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COVID-19 Resource Guide

UAFS COVID-19 Support & Resources

In light of the rapid escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has put together this resource and support guide for the students, faculty, and staff of our institution as we move to online instruction.

Adapting to online classes can be difficult, even in optimal circumstances, and we know that the move to all online courses amidst a global pandemic is an even bigger challenge. We are working hard to meet your needs, assist with your education, keep you on track to graduate, and create programming that keeps you engaged and healthy.

 

Tips for taking online courses

  • The move to online classes due to COVID-19 presents challenges for faculty and students alike. Keeping in contact with your professors will not only help you develop a rapport with your instructors but will pave the way for any questions you have down the line. Your faculty are navigating classes in a new way alongside you — they will be understanding if you communicate your problems early.
  • In addition to directly contacting your professors, log in to Blackboard daily to read the newest updates, assignments, and discussion boards. Professors will be posting expectations, updated syllabi, and important deadlines as well as online assignments as courses begin.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your faculty, staff, or university. Whether you need help with a specific assignment, a process or program, or technology needs, we can help.

  • Create a study schedule that works for you. From time to complete classwork to time to study, you should assign time to your online class just like you would an on-campus class. Keeping a calendar or setting alerts on your phone can be helpful in keeping your schedule on track.
  • Create to-do lists so you can easily focus on one assignment at a time. Make your lists at the beginning of each week. For big projects break work up into manageable parts.
  • Embrace time management tools such as myHomework or Trello. Gmail integrations such as Sortd and Zapier work with your student account and can help bring emails, assignments, and priorities together in a more manageable and centralized way.
  • Identify time wasters. Set no-distraction times of 30-45 minutes during which you focus solely on assignments. Applications like Cold Turkey and Freedom can help eliminate distractions by blocking the apps or websites that tend to compete for your attention such as Facebook and Twitter.

  • Having a dedicated space will help you focus when you sit down to complete your schoolwork or plan your schedule.
  • Decorate your space with pictures, inspirational messages, or a mood board to inspire you and remind you what you’re working toward.
  • Be sure your study area has an adequate light to avoid eye strain and fatigue, a comfortable chair and workspace, and the right ambiance for you. Do you need music playing in the background or do you work better in silence?

  • Affirmation is critical during this time of change. Applauding your progress toward new goals will help you stay focused and improve your confidence.
  • Remember why you started this journey. Whatever your future holds, this time is brief in relation to your ultimate goals. Your ability to adapt to high-stress and changing situations will make you a competitive employee who is sought after by employers.
  • Take time for yourself. Feeling tired or frustrated while studying is normal in a new environment. Integrate some personal time into your study routine, and when you take breaks, get away from your space. Take a walk, listen to a podcast, or make some art to help you energize, balance, and relax.
  • Listen to your emotional needs, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  • The UAFS Counseling Center is open and available at 479-788-7398. The Counseling Center staff will provide you with an appointment time or detailed instructions on how to access the online care Doxyme platform.
  • Find ways to destress. Be it exercising, practicing deep breathing or yoga, or embracing mindfulness tactics, there are digital resources to help you.
  • Use mindfulness apps that can help you calm down, breathe, and clear your mind, including Headspace on iOS and Android,and Smiling Mind on iOS and Android.
  • Eat well, stay hydrated, and get plenty of sleep to keep your physical health in check.
  • The Powell Student Health Clinic on campus is open and available at 479-788-7444 or StudentHealth@UAFS.edu. Appointments can be made for in-person or remote care. 

  • Even though it can feel isolating to be removed from your campus community, we are all in this together. Connect with the university on social media, join groups for your favorite clubs, or chat with your classmates in online portals and discussion boards.
  • Participate in the digital engagement opportunities hosted by the Student Life Office on NumaLink.
  • Find clubs hosting online events, chats, meetings, and more on NumaLink.
  • Team up for group assessments, stay in touch, and help each other with proofreading, tips, and exchange of resources.
  • Create an online study team of two to four friends — maybe more — and have regular discussions through WhatsApp, Messenger, Zoom, etc.
  • Collaborate and communicate as a group in:
    • Zoom
    • Blackboard Collaborate: Point to Tools and click Blackboard Collaborate to access the Blackboard Collaborate Scheduler page. Access the Room Details page and click Join Room.
    • Google Hangouts Meet: Your g.uafs.edu account enables you to use this service for free with your student login.
    • Brainfuse MEET: Log in to Brainfuse through Blackboard, and you’ll see MEET. You can collaborate, record discussions, and more.

 

Resources

We know there are challenging times ahead, but the entire higher education community is undertaking this challenge together, and our partners across the River Valley are offering support to students, faculty, and staff alike. Whether you are concerned about your academic success, how you'll stay connected digitally while we are off campus, or how you'll be able to support your family, we have resources available.

 

Digital Learning and Engagement

 

Community Support

  • Tech Resources
  • Financial Relief
    • The United Way has launched the 211 non-emergency hotline for Arkansans in need.
      • This free telephone service connects individuals in need to important community services. 
      • 211 is the direct link between people who need help and people who can give help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round.

    • Updates to the Arkansas Unemployment Program as related to COVID-19 are available online.
    • The United Way of Fort Smith has created a Community Resource Guide to assist those in need with finding the right aid agencies.

      • The United Way of Fort Smith's coverage area includes Sebastian, Crawford, Logan, and Franklin counties in Arkansas and LeFlore and Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma.

    • The River Valley Regional Food Bank, located at 1617 Zero St. in Fort Smith, offers a pantry locator to help citizens find the nearest food pantry.

      • The RVRFB can also assist in finding food pantries by phone at 479-785-0582.

    • Students in campus housing will have access to carry-out and grab-and-go options.

    • The Dave Stevens Lion Pride Food Pantry will continue to be stocked daily with non-perishable items.

      • To access frozen meats donated to the  Lion Pride Pantry or to discuss additional food, toiletry, and other needs, please contact the dean of students at 479-788-7310 or Dave.Stevens@uafs.edu.

    • Legal Aid of Arkansas has created this guide to help Arkansans apply for benefits that may help them through this difficult financial time.

    • Even with these resources, we know students may face unexpected financial burdens. The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Foundation's Student Emergency Fund allows us to provide immediate support to address critical student needs through funds that do not have to be repaid, thanks to generous donors to the UAFS Foundation. Click here to request emergency aid.