The start of semester is always busy, but especially during a global pandemic. We got through Spring 20, but since every student will likely have at least one online or hybrid Fall 20 course, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) strongly recommends that all students check they have the necessary technology setup to be successful. To help, DoIT is hosting 12 Sprint sessions for 10-minute, virtual walk-in consults or pop-up support groups on key topics that include the following:
Checking Your Blackboard Collaborate Audio Connection (essential)
Using Virtual Computing Lab & Software (recommended)
Using myUMBC Groups & Webex Teams for Student Clubs & Organizations (8/26, 8/31, 9/2 and 9/9 only).
The Sprints will occur across four weeks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates:
Tues. 8/25, Wed., 8/26, Thurs., 8/27 (1st day of classes)
Due to the short format, these virtual support sessions are designed for quick consults, not deep dives or customized training sessions. Also, you will likely be in a virtual room with several people who also are interested in the same topic, and being helped by a DoIT support staff member. Often, you can learn by listening to this Q&A, but if you want a personalized consult, please use my.umbc.edu/help to open a Request Tracker (RT) ticket.
About the Sprint
The sprints will take place in a Blackboard Collaborate virtual conference room. Use the link for each event up to 15 minutes before the start time. While you can just “show up,” advance registration -- by indicating you are “Going” through the myUMBC event link above -- is appreciated and can help DoIT gauge how many support staff are needed in each breakout room. However, if you require live closed captioning, advance registration is required.
Prior to the session
If this is your first time joining one of our live sessions, please review the Getting Started Guide. You will also find additional helpful information for using Blackboard Collaborate at our extensive FAQs.
For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome or a recent browser update. Closing any unnecessary browser tabs will help conserve your bandwidth. After joining the session, please configure your audio.
* Note: As announced to all incoming students on 7/22/20, since UMBC requires all students to have a computer and Internet access, financial aid may be used to meet this requirement. To learn more, students should contact their financial aid counselor at financialaid.umbc.edu/contact.
]]>Samantha Smith, assistant director of health promotion in University Health Services, was a panelist for The Chronicle of Higher Education's "Promoting Health on Campus During COVID-19" webinar on July 15. The webinar was an opportunity for higher education professionals across the country to discuss the measures that colleges and universities were taking to bring students back to campuses safely. While many schools are strongly communicating the need for public health prevention practices, UMBC strongly communicated the need to keep student health and the student experience at heart. Watch the discussion.
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