All of us faculty and staff have you at the front of our minds as each day seems to bring fresh news of concern. We hope you and your loved ones are all safe.
As we continue with remote instruction, we want to do our best to support you and your learning. To that end, please find below a FAQ with information we thought you'd find helpful. We'll also add to these FAQs as we get additional questions and more information.
Whether you're in the Bay Area sheltering in place or across the country, please know the SF State community continues to hold you in our heart.
Classes and Instruction
Instruction will continue to be predominantly remote through the spring semester. There will be a very limited number of courses with in-person instruction. You can see these details in the online class schedule.
The following courses currently plan to have a face-to-face component. Please check with your instructor or department chair for more details:
BECA 430 : Advanced Audio Production I
BECA 530 : Advanced Audio Production II
CLS 701 : Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis
CLS 731 : Clinical Hematology and Laboratory Application
CLS 753 : Clinical Microbiology for the Clinical Laboratory Science Intern
CLS 790 : Clinical Serology and Immunohematology
DES 410 : Product Design II
DES 460 : Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing Systems
DES 505 : Senior Design Project
NURS 311 : Human Development and Health Assessment Lab
NURS 350 : Nursing Interventions Practicum I
NURS 450 : Nursing Interventions Lab II
PT 700 : Multisystem Pathokinesiology
PT 742 : Musculoskeletal Pathokinesiology II
SPED 757 : Visual Impairment: Special Populations
SPED 822 : Methods in Orientation and Mobility III
SPED 823 : Methods in Orientation and Mobility IV
Please note that a remote option must be available to students enrolled in these courses who are unable to attend in-person.
No, students cannot be required to meet outside of the times published in the class schedule.
If you have concerns about this, please contact the department chair for the department offering the course using the Colleges and Academic Departments page to find their contact information.
To add a class after the start of the semester, you’ll need a permission number from the instructor. Contact the instructor to make the request or contact the department offering the course. Please refer to the Colleges and Academic Departments page. to find the right contact.
You can also refer to the Registering for Classes page for more information.
If you haven’t heard from a faculty member, please reach out to them directly via email. If you do not receive a response, please email the department where the course is offered (for example for PHIL 110 you would email the Philosophy Department). Be sure to include specific information about your course including the department prefix and course number, title of the course, section number, faculty member’s name, and your name and student ID number. The department chair will assist you. Please refer to the Colleges and Academic Departments page.
Start by consulting the course syllabus and iLearn site. If you're unable to locate the hours, please contact the department chair using the Colleges and Academic Departments page to find the right contact.
The AT Zoom Support Page covers the basics of Zoom, how to use Zoom in iLearn, and other additional Zoom features. Additional support is available from the Zoom Help Center.
Please see the Keep Learning - Student Quickguide resource for assistance learning via remote modalities.
Where you work matters. Minimize distractions by choosing a quiet, comfortable workplace.
Don’t forget to communicate with fellow students and your instructors. Education is a communal effort and we are all in this together.
Take care of yourself. Frequent study breaks help maintain focus and healthy snacks maintain energy. Do your best to get a good night’s sleep and adequate exercise.
Grades
It is possible to change your grading option to CR/NC for classes that offer this grading option. Academic Senate has extended the deadline for you to make this choice for Spring 2021 until May 21 at 5pm. This extension is intended to provide you with additional time to evaluate whether taking eligible classes on a letter-graded or CR/NC grading basis is in your best interest. It is important to keep in mind that not all classes have the CR/NC grading option.
You can view the grading option you are currently enrolled in for each of your courses in the Class Schedule section of your Student Center. Instructions on how to elect another valid grading option for any eligible course are available here. All valid grading options for the class will appear in the drop-down selection box. Not all classes have multiple grading options – some classes are offered only with a letter grade option, or only with a CR/NC grade option.
An undergraduate student who chooses to take a course with CR/NC grading, will earn a CR for a grade of C- and above and will earn a NC grade for a grade of D+ and below. A graduate student who chooses to take a course with CR/NC grading, will earn a CR for a grade of B- and above and will earn a NC grade for a grade of C+ and below. Grades of CR/NC are not calculated into your GPA and do not have a positive or negative effect on your GPA. When you earn a NC grade, this indicates that you did not pass the class. You do not receive units for NC grades.
It’s important to be sure that any class taken CR/NC will still meet your degree requirements and needed prerequisites. Some programs will only accept letter graded coursework to meet certain degree requirements. For undergraduate students, a maximum of 24 CR grade units earned at SF State can count toward your degree. Also, some programs require minimum letter grades earned to meet prerequisites that will allow you to enroll in subsequent coursework. (These limitations do not apply to coursework taken in Spring 2020.)
Advisors can help make sure your grading option meets your educational needs and goals. Undergraduate students can access advising resources through the Advising Hub. Graduate students can access advising resources with Graduate Studies (gradadv@sfsu.edu).
