Is SSD still open and operating?
- SSD is operating Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. All appointments and services will be conducted by email, phone, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom until further notice. SSD will not be able to proctor tests while virtual instruction is in place at the College. Our staff is available remotely during our regular business hours.
How do I submit my application or documentation?
- Please email all forms to SSD (SSD@colum.edu). We are not accepting applications or documentation via Fax until further notice.
If I need to talk to someone in the office, who should I contact?
- Send us an email (SSD@colum.edu). Once received, a staff member will review it and contact you directly.
- Call our office at 312-369-8296 and leave a detailed message. A staff member will contact you as soon as possible.
With the switch to all-virtual instruction, I anticipate barriers and would like to request new accommodations. What are my next steps?
- If you are not currently registered with SSD, please email us at SSD@colum.edu and we will get you started.
- If you are a SSD registered student, please contact us by sending an email to SSD@colum.edu or calling 312 369-8296. One of our staff members will get back to you quickly.
I am struggling with taking care of my mental health right now. What should I do?
- It is very common for college students to struggle with their mental health, and symptoms may increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first thing you should know is that you are not alone! The Counseling Services office and Student Relations office are available for all Columbia College students to use. Whether you’re looking for someone to talk to or you’re looking for some new coping strategies to try, they’ve got you covered! Click the links below to be taken directly to their websites. https://students.colum.edu/counseling-services/index or https://students.colum.edu/health-center/Student_Relations
I am having trouble connecting with the College right now. What can I do?
- The College has loads of resources. Here is a link to get you started: https://students.colum.edu/information-technology/remote-learning-support. As always, SSD is available to help you.
I do not have the textbook for my class. I used to use the Library copy to do my coursework. What should I do?
- Check with the Library at https://library.colum.edu/. They may now have a digital copy of what you need.
- Digital books are available on RedShelf and VitalSource. All Columbia College students will be able to access 7 digital books for free until May 25. To access these services, please see the instructions in Resources
NEW WITHDRAW DEADLINE, NEW PASS/FAIL DEADLINE:
New Withdraw deadline, New Pass/Fail deadline? I am so confused; what should I do?
- Due to the COVID-19 situation, the College has implemented a few changes for students who want to withdraw from a class or take it as Pass/Fail. If, after reading the information below, you are still unsure what to do, please contact us or your academic advisor
- Not sure who your academic advisor is? Look here: https://students.colum.edu/academic-services/advising/staff .
How to withdraw from a class:
- The new deadline to withdraw from a class is Friday, April 17th.
- If you received an at-risk progress report, please be sure to contact your instructor to discuss your current academic status, especially in light of the new online format. You can always contact SSD to help you with your communication or decision-making process.
- If you decide to withdraw from any class, you should talk to Columbia Central about any scholarship or other financial aid issues and your academic advisor. Course withdrawals will appear on your record as W (withdrawal), you remain financially responsible for the course, and it will impact your Student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- If, after communicating with your instructor, you think that you will be able to earn a “D” or better in the class, then you may want to consider taking it Pass/Fail described below.
How to take a Pass/Fail for a class:
- The deadline to declare a Spring 2020 course Pass/Fail is Friday, May 1st.
- You will receive credit for passing a class if your grade is a "D" or higher. A “pass” grade will be honored as meeting major/minor requirements and will fulfill prerequisites for courses moving forward.
- If you decide that you want to use the “Pass/Fail” option, you get to choose what classes you take “Pass/Fail.” Your other courses will count as regular grades. For example: If you are taking 4 classes and choose to do 2 as “Pass/Fail,” you will receive 2 Pass/Fail grades and 2 regular grades.
How to sign up to take a class Pass/Fail:
- Click on the link: https://www.colum.edu/columbia-central/where-to-start/resource-center
- Scroll down to “Pass/Fail Declaration Form.”
- For questions on how to complete the form, please contact your academic advisor.
TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS:
What happens now that tests are online? How do I get extended time for an online quiz or test?
- If you are a student with an “Extended Time on Test and Quizzes” accommodation, here are the 2 quick and easy steps you need to take to utilize your accommodation...
- Step 1- Complete Part 1 of the Test Scheduling Request for Online Classes form. The form can be found on this website.
