this time, the University hopes to celebrate commencement in May 2021.

Can my student org still meet?

Virtually, yes, please do. If your student organization is meeting in person, it will need to follow university guidelines on events. Students are reminded that you are residents of the City of Austin and expected to follow the city’s Stay Home Save Lives Order and the Governor’s Orders. Events like parties (whether on or off campus) put the health and safety of our community at risk and raise anxiety levels. No parties on or off campus are allowed. We will encourage compliance by increasing awareness and fostering a spirit of cooperation. For students who put the community at risk with their behavior, corrective, disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the university’s Institutional Rules

Student Support

Will the Health Professions Office (HPO) provide online appointments?

Yes. Please contact them by e-mail for more information: hpo@austin.utexas.edu.

Will Career Services provide online 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 on preparing for remote learning.

What are some free resources for students?

Natural Sciences Council Resource Page has a slew of free resources
The University CoOp is offering free digital textbooks. Students may begin accessing these materials at vitalsource.com. [Students will need to create an account using their “.edu” email. Personal emails will not work for this program.]
Spectrum Internet is offering up to two months of free service
iClicker is waiving access fees

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 for online learning?

The accommodations already in place through Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) still hold, though if the needs are different now that courses are moving 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.

Student Employment

I’m a work study student. Will my position continue?

Yes, you will continue to be paid whether you can work remotely or not as a work study student.
The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid has more information about Work Study in this FAQ.

I’m a student employee. Will my position continue?

CNS is committed to continuing all possible student employment. If you find that your position isn’t able to continue, even after speaking to your supervisor, but you would like to work, please contact Dr. Vanden Bout (cns-studentdean@austin.utexas.edu).

Research

Are we able to return to our research as students?

Graduate students who have pre-approval to be in labs are able to conduct research on campus, but at this time, undergraduates are not permitted in labs to do research. Nonetheless, a number of virtual research and experiential learning opportunities will be available for CNS students this fall. Check back for details from TIDES soon.

How will I be able to get ready for graduate school without doing research in a lab this semester?

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.
- Read, read, read! Reading research articles on topics that interest your 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).
- 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.

Updates

CNS COVID-19 Student FAQ