Student Success
What is the best method for contacting my instructor?
Read your syllabi, paying particular attention to the content on the first page. Most faculty list virtual office hours where students can ask questions to the instructor in real-time. Instructors can also be contacted via email. While Ecampus automatically defaults to MIX emails; your instructor may have a mail.wvu.edu email address as their preferred method of contact. Knowing which email to send your question to, will ensure delivery and better response time.
I’m a traditional on-campus student, how do I find online courses?
The course schedule lists the delivery type of all courses.
- Face-to-face courses are listed with designated location, day(s) and time.
- Online asynchronous courses typically appear with no location, day(s) or time listed.
- Online synchronous courses usually include day(s) and time during which the course will convene online.
What other types of delivery modes are there?
For descriptions of all course types, review the updated modality definitions in the WVU catalog.
For online courses, will I pay in-state tuition?
Tuition is determined based on your major code and your residency status.
How can I contact my advisor?
If you are advised by CLASS, advising appointments will be conducted online until further notice using Google Meets. Please continue to monitor your email for messages from your academic advisor.
CLASS Phone: (304) 293-5805
CLASS Email: advisingcenter@mail.wvu.edu
If you are advised within your academic home, please contact your college directly:
Will my accommodations transfer to my online courses?
If you are receiving accommodations through The Office of Accessibility Services, please contact the office to discuss how those services will be managed for online work.
Phone: (304) 293-6700
Email: access2@mail.wvu.edu
Will this change to online learning impact my ability to meet my academic requirements?
With the help of faculty and staff, we will make sure that you continue to meet your academic requirements remotely.
I am a veteran studying at WVU. Does the move to online classes impact my GI Bill eligibility?
On March 20, 2020, the President of the United States signed a bill that prevents the VA from making any changes to Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits through the remainder of the calendar year. WVU anticipates receiving updated guidance from the VA over the next few weeks regarding all education benefits and the COVID-19 impact.
What WVU Library services are available online?
A LibGuide has been created with information related to online classes, accessing library materials, and more. We recommend bookmarking it for quick reference. Library fines are being waived, so don’t worry if your materials are overdue!
Research Assistance is available through a variety of channels, including chat, email, and audio- or video-conferencing.
Still have a question or need further assistance? Email, chat, and phone options are available.
You can also contact librarians for help with collections and services through westvirginia.libanswers.com or by texting questions to (304) 220-0919.
Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs): For information regarding submission, visit the ETD website.
Keep track of current events using the Libraries’ access to the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
Don’t forget to take a break! Check out Overdrive leisure reading materials in eBook and audiobook format, and take advantage of Kanopy’s huge selection of films.
How can I return my textbooks back at the end of the semester?
Most bookstore services, such as buying books, returning rentals and ordering school spirit products, are available online with free-shipping options. Orders can be placed through wvu.bncollege.com.
Technology
Being an online student in an online major, what computer requirements should I anticipate?
To participate in online learning all students will need a desktop computer or a laptop (PC or MAC) with at least 8-16 GB of RAM. Higher RAM is needed for fields such as science, technology, graphic design, engineering, computer programming and film and animation.
If you are concerned with having the right computer, please check your academic program.
To be a successful online learner, your computer should have the following:
- An Intel i5 or i7 Core Processor (Science/Tech)
- A high-speed Internet connection - Caution: The use of public access computers (for example, at restaurants) or employer-provided computers may result in slowness or errors (timeouts or access problems) when accessing course materials. Public access computers may not permit access to certain course materials or systems due to security limitations.
- SSD Card (500 GB SSD Science/Tech)
- Keyboard and mouse (or equivalent i/o device)
- Speakers/Headphones and a Microphone. Noise-canceling headphones typically preferred
- A web camera capable of video web conferencing
Operating System
- Microsoft Windows 10 or newer
- Apple macOS 10.12 or newer
Web Browser
- Google Chrome, the latest version is recommended
Where can I get free stuff and find discounts?
- Software Licensing Information Center: slic.wvu.edu
- Free anti-virus software: https://freeav.wvu.edu
- Google Drive Storage - Provided with your MIX (Gmail) account
- Windows 10: https://wvu.onthehub.com
- Microsoft Office: slic.wvu.edu
- Apple Education: apple.com/go/college
- Dell University: dell.com/wvu
- Best Buy College Student Deals: tinyurl.com/ycytznj9
- Amazon Prime Student: tinyurl.com/hhd8hd6
Basic Computer Proficiency Requirements
At a minimum, students should have basic computer literacy skills including:
- Using a keyboard and mouse
- Selecting, copying, pasting text
- Sending and receiving email
- Saving and retrieving files in different formats (.docx, .pdf, .pptx., etc.)
- Using a text editor (changing fonts, inserting links, using spell check, etc.)
- Browsing for files to attach and upload
- Accessing the Internet using a web browser and resetting basic web browser settings (clearing cache/history, cookies, etc.)
Thrifty Tip: Consider buying refurbished from Apple or Dell and purchase an extended warranty.
I don’t have access to a personal computer or high-speed internet.
- Check with your public library or other providers of broadband internet in your hometown.
- Check with your cell phone provider to see if you can use your phone as a WIFI hotspot.
- Other options exist for you if cost is an obstacle to having internet service.
Here are a few:
- There is a federal government program that provides a discount on the cost of basic internet connectivity, subject to financial need qualifications.
- Altice, parent of Suddenlink, is also offering a free 60-day service to customers within its service area.
- AT&T offers open hot spots, unlimited data to existing customers and $10/month plans to low-income families: AT&T COVID-19 response.
- Xfinity WiFi hotspot access opens nationwide in response to the coronavirus.
What happens if I have Wi-Fi connectivity issues?
Speak directly with your instructor or advisor if you’re having issues with internet access during a timed assignment. We are encouraging instructors to be flexible during this time.
Visit WVU ITSHow will technology be used in my online classroom?
Many instructors will be using a cloud platform called ZOOM for video and audio conferencing. You can sign up for a free account here: https://wvu.zoom.us. You can also download the ZOOM app for your smartphone device.
Any technology other than ZOOM?
Instructors will also be using Blackboard Collaborate Ultra. This is similar to ZOOM, but it is located directly in your eCampus Classroom. You will be able to login directly from https://ecampus.wvu.edu. Instructors will continue to update you on sessions that you will be required to attend.
What if I can’t authenticate through DUO?
Students should print additional access codes from https://login.wvu.edu. These access codes are valid for one time use, and can be used in place of the DUO application. For additional support with DUO, students should access the WVU ITS website.
Visit WVU ITS websiteWho do I contact if I need technical support?
If you are in need of technical support, your first point of contact should be the WVU ITS Help Desk. Students can submit a Help Desk Ticket by navigating to the WVU ITS website at: https://it.wvu.edu For more direct service, students may wish to contact the ITS Help Desk by using the contact information below. Please be advised that there may be higher than normal wait times, as all courses, students, faculty and staff members are moving to the online platform.
Phone: (304) 293-4444
Email: ITSHelp@mail.wvu.edu