Make sure you have a computer, a webcam (built-in or external), and a stable internet connection. If you do not have access to these these resources, please contact your academic advisor and instructor.

You should know how to use email, web browsers (e.g., Safari, Firefox, Chrome, Opera), and word-processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs). Additionally, become familar with the various tools and technologies at NYU that will support your learning. 

You must be willing to communicate using technology tools like video, email or text chat and understand that quality learning can and will take place without in-person interaction. If you feel you are not following along or keeping up with the class material, we urge you to be proactive and alert both your instructor and your academic advisor of your situation. While only you are in control of your learning, we understand that remote-instruction will be new to many people, and thus, we recognize this might take some patience and require additional accommodations.

You must be motivated and disciplined with your assignments, and you must grow to be comfortable with reaching out and asking for help when you need it. Your instructor might be distracted by the task of providing remote instruction. This means you might need to be proactive with your education and ask for help and guidance when you feel like it is needed. 

The amount of time you must devote to your remote-courses is 6-9 hours a week for a 3 credit course, just like an in-person course. Please don’t think that because it is offered remotely, it is less work or the quality is diminished. The work and quality will remain the same, it will just be delivered to you differently.

You must have a growth mindset and see struggles or difficulties as a natural part of getting better at something. When you encounter something you can’t yet do, you must increase your effort and try new strategies. There are many people to support you at NYU (SPS Academic Advisors, SPS Student Affairs, NYU IT, Center for Academic Excellence and Support (CAES), NYU Wellness, etc.) should you decide you need assistance.

Remote-instruction will require increased structure and time management planning. Check your syllabus for course changes, and commit to due dates on your calendar. Designate study times for each class, and stick to them.

It can’t be emphasized enough how important it is to look ahead when engaging in remote-instruction. Check the syllabus, NYU Classes and NYU email for assignments that will be due. Always know when assignments are due, and don’t wait until the last minute to complete them. 

Working from home can make you more distracted, and you might start to engage with course work at odd hours (like Sunday nights at 2 AM). Remember that your instructors may not be available outside their normal working hours. They might not be able to address your questions on the weekends. Plan for this, and be proactive with your outreach.