COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING STUDENTS
In these challenging times, we know it can be difficult to navigate through school now that instruction has temporarily transitioned to an online-only system. But help is just a click or phone call away. Below is a list of useful resources to help you stay on track.
The University of Utah has a central resource with answers to pressing questions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Included is up-to-date information about its impact on campus, guidelines for physical distancing, health tips, telecommuting resources and more. It is updated frequently.
Your academic advisor is an excellent resource in navigating the various policies and resources that are available to you during this unprecedented time. If you have any issues or concerns, or want to just discuss next semester’s class schedule, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your advisor.
Student Success Advocates are also well-connected in the campus community and can assist in finding you support on campus. Our advocates are available 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays via text, phone, email or video chat. Also, the SSA Tools for Success page is loaded with hints for transitioning to online learning, staying healthy and connecting with others while socially distancing.
All College of Engineering buildings are locked 24/7 and only accessible by approved UCard access.
Study rooms and desks are temporarily closed to all students. We encourage you to virtually connect with group members.
Students can continue to pick up required lab kits for their courses and should receive instructions from the faculty member, teaching assistant, or lab manager on the procedure for picking up material. Students should not remain in the building after receiving lab kits.
The U has temporarily restricted all undergraduate researchers in laboratories at this time. Almost all research labs have been temporarily closed with only a few “essential” labs approved to remain open. Faculty have been notified of the restrictions and have been asked to communicate with graduate students regarding closures.
Buildings will remain locked through May 1, 2020, possibly longer.
The only essential engineering student teaching lab approved to remain open is the Engman Computing Lab located in L210 WEB. This lab will remain open for any student who requires access to specialized software, computer access, or internet access needed to complete on-line courses. Students will be required to practice physical distancing in the lab of at least six feet. The computers are being cleaned multiple times a day. Students who do not currently have building access and need to access the Engman lab can submit a request for access by clicking here.
The Marriott Library is also renting out laptops. University of Utah students who need a laptop sent to them should email uofuunionservicesdesk@gmail.com with their name, UNID and mailing address. A laptop will be mailed out within two business days as long as supplies last.
The Department of Public Safety remains active on campus to assist faculty, students, and staff. For a list of their resources, please click here.
University Office of Scholarships Financial Aid and ASUU – Both have potential emergency funds available for students.
Emergency Funds Application – Students can apply for emergency grants based upon need and available funding. If you are facing financial difficulties during this time, please submit an application.
The College of Engineering – The College of Engineering has options for those students who need emergency funds.
Feed U Pantry – The Feed U Pantry will provide curbside pickup of to-go bags at the east entrance of the Union building on Mondays and Thursdays from 12-3 pm. Place an order for to-go bags.
If you have concerns about your University of Utah financial aid and/or scholarships being impacted this semester either because of grades or due to the CR/NC option, please contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Engineering Credit/Non-Credit – Students who apply for merit scholarships award through the College of Engineering in the future will be able to provide an explanation for why they opted to take the course CR/NC for spring semester 2020. If the justification is determined to be satisfactory by the scholarship committee, the CR grade will be ignored in the evaluation. Otherwise, it will be evaluated as a C-.
Please note, your department also awards scholarships. Please consult your academic advisor to determine how CR/NC will be reviewed for departments scholarships.
Xfinity – Xfinity is offering an internet essentials package for free. To sign up for a free internet essentials package for 60 days, applicants can simply visit www.internetessentials.com. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. There are also two dedicated phone numbers 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
Spectrum – Spectrum is offering free internet access for students. Beginning March 16, Spectrum is offering free internet for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who don’t already have a Spectrum subscription. To enroll, call 1-844-488-8395.
AT&T – AT&T COVID-19 response. AT&T will offer open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low-income families.
Verizon – Verizon does have special offers, but is following the FCC agreement.
Sprint – Sprint is following the FCC agreement, providing unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
T-Mobile – T-Mobile is following the FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
University Counseling Center – The counseling center has shifted entirely to digital. They are offering all of the same services over the phone and secure video counseling, including regular counseling, crisis services and various workshops.
Intermountain Healthcare Emotional Relief Hotline – Open 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
University Neuropsychiatric Institute (801-587-1055) – This line is for Salt Lake County residents who are not in crisis but seeking support, engagement or encouragement. Certified peer specialists offer support and empower callers to resolve problems by fostering a sense of hope, dignity, and self-respect. Callers may speak with peer specialists daily from 8 am to 11 pm.
University Neuropsychiatric Institute Crisis Line (801-587-3000) – Services are available 24/7 both locally and statewide as the Utah affiliate for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). Our licensed clinicians provide: prompt and compassionate crisis intervention, suicide prevention, information and referrals, follow-up services, emotional support, and assistance to individuals experiencing emotional distress or psychiatric crisis.
Open Path Psychotherapy Collective – Optum is opening its Emotional-Support Help Line, providing access to specially trained mental health specialists to support people who may be experiencing anxiety or stress following the recent developments around COVID-19. Optum’s toll-free help line number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge and open to anyone. Access to mental health services for those who are uninsured.
Veterans Crisis Line (800-273-8255) – Call or text a message to 838255 to connect with a responder. Operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, these services aid veterans and their families who may be in crisis by connecting them with VA responders.
University Counseling Center – The counseling center has shifted entirely to digital. They are offering all of the same services over the phone and secure video counseling, including regular counseling, crisis services and various workshops.
Student Health Center – Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 801-581-6431 if you are experiencing symptoms such as high fever, cough or shortness of breath.
Victim-Survivor Advocacy – The Student Wellness Center provides free, confidential and trauma-informed support services to students, faculty and staff who have experienced interpersonal violence (i.e. domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and rape, sexual harassment, stalking, etc.),
Since the University announced the Credit or Non-Credit (CR/NC, pass or fail) option in mid-March, the Pre-Professional Advising Office has compiled a list of options for those students planning to apply for professional programs. Click here for more information.
Online courses which occur during the spring and summer semesters can count toward your requirements to gain residency status for tuition purpose. Click here for the most up-to-date information.
For tutoring related to one of your major related courses, please contact your academic advisor or speak to your course instructor.
Math Center – The T. Benny Rushing Mathematics Student Center is closed to in-person tutoring, but they are available online.
eTutoring – eTutoring is still available for online appointments.
University Writing Center – Tutoring services include both asynchronous tutoring via eTutoring and live tutoring via web conferencing for both undergraduate and graduate students.