Frequently Asked Questions for Online Classes and College Operations During COVID-19

We're hearing lots of questions from our students. Below, we have tried to address many of the questions that we are frequently hearing. *Last Updated on August 11, 2020

THE COLLEGE

Will all courses be online for Summer 2020? What about Fall 2020?
The College has recently made the decision to transition most course offerings for Summer 2020 online. For most courses, all instructional contact will be delivered remotely. However, for certain lab courses that require students to physically attend class, there may be unique requirements to fulfill the lab portion of the course. 

Certain lab courses that require students to physically attend class will begin on their currently scheduled summer term dates. These lab courses will begin with online content. Beginning on June 15, the in-person content for these labs will start on our campuses. Students will be afforded significant flexibility for the in-person lab sessions. Additionally, we will be following safety protocols and directives from the Centers for Disease Control, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the Governor’s office during the lab sessions. Lab sessions will be very small to allow for strict social distancing and students will be required to wear personal protective devices such as masks and/or gloves.

Fall 2020 Courses

To view a list of courses for Fall 2020, which includes the method of instruction, dates, times, and the term offered please click here.

Will York Tech campuses be open or closed during the Summer 2020 term?
We know this is a confusing time and are committed to ensuring your safety while providing quality educational services! Per Governor McMaster’s orders, York Technical College campuses are closed to visitors until May 1. However, our academic, enrollment, student support and business operations are currently being performed remotely.  
 
No decision has been made regarding the opening of our physical campuses after May 1. Please watch our website for new information and details. Once the campuses re-open, we will provide both remote and in-person student services so that you may choose the option best for you.   

For most Summer courses, all instructional contact will be delivered remotely. However, for certain lab courses that require students to physically attend class, there may be unique requirements to fulfill the lab portion of the course. Certain lab courses that require students to physically attend class will begin on their currently scheduled summer term dates. These lab courses will begin with online content. Beginning on June 15, the in-person content for these labs will start on our campuses. Students will be afforded significant flexibility for the in-person lab sessions. Additionally, we will be following safety protocols and directives from the Centers for Disease Control, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the Governor’s office during the lab sessions. Lab sessions will be very small to allow for strict social distancing and students will be required to wear personal protective devices such as masks and/or gloves.

Do I need to adjust my summer schedule?
No. You do not need to change your registration. Where appropriate, courses will be automatically adjusted to online.

For most Summer courses, all instructional contact will be delivered remotely. However, for certain lab courses that require students to physically attend class, there may be unique requirements to fulfill the lab portion of the course. Certain lab courses that require students to physically attend class will begin on their currently scheduled summer term dates. These lab courses will begin with online content. Beginning on June 15, the in-person content for these labs will start on our campuses. Students will be afforded significant flexibility for the in-person lab sessions. Additionally, we will be following safety protocols and directives from the Centers for Disease Control, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the Governor’s office during the lab sessions. Lab sessions will be very small to allow for strict social distancing and students will be required to wear personal protective devices such as masks and/or gloves.

The faculty members for those lab classes that require some in-person attendance will be in touch with more details and information.

ACADEMICS

Will the summer term start and end dates remain the same?
In most cases, yes. For those lab courses that require some in-person attendance, courses will begin on their regularly scheduled summer term dates. Beginning on June 15, the in-person content for these labs will start on our campuses.

What about labs and lab classes?
The College will be offering most lab courses online for Summer 2020. We have implemented a variety of alternative mechanisms to offer labs virtually and remotely. All of our science labs are 100% online for Summer 2020 and we have developed unique and creative ways to offer clinical simulations and other experiences for applicable health programs.

We continue to evaluate work experience for lab credit in select cases.

However, for certain lab courses that require students to physically attend class, there may be unique requirements to fulfill the lab portion of the course. Certain lab courses that require students to physically attend class will begin on their currently scheduled summer term dates. These lab courses will begin with online content. Beginning on June 15, the in-person content for these labs will start on our campuses. Students will be afforded significant flexibility for the in-person lab sessions. Additionally, we will be following safety protocols and directives from the Centers for Disease Control, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the Governor’s office during the lab sessions. Lab sessions will be very small to allow for strict social distancing and students will be required to wear personal protective devices such as masks and/or gloves.

