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Book[ed] | Vol 3 | Special Edition
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24-hours Crisis Services from University Health Services
Call UHS anytime to speak with an on-call crisis counselor if you are concerned about yourself or others. The counselor will help address your most pressing concerns, assess your safety, and connect you with follow-up service needs.
608-265-5600 (option 9)
For more information, visit https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/mental-health/24-hour-crisis-services/.
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iSchool Library staff recognize that we all have different ways of dealing with the uncertainty, fear, and frustration of our current circumstances nationwide.
If you are coping by collecting as much information as you can, please continue reading. If you're already overwhelmed with information, feel free to reach out to us at ischoollib@library.wisc.edu when you need specific information.
Please take care of yourselves and each other.
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Changes to iSchool Library services and operations
Over the last week, iSchool Library staff have been monitoring library responses to COVID-19 and preparing to adjust to serve the needs of the iSchool community. Here's what you need to know:
- The iSchool Library is closed until further notice. We will remain closed as long as all other UW-Madison Libraries are closed. Keep an eye on https://www.library.wisc.edu/covid19/ for up-to-date information.
- After-hours library access is suspended immediately. Do not attempt to enter the library.
- iSchool students, faculty, and staff can request to pick-up circulating materials by appointment by completing this Google Form.
- This includes books (General, Children's, or other circulating collections or on the hold shelf) and technology equipment.
- Physical course reserve items cannot be requested by students through the library; we are working with instructors to manage access to as much of this content as we can.
- When completing the Google Form, please note:
- If you request books from the collection, you will be asked to provide a link from the Library Catalog.
- For your safety and that of the community, please only request to pick up items if you are feeling well.
- All items currently checked out will have extended due dates. Campus libraries are committed to being flexible and understanding during this very weird time; please be patient with us as due dates are extended for everyone across campus.
- Books may be returned to any campus Open Return location.
- Please do not return technology equipment to any campus book returns, including the iSchool Library. If you need to return technology before libraries reopen, we can schedule a time for drop-off.
- Virtual services, including requests for past course syllabi and research assistance, will continue. Our inboxes and our brains are full, but we will do our best to support you and respond to inquires sent to us at ischoollib@library.wisc.edu.
If you have questions or concerns about something not covered here, please contact the iSchool Library at ischoollib@library.wisc.edu.
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Updates to iSchool Advising Week & Registration
Advising Week: March 23-27, 2020
Despite severe disruptions to how we all expected this semester to progress, the priority across campus is to ensure students can graduate on their original timelines, and advising plays a significant role in this process. With this in mind, iSchool advising will take place as scheduled but meetings will be held virtually. If you have not heard from your advisor, they should be reaching out with more information soon.
Registration appointments
You should still expect to receive your registration appointments for Summer and Fall at the end of this month. Keep an eye out for an email from the Registrar's Office for any updates.
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Adapting to remote learning
Some thoughts from your friendly local instructional technologist and librarian, Alison Caffrey...
Over the last week, iSchool instructors have been working diligently to translate face-to-face courses to remote instruction. We recognize that this is going to be a difficult process for everyone. It's important to note that "remote instruction" is not the same as online courses; if your course was not originally designed to be taught online, some content and activities simply may not be feasible any longer. Your instructors will provide guidance on what to expect in each course moving forward.
If you've "successfully" avoided online classes up to this point, what do you need to know to transition to remote learning?
- Set a schedule for yourself. I urge everyone to think of remote learning and online courses as a way to maintain some normalcy and connection to others while social distancing. I have found scheduling time to go outside, pet my animals, meet virtually with colleagues, and reach out to loved ones is extremely important to my own mental health at this time. I hope remote and online learning can help many of you feel a sense of purpose and connection as we complete the semester.
- Communicate as openly as possible with your instructors. It may be exceptionally difficult to think about academics at this time. I can assure you that many instructors are having similar issues. Let your instructors know that you are struggling as soon as you can so you can discuss your options together.
- Review the campus website Technology for learning remotely for guidance. If you're lacking any of the recommended tools, contact your instructor to find out if it will be a problem. Submit a request to the iSchool Library if needed.
- Bookmark the Canvas Student Guide for help using/navigating Canvas as a student. Search the guide using Ctrl/Command + f. You can ask your instructor for assistance, but they might not be able to help you right away.
- Contact the DoIT Help Desk if you have issues accessing tools or need support. These folks are wonderful and are literally waiting by the phone and computer to help you. Supporting students through remote instruction is a significant priority for this group.
- Reach out to your peers for support. Whatever you do, remember that you are not alone in this.
- Take care of your mental and physical wellbeing.
I want to echo a sentiment that has been shared with me repeatedly and has provided some comfort. Campus leadership has been encouraging staff and instructors to work with urgency to prepare courses for remote instruction, to remain flexible, to grant ourselves and one another grace, and to trust each other as we figure out the paths forward. As we continue with the semester, I hope we can extend flexibility, grace, and trust to you, our iSchool students and community, and dial back significantly on our collective urgency around instruction to focus on maintaining the health and safety of our communities.
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Resources for information & support
There are many resources available to you at this time. We hope the list of resources below provides you information and support.
- Updates on COVID-19
- Financial resources for students
- Office of Student Financial Aid: The Office of Student Financial Aid has a team of people ready to help connect you to the financial and other resources you may need. Students should submit a request through the Student Center (Financial Aid tile > Request Action) or email finaid@finaid.wisc.edu and indicate “Covid-19” in the subject. Funds are available for all students, regardless of FAFSA eligibility.
- Dean of Students Crisis Grant or Loan: The Dean of Students Office offers short-term loans and grants. Students must complete the online application and make an appointment with the Dean of Students Office.
- International Student Services Loan: ISS offers up to $5,000 long-term loans. Students must make an appointment with ISS (in-person or by phone) to discuss this option. Funds may also be available to international students through the Office of Student Financial Aid (see above).
- Deferred Tuition Payment: Students may be eligible for a deferred tuition payment date and late-fee waiver. Students should contact the Bursar’s Office for extending their tuition payment date: tuition@bussvc.wisc.edu
- University of Wisconsin Credit Union Emergency Loan
- Food assistance
- The Open Seat food pantry in the Student Activity Center is open by appointment only during Spring Break. Contact openseat@asm.wisc.edu or call 608-265-5272. After Spring Break, Open Seat will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-to-5 p.m and by appointment through April 10.
- Mental health resources
- Local area resources
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Pets of the iSchool Library
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Upcoming (Virtual) Conferences & Events
As you are aware, conference and event organizers across the country have been forced to postpone or cancel their events amid concerns for the health and safety of all of us. At the same time, many organizations and individuals are creating virtual events to maintain a sense of community during this critical time of social distancing.
Check out these resources to learn something new or stay connected to others:
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Follow the iSchool Library and the UW-Madison iSchool on social media!
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