Student Resources
Assisting SUNY Orange Students with Academics and Student Support from a Distance
As SUNY Orange's response to the COVID pandemic evolves, students are encouraged to stay connected with instructors and learn about available resources and tools in order to successfully navigate your in-person and remote course.
If you have broader questions related to your courses and academic experience you can email questionaboutmyclass@sunyorange.edu.
Chromebook Lending Program
If you would like to apply for the Chromebook lending program, please contact the SUNY Orange Library through your SUNY Orange email to library@sunyorange.edu, by phone: 845-341-4260, or via text: 845-262-2542
Keep in mind, students participating in the lending program will be expected to:
- show their SUNY Orange student identification card, or a copy of their current semester schedule, and
- complete a Chromebook user agreement upon acceptance of their device.
- return the Chromebook at the end of classes.
Center for Student Success Available Online
The Center for Student Success provides tutoring and support resources to all SUNY Orange students! Students have a wide range of online and on campus support options including drop-in, individual, or weekly tutoring that’s available during the day, weekends, and after hours with NetTutor! Our tutors can work with you in subjects such as Math, Biology, English, Chemistry, etc. while also working on study skills, time management, and staying on top of your work. To get started booking your first tutoring session, visit your SUNY Orange TutorTrac profile now or check out this guide.
Visit our website for our current hours of operation and contact information. Or visit us in Middletown or Newburgh, call, email, or live chat with any questions!
Connecting with the Library
Our librarians can help you navigate the library's resources to find reliable information that will assist you in your academic coursework. Please see the following contact points and opportunities within the library:
- Text a librarian: 845-262-2542
- Email a librarian at: library@sunyorange.edu
- Chat online with a Librarian: https://sunyorange.edu/library/using/chat.html
- Search our Library for books and e-books, videos, articles, digital media, and more. https://sunyorange.edu/library/
- Access our Subject Research Guides
Tips for Becoming a Successful Remote Learner
For the resources below, plus additional tips, please go to the Student Success Tab in Blackboard.
Remote Learning or distance learning is the education of students who may not always be physically present on a campus. It involves the exchange of information via technology and tools, may be synchronous (via video conference) or asynchronous via email, Blackboard or shared Google Drive.
Here are some tips for being a successful remote learner:
Set a fixed time to engage in the course work: Being organized and self-disciplined is a necessity. Just as you would normally go to class for a set period of time on a particular day, set that same day/time aside to engage with the course instructor and complete the work assigned.
Do not rush through your work: Take your time. Make sure you understand the information and assignments. Ask questions of instructors and classmates. Be diligent and thoughtful about your submissions.
Take the time to ask questions and engage instructors/classmates: Just because the course is offered over a computer does not mean you are on your own. Ask questions about the content, follow up with discussion posts or email to the class. Utilize the resources provided.
Explore the technology being used and ask for support: It can feel overwhelming to shift gears and learn a new technology, especially if you have a short amount of time to do it. Seek out instructional videos or tutorials made available to you.
Use alarms and calendars to ensure your benchmarks and course milestones are met: Good organizational skills are key to being successful in distance learning courses. Once you receive your syllabus or course plans, record all of the important dates on your calendar.
Social learners engage: Know that you may learn as much about people from the collaboration exercises and projects as you do about the course content or topic itself. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with instructors and classmates via video conference (Zoom or Google Meet) to maintain face to face (live) engagement. Keep the discussion boards lively.
SUPPORT CONTACTS:
Maureen Larsen:
maureenlarsen@sunyorange.edu
Dana Salkowsky:
danasalkowsky@sunyorange.edu
Student Guide to Blackboard
Blackboard is an online learning management system that features course management, customizable content and design that allows for instructor/student exchange of information and assessment.
STUDENTS
- have access to Blackboard for each class in which they are enrolled
- can receive alerts for updates to Blackboard via their SUNYOrange email
A Blackboard Orientation for Students is also available on the Blackboard landing page in MySUNYOrange.
Tech Details
- Blackboard is available on a laptop or desktop via the internet browser.
- Blackboard courses will be available for those classes in which you are enrolled at SUNY Orange.
- The Blackboard App is available on mobile devices (free) ***however there may be some differences in the way content is displayed.