What if I have to make up a lab course from Spring 2020?
The make-up sessions for labs that we were unable to complete during the Spring semester will begin on June 15. Given this challenging situation, you will have flexibility for days and times to make up your labs. Please don’t worry – we are here for you. Your course instructor will be in touch with details

What about students who have no or inadequate access to internet?
Once the campuses are open to the public this summer, York Tech will have computer and internet access available on campus in the Learning Commons. Occupancy in the Learning Commons will be monitored to allow for strict social distancing and students will be required to wear personal protective devices such as masks. The College is working on a plan to have WiFi available from your vehicles in designated campus parking lots for Summer 2020. Please watch for that information soon.

If you have concerns about having the appropriate equipment or internet access for an online class, please let your instructor know.

STUDENT SERVICES

York Technical College will provide all student services both virtually and in-person throughout the summer. Currently, York Technical College campuses are closed to visitors until May 1. No decision has been made regarding the opening of our physical campuses after this date. Please watch the York Tech website for new information and details.

What student services are available during this time and how do I access them?
Please see below some of the most critical student services that will be available to you as well as the contact persons and contact information. If you have any questions or concerns, have difficulty finding someone you need to talk to or simply need some assistance, you may always contact the York Tech Call Center at (803) 327-8008.

Will I have access to my advisor this summer? Even if I don’t want to go to campus when the campuses re-open?
Yes. Please continue to use Navigate to communicate or make an appointment with your advisor. Advisors will be updating their availability in Navigate regularly. Appointments will be held remotely via phone, e-mail, Navigate, or another virtual tool such as D2L Virtual Classroom or Zoom. In order to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, we will continue to offer the virtual options for student services for any who desire it even when we return to our campuses.

How do I access Navigate?
Desktop version (direct link): https://Yorktech.navigate.eab.com

• www.yorktech.edu > Login (orange bar, top of page) > Click on “Navigate” under “For Students”
• App version: https://yorktech.edu/navigateapp/ 
• Search – “Navigate Student” in the app store and look for the blue icon with a white building in the center.

Use your York Tech student username and password to log in.

What if I want to speak to my advisor over the phone or meet virtually?
Follow these steps to set up an appointment to meet with your advisor by phone or through a virtual/online session:

• Login to Navigate.
• Click on “Appointments”
• Click on the blue bar - “Schedule an Appointment”
• Choose the Reason for the appointment: Advising & Academic Services > Advising & Other Assistance > Academic Advising
• Choose the location: (choose from one of the following)
  • Phone
  • Virtual/Online
  • Academic & Career Advising Center
• If prompted, select a staff member to meet with (Cassie Verardi, Bobby Pair, Lisa Bishop, Heather Litzinger)
• Choose one of the listed available times
• On the Confirm Appointment screen:
  • Review the “Additional Details”
  • Include anything specific you want to discuss
  • Click “Send text message” and type in your number for an appointment reminder
• Click “Confirm Appointment”

What if I can’t find my advisor’s name when trying to schedule an appointment in Navigate?
Email your academic advisor. You can find their name and contact information by following these steps in Navigate: 

• Login to Navigate.
• Click on “Resources”
• Click on “People” > “Advisor”
• Your advisors name, email address, and phone number will be listed.
• Click on the email address to email your advisor.

What student services are available during the summer? Will virtual options remain even when the campuses re-open this summer?
Please see below some of the most important student services that will be available to you as well as the contact persons and contact information. We will notify you when the campuses re-open; however, once they do, we will continue to offer virtual options for all of our student services. If you have any questions or concerns, have difficulty finding someone you need to talk to or simply need some assistance, you may always contact the York Tech Call Center at (803) 327-8008.

