Spring 2020 Student Success FAQs

• Everyone, including your professors, is making a huge adjustment to the way we teach and learn. Give your new class format a chance. Just like the start of the new semester, it takes a little while to get settled. You can do this and John Jay College faculty and staff are here to help you.
• Watch this video about succeeding in online courses. Be sure to communicate with your professors about anything that may interfere with your success in class, so they can work with you find a solution.  

• Create a schedule that includes time to study and complete course work. Use this basic template to develop a structure during this uncertain time. 
• Log in daily: You are managing a lot: staying connected will help you to navigate all the information coming your way. Check your John Jay email, Blackboard course pages and discussions, and other course sites at least once per day.  
• Connect with your classmates to discuss what you are learning and how to best use online tools. Even if you cannot attend a live class, you can create your own FREE Zoom account and host live video chats with other people in class. Create your account here: https://jjay-cuny.zoom.us. 
• Use the resources available to you, including: digital library resources, tech tools, etextbooks and virtual advisement and tutoring.  Connect to succeed. 

• Your time management plan should account for the number of hours you were attending in person classes, plus the time you will need to complete your reading, assignments, and participate in optional supports, like tutoring or group study sessions.
• Expect to spend a little extra time getting familiar with requirements and platforms in the first couple of weeks.
• Do not wait to ask questions if instructions or assignments are unclear! 

• If you decide to select a CR/NC option for a course, you should plan to continue participating in academically related activities, complete all assignments, and take the final exam or complete other final assignments.
• A grade of CR has no impact on your GPA, but you will earn credits for the course. A grade of F will appear as NC on your transcript and will not impact your GPA. You will not receive credits for any NC grades.

Why would I want to earn a letter grade INSTEAD of a P/F grade?

• If you are getting ready to graduate and your cumulative GPA or major GPA is below 2.0, you need to earn grades in your courses to increase your GPA. You will not be able to earn a degree with a GPA below 2.0 and grades of P will not count towards your GPA.
• If you are preparing for a specific graduate degree program that requires you to earn a minimum grade in certain undergraduate courses. Check with an advisor or your professors to make an informed decision.

• You can schedule and attend appointments from home: use TutorTrac to schedule your appointment.  The college will also continue to offer workshops, recitations and supplemental instruction for the courses with these supports. 
• Create your Office 365 account to participate in Alan Siegel Writing Center sessions:  log into office.com with your CUNYfirst username and password (e.g., jane.doe64@login.cuny.edu).
• Create your Zoom account to participate in Math and Science Resource Center sessions with your John Jay email address (e.g. jane.doe@jjay.cuny.edu) 

• The withdrawal deadline for all courses is extended to May 14th.  Dropping a class now means you will have to complete additional credits in a future semester.
• Take time to make your decision: consult with an academic advisor and your professor about your academic concerns.
• Financial aid rules are evolving as the federal and state governments address Covid-19. Visit https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/tuition-financial-aid to review the most current policies.

• Any student registered with the Office of Accessibility Services has the right to the accommodations identified for them.  Your accommodation needs may change now that the learning environment has moved online.
• Contact Nadia Griffith-Allen to discuss any concerns at ngriffith@jjay.cuny.edu. 

• You can participate in remote counseling. Contact the Counseling Services Center: Dr. Gerard Bryant, gwbryant@jjay.cuny.edu, or Dr. Cory Head, chead@jjay.cuny.edufor assistance. 
• Do not wait if you are in a crisis or emergency situation. Call 911 or find a mental health crisis support center here.

• John Jay and CUNY have a very strong and liberal policy that addresses needs of military students ordered to active duty.
• Contact Richard Pusateri, Military and Veteran's Services Manager, to discuss your concerns: rpusateri@jjay.cuny.edu
• Additonal information can be found here.

• The U.S. Congress has introduced legislation that, if enacted, will alleviate the impact to GI Bill beneficiaries for a switch to pursuit solely through distance education. The VA should release guidance soon. While we await more information, reach out to Military and Veterans Services to stay connected.

I’m an international student/scholar. Whom should I contact about maintaining my visa status, travel plans or course withdrawal form for Spring 2020?
International students and scholars should contact Inga Mezale, Deputy Director, ISSS, via e-mail imezale@jjay.cuny.edu or via phone at 646-781-5214. 

• Depending on their age, your children may also need your help to complete distance learning activities in addition to fulfilling their daily needs. Check the NYC DOE page for new updates. Grab and go meals are available to ANY DOE student at the main entrance of any public school from 7:30 AM—1:30 PM. 
• Inform your professors if you believe family responsibilities will prevent you from submitting work on time. Ask for an extension or create an alternate assignment submission plan that they approve. 
• Find a school hub for meals here.
• Review this link for ideas about supporting your children during this uncertain time.

• Make sure you apply to graduate.  Learn more at https://www.jjay.cuny.edu/apply-graduation. 
• In-Person commencement ceremonies have been postponed by the Chancellor until further notice. Please read his statement from April 3, 2020.
• John Jay is exploring other options to celebrate and honor your achievements. As soon as updates are available, they will be shared with the studens.
   

What should I do if I exhibit symptoms of Covid-19?

• Students and faculty should consult with their doctors if they have:
  - Fever, cough, shortness of breath or other cold or flu-like symptoms that get worse or do not go away after three to four days.
  - Mild symptoms and are age 50 or older or have any of other health conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system. 
• Students and faculty should reach out to their doctor from home: Use telephone, text, telemedicine or a patient portal to reach out to your doctor rather than going to their office in person. People only need to be tested if they are admitted to the hospital for severe illness like pneumonia. If you need help finding a health care provider, you can call 311 to find a NYC Health and Hospitals provider. NYC Health and Hospitals provides care to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, insurance status, or ability to pay.
•  If you suspect you have the virus, or have a positive test result for COVID-19, please notify the campus Covid-19 coordinator, Malaine Clarke at maclarke@jjay.cuny.edu .