Student Support Resources
Your success is the number one priority at UWF! Here are just a few of the many student support resources that can help you succeed.
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Student Accessibility Resources
The University of West Florida supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as time-limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged. Prior to receiving accommodations, you must register with Student Accessibility Resources and submit a semester request each semester. Appropriate academic accommodations will be determined based on the documented needs of the individual. For information regarding the registration process, visit the SAR website, e-mail sar@uwf.edu or call 850.474.2387.
Military & Veterans Resource Center
The UWF Military & Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) serves as a leading campus advocate for military and veteran students, working to ensure the needs of these individuals are met through coordinating with multiple university offices and services. The center provides assistance with the following: GI Bill ® education benefits, active duty tuition assistance, out-of-state fee waiver, tutoring, paper reading, counseling, disability accommodations, coordinating academic advising, and referral to state /federal resources and services. The MVRC is located in bldg. 38. For more information on MVRC service, call 474-2550.
Mental Health Support
At the University of West Florida, we recognize that to learn, thrive, and flourish; you may need a little assistance. Please take advantage of the free resources online or on campus.
- For health concerns, contact Student Health Services at (850) 474-2172.
- For mental health or substance use concerns, contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 850-474-2420.
- For 24/7 crisis counseling, call 850-474-2420 and press option 6.
Therapy Assistance Online (TAO)
All students are encouraged to utilize Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) to strengthen skills to cope with anxiety, depression, stress management, and more. TAO is an interactive web-based self-help program that is available 24/7. Access TAO anonymously at uwf.edu/tao.
TogetherAll
If you feel like you need somewhere to talk anonymously to others who can support you, peer support is available to all students 24/7 via TogetherAll. TogetherAll is an online community where members are anonymous and can share how they are feeling and support each other. It is an asynchronous program where you can respond to others’ posts and you can also share your own posts if you would like. Learn more and join TogetherAll at uwf.edu/togetherall
ArgoWell
Mental Health is one aspect of holistic health, which encompasses all of the eight wellness dimensions. The eight dimensions do not have to be equally balanced. Instead, you should strive to achieve your own authentic personal harmony. You have unique goals, priorities, and aspirations. You determine how to live your best life. ArgoWell is a UWF campus-wide initiative that brings student wellness to the forefront. Learn how ArgoWell can help you make the healthy choice the easy choice and support you in your wellness journey at uwf.edu/argowell.
Ask-a-Librarian
UWF Library staff are available for help through our Ask-a-Librarian Live Chat monitored from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, and 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday. You can also email a librarian using the left-hand navigation in Canvas under Help or Library Tools or text a librarian at 850-483-0225.
Emergency Information
In the case of severe weather or another emergency, the campus might be closed and classes canceled. UWF uses a variety of communication methods to alert the campus community about emergency situations and safety threats. Learn more about Emergency Communications from the UWF Police.
Official closures and delays are announced on the UWF website, Mobile Alert, and broadcast on WUWF-FM (88.1MHz).
- Mobile Alert is a broadcasting messaging system utilized by the university in emergency situations. To find more information regarding Mobile Alert, visit the Enroll in Mobile Alert page or locate the application in MyUWF by searching Mobile Alert.
- WUWF-FM (88.1MHz) is the official information source for the University. Any pertinent information regarding closings, cancellations, and the re-opening of campus will be broadcast.
In the event that hurricane preparation procedures are initiated, the UWF Home Web Page and MyUWF will both provide current information regarding hurricane preparation procedures, the status of classes, and the closing of the University. All students are encouraged to review the Emergency Procedures Guide from UWF Police as a quick reference for effective and timely action in the event of an emergency.
Writing Lab
The Writing Lab can help with the projects in this course. Graduate and undergraduate Writing Lab assistants are available to review the mechanics of writing with you and help you upgrade the quality of your papers before you submit assignments.
Paper reading services are offered online and face-to-face either by appointment (through Navigate or 850-474-2229) or as walk-ins at the Main Lab (51/157) and at the satellite Writing Lab at CoB. These services include face-to-face and online Interactive paper reading sessions and paper reading via the OWL/Online Writing Lab that allows students to place their to-be-edited papers in the Canvas dropbox.
Paper reading services, along with one-on-one and interactive group tutoring, Editing Workshops, the Grammar Hotline (850-474-2129), and Real-Time Writing Assistance, are available during the Writing Lab's regular hours of operation from 10 to 5 daily and occasional weekends.
Visit our webpage at www.uwf.edu/writelab, or email us at writelab@uwf.edu
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Tutoring and Learning Resources
Tutoring and Learning Resources offers free services designed to help you improve your academic performance. Available services include Course-Based Tutoring, Study Skills Assistance, Academic Coaching, Academic Success Workshops, Smartpen Loans, and more. Services are available in Building 52 and the 2nd Floor of Pace Library. For more information, visit www.uwf.edu/tlr, email tutoring@uwf.edu, or call (850) 474-3176.