Enrollment Services

For questions related to Financial Aid, Registration, Admissions and more, please contact the call center at (803) 327-8008. The Call Center phones are available Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET and Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. You may also send an email to enrollmentservices@yorktech.edu. This email box will be monitored Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Non-Credit Classes: For questions related to registration, scholarships and more for non-credit classes, please contact the Department of Workforce & Economic Development at (803) 327-2888. The office phones are monitored Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. You may also send an email to ceadmin@yorktech.edu. This email box will be monitored Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Advising: Please always feel free to contact your advisor through Navigate, e-mail or phone. If you have trouble doing so or need general advising help, please contact the Academic and Career Advising Center at academicadvising@yorktech.edu or (803) 327-8066. An Advising Center staff member will respond to any emails within 24 hours. Please leave a detailed voicemail when calling the main Advising Center phone and we will return your call.

The Academic and Career Advising Center has availability for both phone and virtual/online appointments between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday. Please sign up for an appointment through Navigate.

• If you would like to change your major or are undecided and want to explore career options (discuss TypeFocus career assessment results), please make an appointment with the Academic and Career Advising Center.
  
  

Academic Coaching and Tutoring Services

To support you with your online learning, you may still access our tutors virtually in the Academic Coaching & Tutoring Center. Follow these easy steps to connect with a York Tech tutor. All of the same tutors and subjects are still available!

• Click on the Brainfuse icon in D2L.
• Under TUTOR MATCH, Click on the “Grade” (College) and “Subject” (that you would like tutoring for).
• Click on “Schedule”. You will see the Request Tutoring Session page.
• View the available dates and click on the date you would like to schedule a tutoring session.
• View the available times and click “Select” on the time you would like. This will take you to the confirmation page.
• View the session information, add your phone number, and include a short note about what you would like assistance with. Click “Request Session”. You may request a session up to 20 minutes prior to the start time.
• A notification will be sent to the tutor and the tutor will confirm your session.
• At the time of your confirmed session, hover over the Brainfuse account features in the right-hand corner and click on “Calendar”.
• To begin your tutoring session, click “Enter”.

View a short video on Tutor Match here .

Also remember, if tutoring for the subject you are looking for isn’t available in Tutor Match - you can connect with a tutor located at Brainfuse through “Live Help”. "Live Help" tutors are not York Tech tutors, but they are skilled and knowledgeable.

More information: Live Help Demo

Please contact ACT Coordinator, Tracy Hudson, at (803) 981-7316 or thudson@yorktech.edu with questions or for assistance. 

How do I access my Supplemental Instruction (SI) for math?
Supplemental instruction will be set up and moderated by SI Leaders using the Virtual Classroom function in D2L. The instruction will be held on the same day/time as the face-to-face session would have been held. SI Leaders and students have the option to attend using their home access/computer or they may come to campus to attend using facilities on site. The sessions will follow a specific naming convention to assist with tracking and attendance requirements (SI Session for (date in mm-dd format) (SI Leader first initial and last name) Example: SI Session for 03-23-20 thudson). Sessions will be recorded for review by students at any time.

In addition, each course will have a discussion board set up called “SI Discussion,” which students may access as an additional resource. The discussion board will be monitored by the SI Leader for the course.

How do I receive disability accommodations for my online courses?
The Counseling and Support Services (CASS) team and Student Resource Office (SRO) are committed to supporting students with disabilities by providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with ADA and Section 504. Students who already have an approved accommodation at York Technical College should complete the Request for Faculty Notification Form online so their instructors will be notified of the approved accommodations. Students are reminded that the Request for Faculty Notification Form must be completed for each semester of enrollment.

For more information about completing the request form, please contact your SRO Counselor by phone or email. You may also call CASS at (803) 327-8007 or email CASS@yorktech.edu for more information. Students can also schedule an appointment for SRO Counseling through Navigate or by calling (803) 327-8007.

Students who wish to request an initial accommodation approval for a documented disability can find information regarding the Intake process, including the Intake form, at https://yorktech.edu/special-resources/. Click on "Special Needs Resources" to access the Intake Form. Please email CASS@yorktech.edu regarding the Intake process and a SRO Counselor will be happy to discuss next steps. Appointments for SRO Intake can also be scheduled through Navigate.

