Online Classes Underway; Assistance Available for Students, Faculty

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – All classes at the University or Arkansas are now being conducted online or other remote instruction method.

With the adjustment to online class instruction still in progress, some students and factuly may be experiencing difficulties in accessing or delivering individual courses or content. The university is working to reduce these challenges by providing additional assistance and resources.

If you are having trouble accessing or delivering online courses or content, use the following resources and please ask for help if needed.

Student Assistance and Resources

• Computer resources:
  • Computer labs are available for students in a variety of locations across campus.
  • A limited number of laptops are also available for checkout at the Student Tech Center Help Desk at the Union. The two-day limit has been extended to accommodate online classes.
  • In addition, Remote Lab allows access to many computer lab resources remotely from any device and any location.
• Wi-Fi and Internet Service:
  • Wi-Fi continues to be available throughout campus buildings and outdoor spaces. For those students outside of campus, most internet providers are temporarily suspending caps for data usage.
  • Some internet providers are also offering free internet service for the remainder of the semester. Please check with your provider.
  • We will be adding details regarding provider offerings to the university's Coronavirus Update site where this information can be updated as required in the FAQ titled "Are computer resources, Wi-Fi and tech help available for students?"
  • We know Spectrum internet is making its Wi-Fi hotspots open across its footprint for public and offering free broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395.
  • AT&T and Cox are also providing additional help and resources.
  • And Comcast is offering two months free to new Internet Essentials customers in response to recent and anticipated emergency measures associated with the Coronavirus.
• Technical Support:
  • Students can find help with tech issues through the Student Tech Center Help Desk. You can visit their help desk at the Union, call or reach them online. Additional help can be found through the U of A's IT Services Automated Help Portal.
  • Student Tech Center in the Union: email stc@uark.edu or call 479-575-8602
  • IT Services Help Portal
  • Check out a laptop or other equipment.
• Additional Resources:
  • Remote access to library resources and other online research resources is also available. Students can also use a 24/7 chat service through the library website as well.
  • For the remainder of the semester, the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS-plus) will provide tutoring, writing support and academic coaching through online chat and by appointment via the CLASS-plus website. CLASS-plus will also provide supplemental instruction through Blackboard Collaborate.
  • The Center for Educational Access is reaching out directly to students who have registered to receive access to accommodations. Additional CEA information regarding COVID-19 is also available online.

Faculty Assistance and Resources

• Need help preparing to teach remotely? The university's Teaching Innovation and Pedagogical Support (TIPS) Center is ready to help.
  • Call the TIPS Remote Teaching Hotline: 479-575-6804 (Mon-Sat. 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m.-11 p.m.)
  • Or email: tips@uark.edu.
• Available resources include one-on-one support, Blackboard course information, departmental workshops, articles, tutorials and contingency planning guidance for delivering courses and content to students online or via other alternative methods.
• The Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center is also providing a list of faculty resources for coping with the pandemic.
• In addition, Remote Lab allows access to many computer lab resources remotely from any device and any location. Please send any other questions you may have to feedback@uark.edu.

The best source for additional information and the latest news and updates regarding COVID-19's impact to campus is the university's Coronavirus Update site.

While no cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed among the University of Arkansas community, the situation continues to evolve rapidly. So, please continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands regularly and disinfect surfaces that could become contaminated (phones, doorknobs, keyboards, etc.).

Please note that guidance from the CDC, Arkansas Department of Health and university may change rapidly given the fluidity of the situation. Any changes will be updated in the "Updates" section of the university's Coronavirus Update site.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among fewer than 3 percent of colleges and universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.