Student Resources for Remote Learning

Free Meditation Apps for Students

HEADSPACE

Designed to help you train your mind and body for a healthier, happier life and get the most out of your day, Headspace can be used anywhere. The free version of the app includes meditations and exercises led by Headspace co-founder Andy Puddicombe that will teach you the essentials of meditation and mindfulness. 

Named an ‘Independent Best Buy’ and featured on The Ellen Show and The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, a recent Headspace user review states: “After a few days with guided meditations I could really notice a difference in my way of handling stressful moments.”

Available for download on Android and iOS

 

CALM

Described by a user as “a truly life-changing app”, Calm is the perfect meditation app for beginners (there’s a seven-day beginner’s programme to get you started) but also includes programmes for more advanced users.

The short, guided meditation sessions cover the basics of mindfulness and there’s also a library of soothing nature sounds and scenes to use at your leisure. One great feature if you’re looking to improve your sleeping patterns is the ‘Sleep Stories’ – bedtime stories for adults ‘guaranteed to lull you to sleep’. 

Available for download on Android and iOS

 

AURA

If you’re after a personalised meditation experience, Aura could be the app for you. Described as a ‘new kind of mindfulness app’, Aura learns about you by asking questions. You then receive a daily three-minute mindfulness meditation based on your answers.

Compatible with the Apple Watch and loved by Apple (#1 New Apps We Love), Aura is designed to help you control your stress and thoughts better to reduce stress and increase positivity. A recent user review said: “It helps me take a step back from my busy schedule and to calm my nerves.”

Available for download on Android and iOS

STOP, BREATHE & THINK

Another app offering a personalised meditation and mindfulness experience is Stop, Breathe & Think. According to Cosmopolitan, this app has ‘stand out’ customisation tools that deliver meditations based on your current emotions and feelings. 

A recent study saw a 22% decrease in users feeling anxious after just 10 short sessions. Winner of the 2017 Webby People’s Voice Award for Best Health App, a current app user described Stop, Breathe & Think as a “great app to begin a new meditation practice or strengthen an existing one.”

Available for download on Android and iOS

INSIGHT TIMER

Described by the Independent as “a social network for meditators”, Insight Timer lets you share and discuss your mindfulness experience with like-minded people around the globe. Community groups include Beginners, Transcendental Meditation and much more, plus there’s a packed library of guided meditations led by the world’s top mindfulness experts and meditation teachers.

Winner of TIME magazine’s Apps of the Year, a recent user had this to say: “Fantastic app! Helped me get back on track with meditation. Huge variety of meditations, talks & support.” 

Available for download on Android and iOS

Career Exploration  & Success- VIRTUAL RESOURCES

Our virtual front desk will be available during the fall semester, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00 – 6:00 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 – 4:00 pm. Feel free to reach us by email as well at careers@echo.rutgers.edu.

Click HERE for more information and updates from Rutgers Career Services

Technology Resources for Students

The following webpage outlines technology resources for Rutgers students, including information about videoconferencing, learning management systems, and getting help with technology services and systems.

Important: Be familiar with the most up-to-date COVID-19 information being provided by the university, as well as guidance from your school or unit. View the latest Rutgers announcements.

Updates from Professors/Instructors: Check Email and Learning Management Systems

Early and frequent communication by Rutgers instructors and professors is being encouraged to keep students informed. Rutgers instructors and professors have been asked to reach out to students via the appropriate learning management systems (Blackboard, Canvas, and Sakai) or via email.

  • Individual instructors at Rutgers–New Brunswick, Rutgers–Newark, and Rutgers–Camden are expected to be in contact with their students regarding plans for remote instruction prior to March 23.

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Check the LMS in use for your courses for readings, assignments, videos, etc., provided by the instructor or professor:

Videoconferencing

Videoconferencing software may be used by your professors for class meetings and other instructional needs.

In some cases, professors will use the live, synchronous videoconferencing software available from within a learning management system—Blackboard Collaborate or BigBlueButton, depending on the LMS you’re using.

Professors might also use the following videoconferencing options, which are supported by the university and available for free to students:

Free Internet Access for Students

A number of providers of internet access have committed to providing access to students via the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. The arrangements vary among providers so check these webpages for the details:

Getting Help

To seek assistance with technology issues and problems, reach out to the Office of Information Technology Help Desk.

