Dear Students,

I hope you had an enjoyable Spring Break, despite the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. There have been no reported cases within the Langston University community, but the number of cases throughout Oklahoma continues to rise. As you are aware, conditions are quickly changing with regard to COVID-19. Review the COVID-19 resource page frequently for updates on Langston University operations and preparedness efforts. I realize this message is long, but please read to the end for information that will help you have a successful semester.

As a precaution, all classes will be delivered online for the remainder of the spring semester; there will be no face-to-face classes. This decision was made to ensure the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and larger community. Faculty have spent Spring Break planning and transitioning course material to online delivery.

Langston University’s offices are open, but we are operating differently. We will practice social distancing by allowing some staff to work remotely from home, rotate days, or stagger shifts. Phone messages will not be the fastest or most efficient means of communication. Whenever possible, use your Langston email address to communicate. In your email messages, please include your full name and your student number.

As a preface to these strategies, I offer this advice: manage your time. You may be tempted to overbook your time with a job, family obligations or other commitments. Don’t do it! Online courses require commitment, discipline, and time.

Stay Connected

Communication with your instructors is now more important than ever. Each instructor will indicate a primary method of communication for the class (e.g., LU email, D2L, text, Remind, GroupMe, etc.). You are encouraged to check your email and log on to D2L multiple times a day.

• Make sure you understand the expectations for each of your classes. This includes participation, assignments, deadlines, and grading methods.
• Recognize instructors are likely working from home to maximize social distancing. Utilize virtual office hours rather than expecting to find them in their campus offices.
• Remind instructors of any ADA accommodations currently in place as they will remain in effect throughout the end of the semester.
• Speak up if you are having problems. If you are having technical difficulties or problems understanding something about the course, tell your instructor right away.
• If you have concerns, speak to your instructor. If you need additional assistance, contact your department chair and/or dean for guidance.
  
  

Use Available Resources

Library services and other academic support are available remotely. While some buildings will be closed or have limited access, the first floor of the library will remain open with shortened hours.

University Libraries

The G. Lamar Harrison Library has many online resources. The following videos demonstrate how to locate a full-text, peer reviewed journal article and how to locate an electronic book.

Article: https://www.screencast.com/t/5yuUo7k6
Book: https://www.screencast.com/t/dnlxGjrDKCrR

When off campus, the databases will require you use your MyLangston username and password to log in. If you have any trouble connecting to the Library Resources, please contact Clarence Harkins at (405) 919-0872 or via email at clarence.harkins@langston.edu.

Text-A-Librarian Service

Follow these four steps to text your librarian:

1. On your cell phone, text 66746
2. Type "lion" in the message bar
3. You'll receive the following message, "Success! Reply to ask your questions..."
4. After you type your question, give your phone number so that you can be contacted directly.

Library Hours

Sunday - Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
*The Melvin B. Tolson Black Heritage Center will not be open.

Contact the Library:

General Number (no voicemail), (405) 466-3292
Dr. Lynne Simpson, Dean of Libraries, 405-401-3102 (cell), lynne.simpson@langston.edu
Mr. Clarence Harkins, Systems Analyst, 405-919-0872 (cell), clarence.harkins@langston.edu

University Women Computer Lab

The computer lab located on the second floor within University Women will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Student Tutoring Services

Langston University will continue student tutoring services through the end of the semester through various multimedia platforms. Instructors will provide additional information concerning coursework and tutoring. Students are encouraged to contact their instructors during office hours for further instructions.

Writing Center

Students can obtain tutoring for composition or other writing courses. You may schedule appointments and meet with a tutor virtually through https://langston.mywconline.com. Students should upload papers for review to their tutors prior to the scheduled appointment to allow for timely feedback. Writing Center virtual tutoring will be available Monday – Thursday between 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Natural Sciences (Physical and Biological) Tutoring

Students can obtain tutoring for NP1113, NB 1113, and NB 1114. Students may schedule appointments and meet with their Supplemental Instruction (SI) leaders virtually through their science accounts at https://langston.mywconline.com. Additionally, students may also request tutoring through their SI leader’s GroupMe account. Students should upload or email problems for review to their tutors prior to the scheduled appointment to allow for an efficient tutoring session. Hours for natural science virtual tutoring will be posted on the Spring 2020 Natural Science schedule on https://langston.mywconline.com.

Mathematics Tutoring

Students can obtain tutoring for MT 1413, MT 1513, MT 2013 and MT 2603 through their Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader’s GroupMe or email accounts. Students may schedule appointments and meet with their SI Leaders virtually through Zoom Cloud Meetings. The Zoom app is free to download and credentials will be shared by your instructor.

Students may also send problems or questions directly to their professors by using the "Ask My Instructor” tab for classes using EducoSoft. Students should email problems or questions for review to their tutors prior to the scheduled appointment to allow for an efficient tutoring session. Hours for mathematics virtual tutoring will be posted on your D2L, WebAssign, or EducoSoft course page.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Contact ITS for assistance with the following:

• Re-setting your Langston University e-mail password
• Setting up e-mail access on your mobile device
• Downloading and/or accessing Microsoft 365 and its features

Contact ITS:

ITS Helpdesk, 405-466-3215 or (405) 466-3253, helpdesk@okstate.edu
Mr. Pritchard Moncriffe, CIO, (405) 466-6032, pmoncriffe@langston.edu

Computer Technology Integration (CTI)

Contact CTI for assistance with the following:

• General instructions on using D2L and its features
• Corresponding via e-mail in D2L
• Downloading the Brightspace Pulse app for your phone

More information can be found on the CTI website.

Contact CTI:

Dr. Ebrahim Soltani, Director, (405) 466-2000, soltanie@langston.edu
Ms. Ally Sharp, Instructional Designer, (405) 466-2007, sharpa@langston.edu
Mr. Bill Gaffney, Adobe Connect, (405) 812-1233 (cell), wfgaffney@langston.edu
Ms. Victoria Savory, Administrative Assistant, (405) 466-2001, vlsavory@langston.edu

The Langston University faculty and staff have worked hard on preparations for classes to resume tomorrow. You will have to work hard to be successful. I am confident that these efforts will result in a high-quality, academic experience for you.

Welcome back! Take care and wash your hands!

Ruth Ray Jackson, Ph.D. / Vice President / Academic Affairs
Office: (405) 466-6113 or (405) 466-3433
ruth.jackson@langston.edu