- Frequently check your CMU email and D2L for updates.
- Communicate with instructors about participation/assessments/due dates if off-campus access to tech/internet is not adequate.
- If needed, communicate with Educational Access Services (EAS) regarding accommodations needed for online aspects of courses.
- As needed, check out campus resources available online, such as the Library databases and Tutorial Learning Center and Writing Center.
- The primary point of communication should always start with your instructor.
- Instructors will continue to hold office hours virtually. Check your D2L class shell for times and methods.
- Register for a D2L Refresher course if needed.
- Check out IT's Get Started: Students and review recommended minimum technology for online courses.
- Check out Distance Ed’s CMU Brightspace Resources and PDF and video guides for D2L and other tools.
- Update both Firefox and Chrome internet browsers to the latest version. Safari is not supported.
- Ensure access to MAVzone, including Outlook email, D2L, Microsoft 365 (OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.) on and off-campus.
- Install Microsoft Office suite from Office 365.
- Login to MAVzone.
- Select Applications in the Navigation Bar.
- From the applications list, launch Office 365.
- Next, click on Install Office to access the respective installation page for your device and follow the prompts.
- Run System Check in D2L on computer/device on and off-campus.
- If planning to use video on or off-campus, test webcam, mic, and speakers. We recommend using a headset for sound quality in web conferencing applications, such as Zoom and MS Teams.
- If using a mobile device, you may download these mobile apps:
- Microsoft Office 365
- Pulse (D2L)
- Panopto
- Voice Thread
- Zoom
- Complete coursework online in D2L or as directed by your instructor.
- Submit support requests via Help Desk tickets as needed or contact Distance Education.
- Check out Get Started: Students: Technology Resources for information about Open Computer Labs, Academic Computer Labs, Computer Lab Usage Guidelines, and Computer Lab Software.
Information Technology & Communications maintains and supports various open and academic labs on Campus. Each lab is equipped with computers and high-speed laser printers. Microsoft Office 2016 is installed on all computers.
Open Computer Labs Description/Principle Use Hours
Residence Halls, for use by residence hall residents 24 x 7, when halls are open. Tomlinson Library, 1st, 2nd, 3rd floors, for use by all students, same hours as the Library. Also, a portion of the 1st floor of the library, known as the 24-hour Study Room, is available for use 24 x 7, with MAVcard access after-hours.
- Tomlinson Library 1st floor Tech Map
- Tomlinson Library 2nd floor Tech Map
- Tomlinson Library 3rd floor Tech Map
Western Colorado Community College, B107, for use by all students, when WCCC is open.
Montrose 103, for use by all students, when Montrose campus is open.
Academic Computer Labs
- Confluence Hall 218 Engineering 24-Hour Open Lab
- Montrose 207 Various
- WCCC B197 Various
Please be aware that you will need to have a MAVcard to enter academic buildings.
Educational Access Services (EAS)
In coordination with Educational Access Services, reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified students with disabilities.
Integrated Resources for Information & Solutions (IRIS)
IRIS is your first stop for help with Advising & Registration, Financial Aid & Billing, MAVzone, holds, and Account Information.
Tomlinson Library
CMU’s librarians love helping students find the right books and articles for any purpose, and will help you understand assignments and cite the articles and images that you use in your papers.
Tutorial Learning Center (TLC) & the Writing Center
The TLC is a free academic service for all Colorado Mesa University students. The Writing Center serves students across all disciplines and various stages of the writing process. We provide support for students to assimilate into the writing conventions of the university and their specific academic disciplines.
After Spring Break, the tutors will be able to tutor online via D2L. Please use the following directions to use and access tutoring.
- Free to use and accessible from your computer
- From D2L, go to the Self-Registration tab and sign up to join the TLC and Writing Center shell
- Watch this video for help on Self-Registering for courses within D2L.
Keep track of due dates
- D2L
- Calendar
- Set up Notifications via D2L to be sent via email or text.
- Outlook calendar
- Physical planners, calendars, or whiteboard calendars
- Virtual planners or calendar apps on your phone
Manage time and be self-regulated and motivated
- Set time aside to do homework, study, and read each day; it's just like going to class.
- You should plan for about 3 hours of work per credit hour each week. For example, if you are taking a 3 credit hour class, carve out 9 hours per week to work on it
- Schedule reminder alarms on your phone or laptop to keep you on track.
- Develop a routine. You don’t have to follow it exactly but try to stay true to it most days. Here's an example:
- Wake-up
- Breakfast
- Shower
- Study/homework
- Brain Break
- Lunch
- Study/homework
- Brain Break
- Dinner
Avoid distractions
- Turn off notifications from social media until after you’re done with your work/studying.
- Tell yourself that once you finish an assignment or study, then you can go on social media, play video games, go outside, or take a nap; but you have to finish it first.
- Let roommates or family members know that you will be studying/doing assignments and not to come into your room or workspace until you’re finished.
- Make a physical "do not disturb" sign.
- Post a virtual “do not disturb” or “busy” message in phone apps frequently use.
Take Breaks!
- Take short breaks. Ideas:
- Take a walk
- Play with a pet
- Make some food
- Exercise/stretch
- Do some chores or errands
Learn how to talk online
- You'll need to communicate through email, discussion boards, chat windows, and/or audio/video virtual meetings.
- Keep communication professional, just as if you were talking to instructors and classmates face-to-face. This is usually called "netiquette."
Additional Resource
Check out: Adjusting to Online College: 10 Tips for First-Timers from The Quad
Create a comfortable, reliable, and efficient workspace
- Find a quiet area without distractions
- Keep reliable technology nearby (Option: Use the library as it's still open during the semester.)
- Make it comfortable
- Supportive chair, enough space for textbook, device(s), etc.
- Good lighting in your workspace: Natural light; open blinds and curtains to let light in; invest in a desk lamp to better read books or see your written assignments
- Keep your workspace clean and organized: Keep books, notebooks, sticky notes or a pad of paper, calculator, writing utensils, water bottle, headphones, and anything else needed for your course work nearby so you can easily access them.
- Use this area just for studying or doing assignments if possible. Doing other things in it will lead you to become distracted when you study or do an assignment in that area.
Learn how to use your technology
If your professors require you use applications for activities or assessments, you’ll already be familiar with and prepared to use them effectively. This makes learning more efficient and can help make online assignments easier and quicker to do.- D2L
- Virtual meeting applications: MS Teams, Zoom, or Bongo Virtual Classroom
- Video applications: Video Note, Panopto, VoiceThread, Bongo Video Assignments, MS Stream
Check out mobile apps and web browser extensions
- Remember you have access to Microsoft Office 365 for free via MAVzone. You may use the apps on your desktop, laptop, and/or mobile device(s).
- You may also download these other mobile apps for free:
- Pulse (D2L)
- Panopto
- VoiceThread
- Zoom
- Extensions for Google Chrome:
- Other Apps
- Writing support: Grammarly
- Mobile scanning: Adobe Scan or MS Office Lens
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
Invest in technology that can make doing assignments easier
- USB or wireless keyboard/mouse for use with a computer, laptop or mobile device
- Headset (For participation in Zoom or Teams sessions. We recommend using a headset for sound quality in web conferencing applications, such as Zoom and MS Teams.) If a headset is not available, built-in mic and speakers may work.
- Headphones (for listening to audio/video content)
- Microphone (if laptop, desktop computer, or mobile device does not have a built-in one)
- Webcam (if laptop, desktop computer, or mobile device does not have a built-in one)
- USB flash drive
Additional Ideas
How to Create a Great Study Space from College Info Geek
Ways to Set Up an Efficient Home Office for Online Learning from eLearners