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Continue learning
(For Students)

Remote learning resources

As you engage in remote learning find your space, gather tools, and stay connected.

Find your space. Try to carve out a place to study. As best you can look for one that is relatively free of distractions and has a background you don’t mind appearing during a videoconference.

Gather tools. Have your computer, cell phone, or other devices on hand along with your books and other course materials. These pages have advice for connecting to the internet, finding electronic books, and other ideas for how to make sure you have what you need for learning. There is also a link in these pages for the Thomas More library—one of your best resources for learning.

Stay connected. Go to canvas or your professor’s e-mails and review your course assignments. E-mail your professors and engage with chat features and discussion boards if your course uses them. Reach out to your friends and classmates for support. These pages also have ways to connect for tutoring, the math center, the writing center, and technical support.

For our lifetime, these are unprecedented events. We are in this together and we will get through this together. You are all Saints.

During this time of transition to remote learning, if you need help, resources, or have challenges or successes to share, please CLICK HERE to let us know.

The tools that will help you learn online:

Canvas Mobile App
How to install the Canvas mobile student app on your phone.

Android Install

Microsoft Office Products Download
Free access for students and employees

The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) works to enable equal access to learning. The OSA staff will be available Monday – Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. All appointments will be conducted via email, phone, or video call (Zoom). You may request an appointment by clicking here.

The OSA will not be proctoring exams until further notice. If you need a reader for an exam, please contact Rachel Marcum at marcumr@thomasmore.edu.

Students may request to receive accommodations during this time. Please refer to the OSA webpage for information on requesting accommodations.

If you have concerns about how your disability will intersect with the transition to remote learning or if you encounter any unanticipated barriers, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Office of Student Accessibility

The Online/Virtual HelpDesk will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for technical support requests via helpdesk tickets and voicemail.

IT services has a very limited number of Laptops available for checkout on a first-come-first-served basis with priority given to faculty and students. All checkouts require prior approval of the CFO (which IT Services will obtain for you). Make laptop checkout requests via the IT Services Helpdesk (http://helpdesk.thomasmore.edu).

If you need specific software to complete your course, contact the IT Services Helpdesk (http://helpdesk.thomasmore.edu).

TMU Training and How-To Site: https://itwin.thomasmore.edu/Training/

Outside Resources

Please note. Thomas More does not promote or endorse any specific vendor.

If Thomas More does not have any laptops available or if you prefer other resources, it may possible to rent a laptop from rent to own firms like Rent-A-Center (https://www.rentacenter.com/) or Aaron’s (https://www.aarons.com/electronics/laptops-tablets/).

-WiFi-

Spectrum offers internet for students: https://www.spectrum.net/support/internet/coronavirus-internet-offer-students/

Comcast offers free internet, hotspots, and unlimited data: https://corporate.comcast.com/covid-19

Contact your cell or cable company as they may have offers for students

T-Mobile: https://www.t-mobile.com/news/t-mobile-update-on-covid-19-response

Verizon: https://www.verizon.com/about/news/our-response-coronavirus

Sprint: https://newsroom.sprint.com/covid-19-updates-sprint-responds.htm

At&T: https://about.att.com/pages/COVID-19.html

Turn phone into a wifi hotspot. Use with caution as this could eat into your minutes if you have a limited data plan. For instructions for apple and android see this link, https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-turn-your-phone-into-a-wi-fi-hotspot

•Treat your online classes the same way you’d treat going to class in person: have your materials on hand; sit at a desk, at least at first (maybe this will be a good opportunity for those who need to move around to be able to do so without disrupting the class!), take notes, and imagine yourself in the actual lecture class.

•Choose a location for you and your computer away from distractions. Make sure you have everything you need within easy reach – textbooks, notes, etc.

•Plan for connecting to the internet and working remotely. Will you be videoconferencing with your professors and classmates? Keep in mind your background and other people who may be sharing your space. Make sure your audio and video are working ahead of time.

•Remember that others can see you if you’re in a situation involving video-conferencing. Dress appropriately any time you are on camera.

•Plan to be “computer-ready” 10 minutes before class begins–you don’t want to miss out on any information due to slow computer start-up.

•Set a schedule for yourself. Staying organized and balanced is essential. A good idea is to complete online assignments during the time you would normally be in the classroom. Be sure to schedule in time for breaks, meals, exercise, etc.

•Use this as an opportunity for a fresh start, really paying attention during online classes, and then following through with reviewing and studying.

•Actively participate! Use Canvas tools and discussion boards to chat, conference, and collaborate with your professors and classmates. Check Canvas for updates every day.

•Ask for help when you need it! Remember that you still have access to your advisor, professors, classmates, academic coaches, peer tutoring, writing center, math center, and Smarthinking if you need assistance or resources. You have a large network of people at your fingertips – stay connected!

•Get in the habit of checking your Thomas More email several times a day, and respond to your emails in a timely manner. Remember, your professors and the University will use your Thomas More email to communicate with you!

•Be patient with your professors. Many of them are learning how to teach online, just as you are learning how to learn online.

•Be patient with yourself. We are all in this together, so reach out to others when you need help.

•Take care of yourself. This is a stressful time and changes are happening rapidly. Find ways to relax – read a book, watch a funny video, meditate, talk to your friends and family. Stay hydrated and do your best to eat healthfully. Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

TUTORING TOOLS

Institute for Academic Excellence Online Resources for Academic Support

WCOnline Registration and Scheduling Instructions for Students

Thomas More tutoring has moved online.

To sign-up for tutoring click here. You will find schedules for peer tutoring (most core courses and many other courses), writing center, and math tutoring.

STUDENT SUPPORT

Counseling Services and Wellness Programs

Frequently Asked Questions regarding COVID-19

COURSE MATERIALS

Instructions for Student’s Virtual Bookstore

Thomas More Bookstore FAQ

LIBRARY

Virtual Library Access