Be Engaged

Ensure you can log into your online courses and how to get help. 

• Know your Active Directory user name and password used for access to VSU systems  
• Enroll in the Self-Service Reset Password Management program (SSRPM), which will give you the ability to reset your VSU Network password. Go to https://reset.vsu.edu and select Enroll into SSRPM.  
• Bookmark VSU's Learning Management System:  Blackboard 
• Check functionality of devices used to access remote instruction (ex. Do they work? Do they support the software/programs needed to connect to Blackboard?).  

Note:  The use of mobile devices to participate in your online courses is not recommended.  

• Ensure access to reliable internet connectivity at home/ out of home locations (ex. local public library, Panera Bread, McDonald's, family/friends, etc.) 
  Internet Service Providers (ISP) offers in response to the Coronavirus pandemic 
• Download and install Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor, if required in your course.  See the Blackboard Home page for helpful resources and the download link.  
• Contact the VSU Student Technology Help Desk if needed:
  • Help Ticket Submission, https://vsusnprod.service-now.com/sp
  • Phone:   804-524-2000 
• Contact the TROJAN SOS group to help you locate points of contact and support as you navigate your courses and online instruction.  If you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact TROJANSOS@VSU.EDU 

Ensure that you actively participate and state up to date in your online courses 

• Check DAILY for emails from your professor / from Blackboard courses. 
• Check Junk Mail folders /Clutter folders DAILY for misdirected emails. 
• Review each professor's Blackboard site for instructions. 
• Keep course materials handy (ex. textbooks, study guides, and other course materials you were using before the transition to remote instruction) 
• Practice with any apps your professor requires for participating in online activities (ex. instructional videos, Zoom Meetings, YOUTUBE videos, Respondus Lockdown Browser & Monitor, etc.) 
• Be Self-disciplined -  Take responsibility for completing tasks/posting assignments on time. 
  

• Be organized – Map out time to be online.  Make a calendar of assignment due dates. 
  Be present!!  (Log in frequently – Attendance still counts!!!) 
  Ask questions and engage your professors – Remember that this is YOUR educational experience.  Be an ACTIVE learner. 
• Schedule an online tutor if needed. VSU provides Smarthinking Online Tutoring. Access online tutoring in your online course by clicking Tools or from the Blackboard Home page.  Watch the video below to learn more about Smarthinking:  Introduction to Smarthinking. 
  

Blackboard  

Blackboard Learning Management System  

Getting Started with Blackboard  

My Blackboard & the User Menu  

Participating in a Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing  

Zoom  

Participating in a Zoom Video Web Conference 

Active Directory Accounts (Blackboard, Email, Banner)  

Reset your Active Directory password   

Access student email 

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