How do I access counseling support?
The Counseling and Support Services team is available to provide counseling support and referrals to community resources. Counselors will connect with students in-person as well as through email, telephone, and web-based video opportunities. Students can schedule an appointment for Personal Counseling with a CASS Counselor through the Navigate system or by calling (803) 327-8007. For additional inquiries regarding in-person or virtual counseling support, please send an email to CASS@yorktech.edu or call (803) 327-8007.

Free short-term counseling is also available in the local community through the College's Student Assistance Program with the McLaughlin Young Group. This service is available 24/7, 365 days per year, and provides telephone, video, and face-to-face counseling support to students of York Tech. Please call 1-800-633-3353 and tell them that you are a York Tech student to receive this free service.

Who do I talk to if I am thinking about withdrawing from some or all of my classes?
Students who are considering withdrawal from one class but will continue participating in other classes during the same semester, should contact the instructor for the class from which they are interested in withdrawing. Students who are considering withdrawal from all of their classes for the semester should contact Counseling and Support Services at (803) 327-8007 or CASS@yorktech.edu. A CASS Counselor will assist with the Official Withdrawal from College process, provide information regarding alternatives to the withdrawal option, and discuss possible impacts of the 

My disability accommodation allows me to take my tests in the Assessment Center or Student Resources (SRO)/CASS Office. How does this accommodation work for online classes? How does it work if I do not want to go to a York Tech campus when they re-open?
While the College's campuses are closed, all course testing occurs online through D2L and with the use of online test proctoring tools. Once campus reopens, students who are interested in taking course tests at either the SRO or Assessment Center may have the option to do so. Students with an approved accommodation to take their tests in the Assessment Center or SRO should contact their CASS Counselor directly to discuss their specific accommodation needs, or email CASS@yorktech.edu.

How do I take tests such as the TEAS and other certification or industry-specific tests while the Assessment Center locations are closed?
The Assessment Center's administration of the TEAS is available through remote proctoring while the campus is closed, and will be administered again in the Assessment Center when operations are able to resume on campus. Please contact the Assessment Center at AssessmentCenter@yorktech.edu for guidance regarding registration and taking the TEAS test.

Other certification and industry-specific tests are unavailable while the campus is closed, but will become available again as the Assessment Center is able to resume regular testing practices on campus. Students are encouraged to consult with their program advisor or departmental faculty for guidance on certification or industry-specific testing expectations while the Assessment Center is closed. Once the campus reopens, students are welcome to contact the Assessment Center at AssessmentCenter@yorktech.edu for information about specific tests.

Workforce Solutions (Career Services)

Workforce Solutions team members are available to assist you with career search, interviewing skills, resume development and work-based learning opportunities. Contact the team by scheduling an appointment in Navigate, by emailing them at workforcesolutions@yorktech.edu, or by calling (803) 325-2888

ONLINE COURSES

What should I expect in an online course?
You should expect to cover the same material and learning outcomes as you would on-ground, however the format will be different. Material is delivered through D2L Brightspace, our learning management system. You will still be able to engage with your classmates and instructors and submit assignments in the online platform.

What equipment do I need for online courses?
Students in online courses need access to a personal computer with a webcam and microphone. York Technical College recommends that students use a desktop or laptop computer running either Windows or Mac operating systems, or a Chromebook. Using an iPad, other tablet, or mobile phone may result in limitations with the functionality of online platforms, materials, and remote proctoring in online courses.

What can I expect from my online course instructors?
You can expect your instructors to be respectful, responsive, and supportive. This is a challenging time for everyone, but we are committed to helping you be successful.

How do I access my online courses?
Online courses are housed in the D2L Brightspace learning management system. To access your course:

1. Go to the D2L login page.
2. Click the YTC Login button (unless you have been instructed to use the Guest link).
3. Enter your username and password.
   • Your username is your first initial, followed by your last name, followed by the last four digits of your student ID. (ex. jdoe1234)

What internet browser should I use to access my online courses and D2L?
We recommend using Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome for D2L and online courses, although other browsers are supported. Click here for a full list of browsers on mobile devices, tablets, and laptops.

