Transitioning to an Online Class Due to a Campus Shutdown

We know this isn't what you had planned, but we are here to help! Here are some steps you can take to help you get you started with online coursework, in the event of a campus shutdown.

Brightspace Information
Communication
Internet
Help
Tutoring
Accommodations Information
Completion Center Information
What Can You Expect this Fall?

Brightspace Information:

Your courses will be hosted through MCC’s Brightspace
- Username: first initial 1st name, first initial last name and 7 digit id number (i.e. Jon Doe 0123456 = jd0123456)
- Password: Same password as your student email/WebAdvisor
View the following resources to get familiar with using Brightspace:
If you prefer demonstration videos, feel free to view the following:
Select your course from the Brightspace home page to get started
If you have any questions about your course or if any problems arise, communicate with your instructor. The instructor can guide you and get you the support you need, in order to make this a successful transition.

Communication:

How will you communicate with the instructor?

Email: Check your MCC Student Email frequently
Announcements: Your instructor will probably post important information in announcements within Brightspace. To view announcements, simply login to your course. The announcements are displayed on the course home page. Don’t forget to set your notification preferences to receive notifications when an announcement is posted.
Zoom: This is a tool that allows you to communicate with your instructor via video conferencing. If you don’t have a webcam, that is okay; you can join a conference using audio only.
- Your instructor will provide a link to access Zoom. You can use a computer and/or a personal device to access the video conference.
- When you click the link, you will be prompted to download/open Zoom.
- Follow the prompts to join the Zoom session.
- Joining a Zoom Meeting Using an Invitation or a link.
- Joining a Zoom Meeting with a Meeting ID.
- If you have trouble, don’t hesitate to contact Tech Support.

Internet:

How will you maintain Internet access?

Free Internet Options: If you are unable to access Wi-Fi, there are some options available to you (see list below). Several places have free Wi-Fi. Make sure you follow best practices from local health authorities before using Wi-Fi in a public area. Your safety is of the utmost importance.
- Places with Free Wi-Fi (for many of these, you can even access the Wi-Fi from the parking lot):
  - McLennan County Libraries
  - Starbucks
  - Panera
  - Chick-fil-A
  - Common Grounds
  - Target
  - Pinewood Coffee Bar
  - Lula Jane’s
  - Kurbside Coffee
  - Mamaka Bowls
  - Collin Street Bakery
- If possible, you may wish to use your smartphone to complete coursework or to provide a mobile hot spot to access Internet.
Software: At a minimum, you will need to be able to use Microsoft Word, in order to submit assignments. You may also have to view PDFs and PowerPoints. As an MCC student, you get Office 365 for free. You can visit the Microsoft Office 365 sign up page to download this software.
Download Files to Use Offline: If you have limited Internet access, you may wish to download course files, so you can access course content while offline. In Brightspace, there is a “Download” button under each item. Clicking this button will allow you to download the file. If you save the file to your device, you can access it any time, without an Internet connection.
Ask for Help: Your instructor is here to help! If troubles arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to the instructor for guidance and support.
Disinfect: It is a good practice to disinfect keyboards, monitors, and devices that are used frequently. If possible, wipe down these surfaces daily.

Help:

Do you know where to go to get help?

Tech Support: Contact Tech Support for any issues related to technology
Academic Support and Tutoring (AST): See below for additional details.
Instructor: Your instructor is here to help! If troubles arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to the instructor for guidance and support.
Campus Resource Guide: For more information about resources available to you, view the Campus Resource Guide.
MCC Library

Tutoring:

Did you know you could get Tutoring Online?

We have expanded our online capacity for your comfort and safety. All tutors from Academic Support & Tutoring and the Math Lab are available by joining the following Zoom link: https://mclennan.zoom.us/j/2542998500

Monday – Thursday 7:30a.m. – 6:00p.m.

Remember, we serve all MCC, University Center, Dual Credit, and Adult Education students at no charge! If you have questions, please email ast@mclennan.edu or call (254) 299-8500.

Accommodations Information:

For students who have never registered for Accommodations:

You may register by logging onto WebAdvisor and clicking on the “Register with Disability Services” link.
Fill out and submit the short questionnaire.
Gather disability documentation. This can be in the form of medical documentation from your treating clinician, 504 from high school, etc.
You will then receive an email from the Accommodations Coordinator with directions on how to proceed.

*Please note that your appointment with the Accommodations Coordinator may be conducted via telephone conference, Zoom, or Skype. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the office at 254-299-8122, or email disabilities@mclennan.edu.

For students already registered with accommodations, please note that, in the event of a campus shutdown, meetings will be conducted remotely (via telephone conference, Zoom, Skype, etc.) and would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have. Please email Amy Sireci at asireci@mclennan.edu or call her at 254-299-8122.

Completion Center Information:

Success Coaches are available to assist you during difficult times.
In order to reach a success coach please call 299-8226. Or email success@mclennan.edu.