If you are a student in one of the groups below, please consult with these offices to be sure you understand the impact of your choice to change to CR/NC grading:
Academic Resources
In keeping with guidance from the California State University, effective March 31, the Library Research Commons and first floor lobby will be closed until further notice.
Students may request a loaner laptop from the Library by contacting service@sfsu.edu or (415) 338-1420. When emailing, include "Library Loaner Laptop" in the subject line; and when calling, ask for a Library Loaner Laptop.
Library staff will respond to arrange the loan and have the laptop shipped. Both PCs and Macs are available. The Library provides a base install of software MS Office, web browsers, graphic software, and the laptop will work with Zoom video conferencing software. Some specialized software may not be available. The Library staff can answer any questions about the laptop and software. Find more details online in the Instructional Continuity — Student Quickquide.
The Library website also includes a directory of internet service providers pledging to Keep America Connected by waiving late fees, opening Wi-Fi hot spots, and not dropping service when users miss payments. In addition, the city of San Francisco offers free Wi-Fi service in selected areas. See the listing of free Wi-Fi available in the city.
The following resources refer to discounts or special options from a range of internet providers for those who may not have access to the internet from off-campus locations. Please contact the providers directly to find out if they apply to you:
- FCC agreement (.*pdf) stating that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.
- Comcast: offers free WiFi for two months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time.
- AT&T: offers open hot-spots and unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low income families.
- Verizon: no special offers, but following the FCC agreement.
- T-Mobile: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
The Division of Graduate Studies is operating at full capacity and the entire team is here to support you. The division has enacted a virtual plan to assist you with admission processes and questions, advising, and progress to graduation. See our website for email contact information for common questions and concerns. In addition to emailing us, you can leave phone messages at (415) 338-2234. Voicemails and emails will be answered within one business day.
You can find information about how to change your major or minor on the Registrar's website.
If you need to file a course substitution to update a major or minor degree requirement on your Degree Progress Report or an authorization to amend major/minor courses to alter a previously submitted graduation application, please email your major advisor or contact your department using the Colleges and Academic Departments page to find the contact information.
Please follow the steps on our Undergraduate Graduation website.
The Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC) is open remotely to support students, faculty, and staff with telephone and video services Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (campus offices closed).
We are offering scheduled appointments via phone and Zoom as well as real-time assistance in our Zoom meeting room during daily drop-in hours. Please see “Where to find us” on our DPRC webpage for our most up-to-date drop-in schedule, contact information (including how to join our Zoom meeting room), and DPRC staff directory. General inquiries can be directed to dprc@sfsu.edu; Employee Accommodations inquiries can be directed to dprcemp@sfsu.edu.
On-campus cart services will be operated by the University Police Department during both the daytime and after-hours until further notice. Call 415-338-7200 for a ride; press "0" for operator.
Advising and Tutoring
Professional academic advisors in the college-based resource centers, the Educational Opportunity Program, and the Undergraduate Advising Center are available to assist students remotely.
Starting this fall, all freshmen and undeclared students will have an assigned advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Center.
Sophomores, juniors, and seniors with declared majors can be referred to their college-based resource center for advising.
Students can make advising appointments by accessing Navigator, SF State's student success platform. Virtual drop-in advising hours are also available and can be viewed on the center websites.
As an SF State student, you have access to free tutoring and academic support services currently being offered via Zoom. Undergraduate students can schedule a tutoring appointment for writing support or help with a specific subject by logging into Navigator. They will then be prompted to sign in with their SF State ID number and password. Students should refer to our guide for scheduling a tutoring appointment if they have questions. Graduate students can access tutoring by filling out a request form with the Tutoring and Academic Support Center. You can find more information about tutoring services and links to SF State’s learning support programs on the Tutoring and Academic Support Center’s website.
Learning Online 101: How to Be an Effective Online Learner
As we continue with predominantly online learning for spring 2021, students may be interested in developing their online learning skills. They can access Learning Online 101, a self-paced workshop developed by the Tutoring and Academic Support Center and offered through iLearn. The workshop allows students to work at their own pace through four modules, boosting skills and confidence with learning online. Students, faculty, and staff can self-enroll by clicking on this link and then logging in. For questions, please email tutoring@sfsu.edu.
Library
In keeping with guidance from the California State University and local public health officials, the Library Research Commons and first floor lobby will remain closed until further notice.
Students can now reserve one of the twelve Group Study rooms on the Ground floor Study Commons for use as an individual, single-occupancy, study space. They may request single or multiple two-hour reservations, up to four hours per day. This service is meant for students who are in great need of a space to study in, and who do not have a safe and secure place to do so.
Reservations are available 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and can be made up to 3 days in advance. Visit this page for more information.
Students will be required to wear face coverings at all times while not in their reserved, individual study room. Each room only holds one person at a time and students may not collaborate or socialize in the Library. Before coming to campus, please take the daily health screening available on the SF State mobile app and on the web. Please bring ID to show when entering the building.