What are some tips for being an online student?
We have 8 main tips for online students:

1. Communicate frequently – In an online course, communicating with your instructor and classmates is essential. Check your York Tech email daily during your classes to ensure you receive the most updated information from the College and your instructors.
   
   
2. Be Proactive – If you don’t understand something, then ask. In an online course, it is easy to get confused and frustrated, so be proactive and reach out to your instructor if you have questions. If you are facing other challenges not related to course material, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor or Counseling and Support Services.
3. Set aside time each day for classwork – In an online course, you will likely need to complete some type of class work each day such as reading material, watching videos, and completing any assignments.
   
   
4. Participate – Be sure to complete all assignments and discussions (including ungraded activities) to demonstrate your commitment to your courses. Participation is key to building relationships with others and learning from in your courses.
   
   
5. Utilize Resources – make sure you explore all resources provided by your instructor and the College.
   
   
6. Attend live sessions and virtual office hours – Do your best to attend any live sessions, lectures, or virtual office offered by your instructors. If you are unable to attend, be sure to watch any provided recordings.
   
   
7. Practice netiquette – Be polite and respectful as you share and respond to others in your online classes. Click here for more information on netiquette.
   
   
8. Connect with your classmates – Get to know each other through discussions in the classroom, messages, or by holding remote study sessions. Free remote study sessions can be conducted through programs such as Skype and Zoom
   

What other resources are available to help me with my online courses?
Many of your questions may be answered by visiting the “help” page in D2L. The “help” button is located on the top toolbar upon logging into a D2L/Brightspace account.
Short tutorials for D2L/Brightspace and Office365 topics can be found at the links below.

• Using D2L/Brightspace
• Using Office365

Students with questions related to password resets, login issues, or software installation should contact the York Technical College Help Desk at (803) 981-7111 or email YTCwebsupport@yorktech.edu. More information can be found on the Help Desk webpage.

Tutoring is offered through Brainfuse, located on the home page of all courses.

If you have questions regarding course material or other topics not listed above, please contact your instructor.

I think I’m ready to get started in my classes, do you have a quick guide to help me?
Yes, we do. Click here for a quick reference guide to help you get started in your D2L courses.

How do I contact technical support?
If you have questions that are not technical related, you should contact your instructor first. If your question is technical related, you can email Technical Support at ytcwebsupport@yorktech.edu

Does York Technical College utilize remote proctoring for online tests?
York Technical College encourages remote proctoring for any assessments taken virtually, in all course types – online, hybrid, or on-ground. Students taking online or hybrid courses should expect to utilize remote proctoring on tests, quizzes, exams, or other assessments, as deemed appropriate by the instructor. On-ground and in-person courses may also utilize remote proctoring for some assessments to allow for more instructional time in person. Remote proctoring allows students the ability to take an assessment at a time convenient for their schedule.

Starting with the Summer 2020 term, York Technical College will be utilizing Honorlock for remote proctoring.

Please note, not all courses utilize remote proctoring.

How can I get help with Honorlock and remote proctoring?
Your instructors should be able to answer questions related to their use of remote proctoring.

Students can test their system and find answers to other questions on the Honorlock website support area.

Honorlock student support is available 24/7/365 by phone or email, and with live chat during any assessment.

• Student Support Phone: (844) 243-2500
• Student Support Email: support@honorlock.com
  

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Who can I contact to discuss student leadership, activities and student event opportunities?
The Manager of the Office of Student Leadership and Events is Nikita Baxter. You can connect with her at: nbaxter@yorktech.edu to discuss any of the following topics:

• Student Programming
• Student Leadership Opportunities
• Community Service Opportunities
• Student News
• Student Forms and Resources
• Campus Calendar of Events
• Office for Clubs and Organizations
• Office for Student Ambassadors

The Clubs and Organizations Liaison is Jennifer Roberts. You can contact her at: jroberts2@yorktech.edu to discuss any of the following topics:

• Student inquiries about joining or starting a new club or organization
• Advisor support for overseeing clubs and organizations
• Officer training and development workshops

How do I connect with my Club Advisor?
All active clubs and organizations can be contacted using this link: https://www.yorktech.edu/campus-life/clubs/. Please click and scroll down to the end of page.