Instructional Tools and Technology
Many instructors use instructional tools and technology regardless of course modality. Here are statements about a few of the most popular tools students may be asked to use.
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Minimum Technical Skills Needed
The University of West Florida prepares students for success by ensuring they have the essential technology skills and access needed for academic, professional, and personal development.
This page outlines the basic technical skills, minimum technology requirements, recommended additional software, and important accessibility and privacy information for students enrolled at UWF.
Minimum Technical Skills
All UWF students are expected to:
Activate and access their ArgoNet account
Log in to the MyUWF portal at least 2–3 times per week
Check their UWF Gmail account at least 2–3 times per week
Demonstrate basic word-processing skills (e.g., formatting a document, saving/uploading files)
Online and hybrid students should also be able to:
Navigate the web using a browser
Download files from the web
Upload and attach files to send to others
Additional technical skills and technology requirements may vary by college, department, and course. Student use of UWF information technology resources is governed by the Computing Resources Usage Agreement and the Student Communications Policy.
Visit the Minimum Technical Skills and Special Technology Utilized by Students to learn more about additional technology requirements for fully online or hybrid courses, general web browser requirements, supported operating systems, additional software you may need, and accessibility and privacy statements for approved UWF technology tools.
Technical Support
ITS offers support to online students via phone (850.474.2075), online request form, and through email (helpdesk@uwf.edu) for non-Canvas (eLearning) questions or problems. Visit the Help Desk website to learn more about their resources and services.
Helpful support links
- New to UWF?
- Computer Specifications for eLearning (Canvas)
- MyUWF & ArgoNet
- Computer Security
- Files Storage
- Google Apps
- Internet Access
- Software
- Student Guide (helpful links to various technology support topics organized by tool)
Instructors may also use third party learning tools from other vendors, like Pearson. Your instructor should be able to provide information about customer support for those tools separately.
eLearning (Canvas)
UWF's online courses are made available through eLearning, which is hosted by Canvas, one of the leaders in online learning. eLearning is widely used by UWF instructors for fully online courses and to supplement traditional courses with online content. Visit the eLearning Help for Students page to get started and find support for Canvas. Canvas Support is available 24/7 at the Canvas Support Hotline for Students: 1-844-866-3349.
Zoom
Zoom is a cloud-based software that allows your instructor to moderate an online meeting with students.
Learn more about using Zoom as a student.
Test Proctoring & Monitoring Tools
Your instructor may require any one or more of the following proctoring or monitoring tools to maintain the academic integrity of your exams.
Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor
Respondus LockDown Browser is a client-based application that "locks down" a computer or device during an online exam delivered on a third-party assessment platform, such as a Learning Management System (LMS). Privacy information for Respondus LockDown Browser.
Respondus Monitor is a companion product for LockDown Browser that enables students to record themselves with a webcam and microphone during an online exam.
The webcam can be built into your computer or connected to it with a USB cable. Watch this short video for a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature.
Recordings and other data from the exam session are processed automatically; summary information is provided to the instructor, such as if the student left the video frame during the exam session. Privacy information for Respondus Monitor.
Follow this link for more instructions for downloading and installing LockDown Browser.
Honorlock
ProctorU
ProctorU is an online proctoring service that allows students to take exams online while ensuring the integrity of the exam for the institution. This service enables remote proctors employed by ProctorU to view your personal computer’s screen, webcam, and audio for academic integrity.
There is a cost for this service. Exam fees range from $17.50 to $40, depending on the length of the exam. Students who wait until the last minute to reserve their exam time will be assessed an additional late fee, “Take it Soon” incurs an additional fee of $5 (72 hours to 24 hours ahead of appointment), or “Take it Now” that incurs an additional $8 fee (less than 24 hours ahead of appointment). UWF does not receive any portion of this cost. Refunds are given if the exam is canceled within 48 hours before the scheduled exam time.
What to Expect
The Test-Taker Knowledge Base contains articles that answer important questions, such as how to schedule exams, what you need to take an exam, how to resolve technical issues, and more. The articles walk you through an exam session from beginning to end, including information about where and how you can test. Read each section thoroughly before taking an exam. If you need more assistance, visit Contact Support Team to send a message or use the ProctorU Chat Support resource.
The Guardian Exam Browser
The Guardian browser is now required for all ProctorU test-takers. Guardian is a lockable browser for ProctorU sessions that streamlines exam launch and provides a more secure and user-friendly student experience. Test takers will download the browser as part of their exam preparation, and the software can be removed when not in use. During the exam session, Guardian monitors the student’s computer for potential breaches during the exam, such as the use of hotkeys, copy/paste, and hardware detection. For more information on using this software, visit ProctorU’s Guardian Secure Proctoring Browser Resources.
Resources
For more information about ProctorU, visit the following links:
Please contact Salina Randall srandall@uwf.edu to request additional statements or updates.
Last updated August 15, 2022