Coronavirus (COVID-19)

photo of Ed PohlMarch 16, 2020

As you know, we began our transition to remote teaching today, Monday March 16th.  As we make this transition, some of you may be experiencing difficulties in accessing individual courses and their associated content.  The campus is working diligently to help alleviate problems encountered by students now that we have moved into the remote teaching mode.

If you are having problems the following resources are available:

  • 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 (https://health.uark.edu/coronavirus/) 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:
  • 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+) will provide tutoring, writing support and academic coaching through online chat and by appointment via the CLASS+ website. CLASS+ 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 and staff continue to work hard to provide you the best educational experience possible.  We all have to work together with grace and understanding as we move through this difficult time.  Please be careful and follow the practices as promoted by the Center for Disease Control and the Arkansas Department of Health.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me or my staff.

 

Stay safe!

 

Edward A. Pohl, Ph.D.
21st Century Professor and Department Head
Department of Industrial Engineering
University of Arkansas

Additional Links:

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) updates from the University of Arkansas

Letter from the Chancellor: March 12, 2020