Key tree seal in green

Preparations and Support for Remote Learning

Dear AULA Students,

In the past few days, I have heard from many of you, and I am moved by the collective capacity of our community to face the intensity of change and disruption with grace, and equanimity. Thank you, all, for that example of Antiochian spirit.

Please know that the AULA faculty and staff have found inspiration in this historic moment, and we are fully committed to creating a stimulating and rewarding learning environment and to supporting your path forward toward your professional and personal goals.

I want to share with you some of our current support services and preparations for remote instruction.  For quarter programs, the remote instruction begins April 6th and of course semester programs are already engaged in remote instruction.

Much of what you will need to know can be found in the Student Handbook which has recently been updated for remote learning. The handbook includes a list of emails for you to contact your academic program, support services, and resources for using the tools you will need to succeed in a virtual learning environment. In order to access to the handbook on google docs, you must have an email address through Antioch (ending in @antioch.edu ). The handbook will be regularly updated with current information.

Click here to access the handbook: Student Handbook – Remote

Here are some of the first things you probably want to know:

How to Reach Us

First, please be assured that your program faculty and staff, along with all support offices, remain available to you via email.

We have also established a Campus Services Center (CSC) Virtual Front Desk as a first, virtual, stop if you require assistance in finding a particular individual or office. Over the quarter break, we will expand the functions of the CSC Virtual Front Desk, and we will soon communicate more about how to use the desk to get in touch with faculty and staff.

The CSC Virtual Front Desk will be available beginning Monday, March 23, and it’s hours of operation are:

  • 8 am-10 pm M-F
  • 8 am-6 pm Sa-Su

Please check your antioch e-mail for the link to enter the CSC Virtual Front Desk room

Tools for Remote Learning

Instruction in your courses will primarily take place through the Zoom web conferencing platform, with support from Sakai, our online Learning Management System. In general, what would take place in the physical classroom will take place on Zoom. Any materials that would have been distributed at class meetings will be uploaded to Sakai for your access. Sakai will also enable you to submit assignments and receive feedback from your instructors.

All students will have a Zoom License account. You will receive instructions on how to set up your Zoom License account in the next 3-5 days, along with instructions and tutorials about how to establish your account and begin to use the platform.

Once you have your accounts, I recommend you begin to explore the features of the two platforms, especially Zoom. You will likely find that Zoom can prove helpful for staying connected to your classmates and professors before the instruction period begins.

To begin using Zoom, you may want to watch the following introductory tutorials:

Our Academic Technology Department recommends several other tutorials, including:

Finally, if you need the basics in a hurry, please refer to our Emergency Remote Learning Guide

Academic Support
Teaching and Learning Center

We have an outstanding and experienced group of tutors to provide learning support in writing, math, and computing. Beginning April 6th, those of you who want to work with our tutoring staff—writing specialists as well as our math & computer skills specialist—will be able to do so via Zoom platform or over the phone, depending on your preference. By April 1st scheduled hours for Spring will be posted on the AULA website. If you need assistance before then, please contact the TLC at [email protected] and they will connect you with a tutor as soon as possible.

Library Services

The Library is a central feature of the AULA campus. It is a welcoming and visually appealing area, and yet perhaps its great value is the online database resources and other virtual services it provides 24/7. These online resources include eBooks, scholarly articles, and streaming media. Here are some helpful links to connect you to these resources:

You also have the option to visit the library’s AskTheLibrary site where you can submit a question, text a librarian, chat online with a librarian, or read the library’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

If you have further questions about these resources or need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to AULA Librarians Lisa Lepore and Asa Wilder. They are ready to work with you online via Zoom, chat, phone, whatever works best.

I will be sending out additional information as needed to each of you and/or to specific individuals and groups. Your programs will also be in contact with you. In the meantime, if you have questions, contact your program or feel free to drop an email to me directly. I know I speak on behalf of the entire AULA faculty and staff when I say we look forward to working with you and seeing you in Zoom in the very near future. We want you to succeed and to move forward, especially in challenging times, and we are committed to supporting you in that endeavor.

Sincerely,

Mark Hower, PhD
Provost, AULA