- Step 2- Email the form (with Part 1 completed) to your instructor AT LEAST 48 HOURS before any test/quiz. Copy SSD on your email at SSD@colum.edu
- If you do not hear back from your instructor, please email them again BEFORE you start the test/quiz and copy SSD on your email.
I have a reduced distraction testing location accommodation. How do I use this accommodation now?
- The College and SSD office are not open to provide this accommodation. We suggest (if possible) locating a quiet place in your home to take the test. Wear noise reduction headphones.
I am struggling with online tests, and I don’t know what to do.
- We have some AWESOME online testing tips just for you! Find them in Resources section below!
NOTE TAKER ACCOMMODATIONS:
I currently have a volunteer note-taker in my class. Now that the class is online, will I still receive a copy of the notes?
- It depends on how your instructor adapts the class for online instruction.
- 1- You may find that you no longer need a note taker due to course design changes. For example, lectures that are prerecorded videos can be watched by you at your own pace. Or, if there are no live lectures or class discussions online, then there may not be any notes for the note taker to take.
- 2- Some instructors may still opt for scheduled class meetings with real time communication, or synchronous meetings. In those cases, you should expect to continue receiving notes.
- Please let us know if you are not getting notes in those classes. If you no longer need a note taker for a specific class, please let us know.
- If you need additional help, please contact us at ssd@colum.edu.
I am a volunteer note taker in a class. How does this work for the new online classes?
- It depends:
- 1- If your class has been revised and the new format does not include any live synchronous instruction or discussions, then you may not be responsible for notes.
- 2- If your instructor is holding any class sessions in real time virtually, then you are responsible to provide notes. Provide the notes in the same manner you were doing so. However, if you used to make copies of your notes at the SSD office, you can scan them, or take a photo of them making sure that they are legible, and then email them to SSD@colum.edu.
- Please contact SSD to let us know if there will not be any real time class sessions or if you have any questions.
You will get paid if you provided notes up to the point when the class format changed and no further notes are required. SSD will contact you regarding the payment process.
FAQs FOR FACULTY DURING COVID-19
TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS:
How will extended time on tests and quizzes accommodations work? Will SSD proctor online exams?
- SSD will not be proctoring exams while classes are online only. If you opt for alternative assessments such as essays or untimed exams, then students may not need any testing accommodations. Generally, extended time on exams as an accommodation applies to traditional, time-limited assessments.
- If you choose to post time-limited assessments, here are the new testing accommodation procedures:
- 1- The student fills out Part 1 of the new Test Scheduling Request for Online Classes form (found on this website) and emails it to you.
- 2- You fill out Part 2 and email it to the student and SSD. This is really important! Our students need to know before they start an assessment that their allotted time has been changed and how much time they will have to complete it.
- 3- You will set up the applicable amount of extended time for the specific student in Canvas and the student will take the test like all other students.
NOTE TAKER ACCOMMODATIONS:
How will note takers work in the online format?
- It depends on how you have adapted your class instruction for online learning. If you hold any class sessions in real time virtually, then the note taker will be responsible to provide notes.
- If your class does not have any synchronous meetings virtually, then the note taker may not be responsible for notes.
- All note takers will be paid for their services after the semester. SSD will contact each note taker regarding the process.
- Suggestions:
- With asynchronous learning, please consider posting notes online to help students who previously used note takers and for your other students who may now be challenged with online learning.
- Post instruction in small chunks. For example, instead of a 3-hour recorded lecture, divide it up into more manageable sections.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
- Some students will need new accommodations due to the online format. Some students who never needed accommodations will now need help.
- There may be new accessibility issues for the students. For example, some students may now rely upon a screen reader to assist them in viewing the materials posted and may have difficulty with accessibility depending upon how the material has been formatted.
- Providing weekly reminders and check ins regarding upcoming work and assignments will be critical for students. You may not have done this for college students in the past. However, students are likely to be overwhelmed with the volume of work they are now juggling, complicated by the multiple distractions and family issues that may impact their study habits.
- Break down large assignments into smaller chunks and create deadlines with some flexibility. You will be better able to assess those students who are struggling.