Computer Labs

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) Computer Labs have revised hours during the current situation. View the announcement about revised hours for the OIT Computer Labs.

Microsoft Office

Rutgers students are able to install Microsoft Office on home machines for free. Learn more and download Office by following the instructions available at the Rutgers Information Technology website.

 Software

The University Software Portal features software from major vendors, including Adobe, IBM/SPSS, Microsoft, Qualtrics, SAS, and more. In addition, OIT has worked with vendors to get students the software they need to work effectively from home. View a list of products that are newly available for free or have temporary free licenses.

 LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) features thousands of video tutorials and training resources about business, technology, and creative skills. Access is free to Rutgers students.

Questions?

Do you have questions not addressed by this webpage? Please reach out to help@oit.rutgers.edu.

Student Resources for Online Learning from the Office of Disability Resources 

https://ods.rutgers.edu/student_online_resources

Here are two pages with information about managing your accommodations in an online environment:

Here are resources from other departments at Rutgers to assist with online learning:

We will continue to update this list as we find new resources.

Updated 7/24/2020 10:30 am

Enroll in Tutoring – The Writing Center

Digital Writing Center 

This fall, Rutgers has decided to hold most classes remotely. As a result, the Writing Centers will also host all tutoring sessions online through our Digital Writing Center. We have worked hard to build a Canvas site that is both comprehensive and easy to use, a one-stop-shop for all your tutoring needs. This system supports students during periods of remote instruction, but will continue even when face-to-face meetings are offered. All tutoring sessions are synchronous and held via Zoom.

How to Enroll 

Fall 2020

Online tutoring is available on a rolling basis to any undergraduate student enrolled in a Writing Program class. Our primary goal is to provide engaged tutoring that will move students towards independent reading, writing, and thinking. Students work closely with the same tutor for one 80-minute session per week for up to ten weeks. After the first five weeks, a student is eligible for 1.5 E credits (P/F), and may then choose to continue or cancel their remaining appointments. Tutoring begins on Monday, September 21 and ends on Friday, December 4. We offer morning, afternoon, and evening sessions to ensure easy access for all university students. We do not offer walk-in tutoring at this time.

Rutgers Learning Center – Remote Instruction

https://rlc.rutgers.edu/remote_instruction

The University has moved to primarily remote instruction for Fall 2020. During this time, the Learning Centers will be offering services remotely. Our staff remain dedicated to students’ success and are still here to support you.

Please do not hesitate to call (848) 932-0561 or send an email using our contact form.

We have created a self-paced learning module called How to Succeed in Online Courses to help you learn effectively in the virtual classroom environment and earn your online learning badge.

Accessing Tutoring, Academic Coaching, & Writing Support Online

The Learning Centers partner with the scheduling system Penji to provide a simple mobile experience for connecting with tutors, academic coaches, and writing coaches.

  • Create a Penji account using your Rutgers email to get started.
  • Download Penji on iOS and Android to use on your mobile phone, or
  • Use the web version to access these services. You will need a tablet or computer, preferably with a microphone and camera.

Joining Online Study Groups

To register for an online study group, please click here to go to the Learning Centers Study Group Registration website.Students must be enrolled in a course in order to join the study group if it is offered. 

Once registered, study group participants will use Penji to attend the online sessions, so please read the instructions above on how to create a Penji account.

Questions? Please email the LA Program staff at learningassistants@echo.rutgers.edu.

Student Affairs Operations and Services Status for Dining Services, Office of VPVA, Residence Life, Rutgers Food Pantry, Student Health, etc: 

http://studentaffairs.rutgers.edu/division-operating-status/

University Operations FAQs

https://coronavirus.rutgers.edu/faqs/

How can I reach the Financial Aid Office: 

Students may contact a Student Services Adviser using the following contact form:

Students may also call Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:

  • Financial Aid: 848-932-7057

Is the Cashier Office open in New Brunswick?

The New Brunswick Cashier office is closed for in-person payments. Students can make payments online at paymybill.rutgers.edu or mail payments to: Rutgers University Student Accounting Services, PO Box 2021, New Brunswick, NJ 08903-2021.

Are Rutgers buses running?

Bus service will be available on a reduced schedule. Buses are currently running on a modified spring break schedule. Check Transportation Services for updates.

For campus info:

Rutgers University–New Brunswick