Using Blackboard
- Check with your instructor to determine how they will be utilizing Blackboard to be sure you have the most accurate information about your course(s).
SUPPORT CONTACTS:
Maureen Larsen:
maureenlarsen@sunyorange.edu
Dana Salkowsky:
danasalkowsky@sunyorange.edu
Student Guide to Zoom
ZOOM is an online communications system with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, collaboration, chat, and webinars across mobile devices, desktops and telephones.
STUDENTS
- do not need to have a ZOOM account
- have NO cost associated with using ZOOM (the mobile app is free)
- do not need to schedule a meeting, only join the meeting their instructor has invited them to ZOOM tips for students
Tech Details
- ZOOM is available on a laptop or desktop via the internet browser (Best browsers: Chrome, Firefox, or MicroSoft Edge)
- ZOOM is cloud based but may require you “run” the application on your computer - it is safe and does not require hard drive space
- ZOOM App available for mobile devices (free)
Joining a ZOOM meeting
- Look for email or Blackboard announcement with ZOOM URL link
- Click the link and it will open a new tab in your internet browser
- If you do not have access to a computer or mobile phone you can participate in the meeting from any TELEPHONE via the # provided in the invitation
Participating in a ZOOM meeting
- Click the link to join and wait for your instructor to start the meeting
- Say Hi! Or use the chat to ‘check in’
- MUTE your microphone in case there is background noise
- Keep video on, if available, and participate in the class discussion
Additional resources and tips
- Go to the Student Success Tab in Blackboard for additional resources and tips for using ZOOM for remote classes.
SUPPORT CONTACTS:
Maureen Larsen:
maureenlarsen@sunyorange.edu
Dana Salkowsky:
danasalkowsky@sunyorange.edu
Student Guide to G Suite
G Suite includes SUNY Orange email, Google Drive, Google Apps (meet, classroom, record, etc.). The full suite of Google tools is available for connection, collaboration and the exchange of information.
STUDENTS
- have access to the full Google Suite of tools via their SUNY Orange email
- can collaborate and share documents/assignments with classmates and instructors
Tech Details
- Google mail and drive are accessible on desktop or laptop
- Google Chrome is the recommended browser for optimal functioning
- Chrome can be downloaded and used as default browser
- Google mail and drive Apps available for mobile devices
Using Gmail & Google Drive
- Check with your instructor to determine how they will be utilizing email and Google Drive
- Information can be received and shared with both classmates and instructor
- Assignments may be submitted (talk with your instructor about your specific course instructions for submitting assignments)
- Synchronous meetings can be hosted
Additional resources and tips
- Go to the Student Success Tab in Blackboard for additional resources and tips for using all G Suite and Google tools.
SUPPORT CONTACTS:
Maureen Larsen:
maureenlarsen@sunyorange.edu
Dana Salkowsky:
danasalkowsky@sunyorange.edu
Technical Support
The College’s Information Technology Services Help Desk phone number is (845) 341-4749. It is staffed to assist students with logins, access to resources and other technical needs. For our hours of operation, self-help articles, and answers to common questions, please visit: https://itservice.sunyorange.edu
Students seeking technical support for Blackboard should call the SUNY Online Help Desk at 1-844-673-6786 or email maureen.larsen@sunyorange.edu.
Emergency Resources for those in Need
Our Food Pantry is currently closed but we can offer students Shop Right gift cards. Contact Madeline Torres-Diaz by phone (341- 4407) or email for assistance.
Student Emergency Fund
- Don't let a financial emergency derail your academic plans. Grant funding is available to help you through an unforeseen crisis. It may provide the support you need to stay in school.
- WHAT kinds of emergencies are considered? Homelessness or threat of eviction; a medical or dental emergency; domestic violence; theft; and disruptions to transportation or child care are some examples of emergency situations the Committee will consider.
- WHO is eligible to apply? A SUNY Orange student enrolled in a degree program, registered at least half-time (6 credits), and in good academic standing (GPA 2.0 or above) may apply.
- HOW does a student apply? Complete the application at sef.suny.edu.
Bookstore Support
The SUNY Orange campus bookstores are open for business this semester. Check the bookstores website for hours and available services.
- AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM (internaet access)