For Students

Know your SFSU email

• You will use your SFSU email to log in and access a variety of remote technologies
  • Go to SFSU email account services and log in if you are unaware of your SFSU email address
• Important information from the campus and your instructors will be sent to your official SFSU email account - be sure to check it regularly!
  • Log into email by navigating to Outlook and entering your SFSU email

Know your SFSU password

• If you do not know your password or have it saved on your devices, you may want to reset your password and keep it safe
  • Reset SFSU password

Go to Laptop Checkout

AT offers a laptop checkout service for both short- and long-term student use. Whether it’s a semester-long recurring checkout, or you need a laptop in an emergency, contact us to get the equipment you need for learning.

Laptop checkout offered for either short term (4 hour) or long tern (semester long).

Requesting laptops:
To request a laptop, please use this form.

For more information on laptop checkout, visit the Laptop Checkout page <link needed>.

Recommendations

• Use a laptop running an up to date version of Windows or macOS

Rationale: Laptops generally have all of the necessary equipment built-in, including microphones, webcams and speakers. A laptop running a supported version of Windows or macOS will provide the best compatibility with software and websites students are required to use in courses.

Best practices and tips:

• iPads and devices running ChromeOS are not recommended as a full computer replacement as they may not be compatible with software required to complete course work
• Keep your computer's operating system and the browsers and applications you use up-to-date to ensure continued access to campus resources such as Canvas and Zoom

SFSU students requiring internet access in their place of residence during remote instruction and operation periods can refer to our list of resources to assist with securing an internet connection. 

View Internet access resources.

Tips for remote learning

• Stay connected
  • If you enjoy collaboration, set up group study sessions or chats via Zoom
  • Communicate regularly with your instructors, classmates, support personnel, advisors, etc.
• Stick to a schedule
  • Reserve specific blocks of time in your daily schedule for attending online sessions and completing readings and assignments, and remember that instructors may schedule virtual meetings and discussions
  • Remote modalities often require extra mindfulness to keep track of deadlines
• Mimic the classroom learning experience
  • Continue to take notes as you would if you were there in person
  • Turn off notifications or silence your devices, and refrain from using social media
  • Try to find ways to remain engaged - ask questions and communicate regularly with your instructors, classmates, advisors, and more
  • Inform any housemates of your "Do Not Disturb" working hours
• Take care of yourself
  • Frequent study breaks, exercise, and maintaining your energy levels through food and sleep help maintain focus

Communicating with your instructors

• Instructors will provide information on how best to contact them in their Canvas courses and syllabi
• Make sure you check your SFSU email
  • Important information from the campus and your instructors will be sent to your official SFSU email account
    • Log in to email by navigating to Outlook and entering your SFSU email
    • Don’t know what your email is? Go to SFSU email account services and log in
• Download and install Zoom
  • Instructors may use Zoom to conduct live classes via video conference
    • Zoom is available for Laptops/Desktops and mobile devices: Zoom download center
      • Log in to set up your account: Zoom sign in
    • Receive a copy of Announcements and Inbox messages you send in Canvas

Recommendations: 

• Reach out to your instructors on your own.
• Sign up for office hours.
• If you aren’t sure how best to participate in the remote classroom, contact your instructor for clarification.
• Please realize that your instructor may not be able to respond immediately. Be patient, but follow up.

Communicating and engaging with other students

• Zoom accounts are available to all students. Setting up study groups or other engagements with fellow students can be done from your own Zoom accounts.
• Instructors may provide discussion forums in Canvas for student engagement.
  • Related Support Documents:
    • Posting to a discussion 
• Instructors may ask students to post videos
  • Related Support Documents:
    • Submitting video to an assignment
    • Adding a video to a text box, such as a forum post for “Introduce yourself” type activities