Computers in the Library are not available due to restrictions imposed by the San Francisco Department of Public Health. (Please see FAQ "How can I borrow a laptop from the Library?" for information on the loaner laptop program.)
Many Library services are available using remote modalities.
The Library is still here to serve you and support your coursework and research. Please see the Library Resources and Services Available During the COVID-19 Campus Closure page to learn how to access our services remotely and contact us with any questions you may have by emailing libris@lists.sfsu.edu.
The due dates for all library items have now been extended until the library building reopens. No items need to be returned and no fines will accrue.
Books can still be returned to exterior book drops, but nothing can be checked in and removed from patron accounts until the library reopens.
If you have questions, pleae contact Circulation: circmail@sfsu.edu
Librarians are here to help by IM chat, text message, email, and Zoom!
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Chat with us: On the Library homepage or https://sfsu.libanswers.com/
- Available Monday through Thursday from10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Available Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Text us: 415-933-0385
- Available Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Available Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Email us: libref@sfsu.edu
- We strive to reply to emails within 24 hours during the Monday through Friday work week.
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Contact your librarian
- Email librarians who are experts in your subject area, or make an appointment for a research consultation in Zoom.
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FAQ
- Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for updated information about specific Library services, spaces, and resources.
You can now request that items from the Library’s collections and/or items at other libraries be mailed to your current address, or you can choose to pick up items at the Ground floor entrance of the J. Paul Leonard Library during our hours of operation. You will receive an email notification once your item is ready to be picked up or mailed. Please note that it may take up to 7 days for items from the Library’s collections to be ready, and it may take 2-3 weeks for items requested via interlibrary services to be ready. If you submit a request for items to be mailed, please allow additional time for shipping.
- If you would like information regarding how to submit a request for an item in the Library’s collections, please click here.
- If you would like information regarding how to submit a request for an item at another library via interlibrary services (CSU+ & ILLiad), please click here.
The Library continues to provide access to thousands of books, journals and journal articles, streaming media, and much more using our online platforms:
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OneSearch: On the Library homepage
- Search for books and e-books, articles, digital media, course reserves, and more.
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Databases
- Find and search more than 200 databases by subject area or department.
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eBooks
- Get information about SF State’s eBook collections, including how to find, read, and use eBooks for your research.
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Kanopy Streaming Media
- Kanopy is a streaming video platform that provides access to movies, documentaries, international cinema, classic cinema, independent films, and educational videos. SF State students, faculty, and staff have access to over 23,000 videos through Kanopy.
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Research Guides
- Explore guides that recommend resources for specific topics or subject areas.
Students may request a loaner laptop from the Library by:
- Email: service@sfsu.edu
- Call: (415) 338-1420
- Indicate you are requesting a “Library Loaner Laptop” and be prepared to provide your Name, SFSU ID, Shipping Address, and Phone Number. Library staff will contact you to arrange the loan and have the laptop shipped.
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Additional Information:
- Both PCs and Macs are available.
- Laptop supply is limited and provided on a first come, first served basis.
- A base install of software MS Office, Web browsers, and graphic software are included and laptops support Zoom video conferencing software.
- Some specialized software may not be available.
- The Library staff can answer any questions about the laptop and software. When emailing include "Library Loaner Laptop" in the subject line, and when calling, ask for a Library Loaner Laptop.
All general laptops will be renewed automatically at the end of the first initial checkout, and they will be renewed until the Library reopens.
Campus Response
Both the recent San Francisco shelter-in-place order and the Governor’s executive order make exceptions for institutions of higher education, and the University will remain open with the support of the minimal number of staff and administrators needed to maintain critical operations.
Protecting the health and safety of our community is SF State’s greatest priority. For those who must come to campus, SF State will continue maintaining social distancing practices, and ensure continuous cleaning and access to hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. For the latest health information and most current SF State updates and information, please refer to our COVID-19 website.
The SF State Bookstore has limited storefront pickup hours. Textbooks, supplies, and apparel can still be ordered online.
For more information, please check the Bookstore’s website.
SF State is canceling all in-person events until further notice.
SF State is a model of a diverse and inclusive university. Across the country and beyond, we have seen an increase in stigmatizing rhetoric and behaviors toward Chinese and Asian American communities, an increase that Professor Russell Jeung, chair of the Asian American Studies Department, has commented on in nationally broadcast interviews. At this time, rather than acting out of fear and ignorance, SF State will respond with compassion, knowledge, and justice. As with all viruses, there are things we can do to protect ourselves and one another. Please respect one another as we protect our collective health and stand in solidarity with those who are ailing and those on the frontlines fighting this illness.
Counseling and Psychologyical Services (CAPS) remains open and operational with adjusted services. In accordance with California laws, we are currently only able to provide remote counseling to students residing in the state of California. If you would like to schedule a phone or video appointment with us, please call CAPS at 415-338-2208 during business hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed noon to 1 p.m.).
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