- Submit a Student Success (EASE) alert for any student who is not logging in, not communicating or otherwise impacted by the new online format as soon as possible. If they are an SSD student, feel free to mention it in the alert.
We are here to support faculty. Please email SSD or any of the staff members separately with any questions or concerns.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES DURING COVID-19
Update Log:
4.21.20:
- Added Tips for Online Testing
- Added complete weblinks for RedShelf and Virtual Source
Check out the many resources at Columbia to help you: https://students.colum.edu/information-technology/remote-learning-support
Some Apps to Check Out:
- Focus Keeper – Time Management
- Free app that helps with time management.
- Has a 4.8/5 rating with almost 10K downloads
- Inspiration Maps
- Free app for visual learners that helps with notetaking and organizing thoughts
- Kurzweil 3000, Google Chrome Read the Web Extension
- Free to download and use (until mid-June)
- Offers a choice of multiple voices, speed of reading, dictionary and an excellent translation tool.
- Accessibyte
- Free trial app
- Built to support students who are blind, visually impaired, deaf and have difficulties with reading and engaging in interactive learning
- Accessible on Google Chrome, IPad, Mac, Windows or Android Devices
- Pacifica – Stress & Anxiety
- Free to download, Premium version available in app purchase
- Designed to provide users with tools to manage stress, anxiety and depression
- Grammarly
- Free to download
- Provides writing suggestions that include: correct grammar, spelling, and punctuations.
- Provides instant feedback to help improve your writing.
Other Resources:
Access to free electronic books:
- VitalSource Instructions:
- Go to vitalsource.com and create an account if you don't already have one. Make sure to use your official Columbia email address (_____@colum.edu).
- Login and click on "My Bookshelf" in the top right corner.
- Then click on Explore in the top left corner.
- Search for the book you need and add it to your Bookshelf and start reading.
- RedShelf Instructions:
- Go to redshelf.com and create an account if you don't already have one. Make sure to use your colum.edu email address.
- Login and go to redshelf.com/redshelfresponds
- Scroll down a little and click on the button, "Access Free eBooks"
- Search for the book you need and 'view details' and then 'Add to My Shelf
Internet Hot Spots:
- Check with your local library. Chicago Public Library is loaning WIFI hot spots to Chicago residents with a library card. Here is the link: https://www.chipublib.org/news/borrow-a-wifi-hotspot-from-chicago-public-library/ Your local library may offer something similar.
- Comcast is offering free WIFI. Here is the link to find a hotspot near you. https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/open-xfinity-wifi-hotspots
- Free WIFI hot spots around Chicagoland:
https://www.wiman.me/united-states/free-wifi-chicago
TIPS FOR ONLINE TESTING
- 8 Great Tips
- If you are writing in a Word document, make sure you hit the “SAVE” button after answering each question. This is very important because if you answer several questions and your computer freezes, you may lose all the answers you just typed, etc. Hitting save frequently will save frustration and time.
- Some students find it very helpful to read questions out loud to ensure understanding. This will minimize misunderstanding about what the question is asking.
- If you have an accommodation for extra time, be sure to contact your instructor ahead of time to ensure that the testing time is set accurately for you (i.e., time and a half). Please use the Test Scheduling Request for Online Classes form and see the new, easy testing accommodation procedures in the FAQs for Students During COVID –19 above.
- Plan ahead and find a quiet place with no distractions to test, so you can fully concentrate on the questions and not be interrupted. To further reduce distraction, wear noise-canceling headphones.
- Get a good night’s sleep before testing. By the way, testing late at night is not an optimal time unless you have time to rest beforehand.
- Hydration is important for your body and brain to work well. Have a water bottle close by and take sips as needed.
- Make sure you are eating properly. Your brain will not function adequately if your blood sugar is low (from not eating).
- If possible, take small breaks to stand and stretch and move around. This helps the blood to flow (especially if you are zoning out a bit).
- Breathing Exercise - If you are having testing anxiety, try this breathing exercise:
- Breathe in for a count of 4.
- Hold the breath for a count of 4.
- Breathe out (release) for a count of 4.
- Repeat this several times. You should feel your body responding positively.
- Along with breathing, you can try progressive muscle relaxation while you are taking the test. Tighten and release one muscle at a time, or use a squeeze ball.