Resources for Studying Remotely - Students
UTRGV Information Technology provides online resources as part of UTRGV's business continuity plan to support learning, teaching, and working remotely. Students may need to complete the following tasks to prepare for remote studies.
Personal Computer and Mobile Devices
What will I need?- Enroll in Microsoft Multifactor Authenticator (MFA)
- MFA is required to access many UTRGV resources such as ASSIST for registration and your email account through Microsoft Office 365 from off-campus.
- Some resources may require a VPN connection, such as certain research servers.
- Install Software Updates
- Be sure to apply the latest updates to operating systems, software, and antivirus/security applications.
- Install Software / Applications
- Be sure that all the software and applications you need are installed on your devices.
- Microsoft Office 365 Applications - Follow these installation instructions.
- Zoom - Available from the App Store on your mobile device.
- Move Files Online – We highly recommend using Microsoft OneDrive to access your files from any computer with a network connection.
- Test Audio / Visual Equipment
- Conduct a remote test to ensure that your internet, webcam, speakers, and microphone are working properly and you can connect to UTRGV resources. When participating in Microsoft Teams or Zoom meetings, if you do not have a microphone, call in using the conference call number provided in the meeting notice. You can also host or join a Meeting using your mobile phone using the camera and headphones.
- Set Up Email
- Access email through Microsoft Outlook on a computer with Office 365 installed.
- Access email through my.utrgv.edu. Click Office 365 under Applications, then Outlook.
- Add your UTRGV account to a mobile device, review the Mobile Device and Email Access Policies (ActiveSync and Two-Factor Authentication), then add your UTRGV account to an Android Mobile Phone or iPhone/iPad.
UTRGV Online Resources
Communication and Video Conferencing Resources
- Email (Microsoft Outlook Web Access through MyUTRGV portal)
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom - Get Started
Collaboration and Storage Resources
- Microsoft Office 365 Apps
- Microsoft Teams
- How-To Move Files to Microsoft OneDrive
- Zoom - Get Started
- Microsoft Office
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Available in the campus computer labs)
Research Resources
UTRGV Campus WiFi and Computer Labs
The UTRGV campus WiFi (eduroam) is accessible from all locations including:
- Computer Labs
- All Building Lobbies
- Academic Services Building (EACSB - Edinburg)
- UTRGV University Library (Brownsville, Edinburg, and Harlingen)
- Edinburg Parking Lots: E3, E6, E9, E12, E14, and E16. See Edinburg map
- Brownsville Parking Lot B1, which surrounds the BINAB building. See Brownsville map
IT Computer Labs are available to provide computer and internet access to students who do not have access at home to technology resources.
Virtual Labs are available 24/7. Log in using your UTRGV email address and password.
Work from Home Tips and Etiquette
- Find an Area Where You Will Have Minimal Distractions
- If you have a study area, this is probably ideal, but make sure family members know you Are "in class or studying" and not available for random tasks.
- If you do not have a study area, find a quiet area (e.g., a bedroom may be a good choice).
- Think out of the box. A laptop and a chair on the front or back porch may be the quietest spot around.
- Set a Schedule. Get up at a regular time; take a lunch break at a regular time; wrap up your school day when classwork or assignments are completed for the day.
- Do Not Sit in One Position for More Than 30 Minutes. At the very least, stand up and stretch or walk around the room.
- Stay Connected. You have several methods of communication available to you, (e.g., chat, email, text messages, etc.). Make it a habit of regularly checking each or you might miss valuable information. It is easy to become absorbed with schoolwork or tasks and forget to check-in. Remote learning may require that you be more disciplined in breaking away from immersive schoolwork to communicate with or respond to others.
- Never Underestimate the Value of Talking on the Phone. It may be old-fashioned, but one 10-minute phone call can easily replace 30 minutes of chat or text messaging.
Source: Educause Email 2020
Virtual Class Meeting Guidelines
- Mute or disable video and microphone if not needed.
- Assume you are always on camera and that you are always audible.
- Avoid distracting side conversations if you are physically next to someone.
- Politely wait your turn to talk. If you are talking, pause to let others ask questions or seek clarification.
- Advise your family members not to wander through; some home attire may not be appropriate for on-camera meetings.
- Prepare notes on what you want to say before, during, and after a meeting starts.
- Do not ramble on. Be concise.
Source: Educause Email 2020
Training and Additional Technology Assistance
For additional assistance, search the client portal of the IT Support Center.
