At Tuskegee University, computers and communication links to remote resources are recognized as being integral to the education and research experience. Every student is required to have his/her own computer or have other personal access to a workstation (including Internet access and a printer) with all the recommended software. In the curriculum and class assignments, students are presumed to have 24-hour access to a computer workstations and the necessary communication links to the University's information resources.

Coursework will require ongoing use of a computer and a broadband connection to the Internet. As well, academic advising and registration, official university correspondence, and other services can all be handled online via a computer. 

Online students enrolling in Distance Education courses must have access to the following computer hardware and software. 

Minimum Computer System Requirements

Web Browser:

• Recommended: Google Chrome

Anti-Virus Program:

• Norton, MacAfee, or other anti-virus software

Word-Processor: 

• Microsoft Word or a word-processor that can save and open files in Word format.
• If you do not have Microsoft Office, you can download free Open Office. 

Players, Viewers, and Plug-ins:

• Sometimes, you may need additional software to view and listen to instructional content within your course. The browser you currently use to access Canvas may not always have the required software, or "plug-in", to properly play such audio and video files.
• Acrobat Reader, MS Word, Power Point, QuickTime, Flash, Shockwave, Real Player, and Windows Media Player. 
• As for Acrobat Reader, Windows Media Player, and Flash, although they were probably pre-installed on your computer, you may need to download a more recent version. 

Technical Difficulties 

Contact Campus Technology at 334-727-8040

Emergency Access Backup Plan:
If the network goes down, note the time and contact your instructor .  However, try to avoid such problems: Don’t wait until the last minute to start your online assignments.
 
Netiquette Expectations:
According to The Core Rules of Netiquette by Virginia Shea, Netiquette (known as "Internet etiquette") is a catch-all term for the conventions of politeness and respect recognized in live chats, discussions, and emails. In online learning, Netiquette includes a set of guidelines that everyone should follow to promote appropriate online communication. Here are a few guidelines to follow when posting in online chats, discussions, and emails:

• Maintain a positive tone: When communicating online, we often forget that we are communicating with other human beings because we only see a computer screen. You do not see facial expressions, body language, or hear the tone of voice when you read messages. It's easy to misinterpret your correspondent's meaning, so always stop and think about your response before hitting submit. Always ask yourself, "Would I say that to a person’s face?"
• Use appropriate grammar and structure: In other words, avoid using "R U" instead of "are you." There are some students in class that may not understand this type of communication and it does not enhance anyone’s writing or vocabulary skills. Emoticons are fine as long as they are appropriate. A smile :) is welcome, anything offensive is not.
• Never use all CAPS: In online communication, caps are known as shouting, so refrain from using them.
• Avoid personal attacks and flames: Do not respond to personal attacks or flames when responding online. If you believe that you are being attacked, please email your instructor.
• Avoid Offensive language: Cursing, racial slurs, and other types of language that would not be appropriate in a face-to-face class are also inappropriate online.
• Be respectful: Always be polite and respectful in your discussions. Discussions   are constructed so that they will allow you to think critically and offer theory plus opinion. There will be differences in opinions. There will be many viewpoints. Remember: Students taking online courses come from different parts of the country or even other countries. Cultural differences allow us to appreciate different perspectives.

Adapted from: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
 
Identity Authentication:
Tuskegee University reserves the right to verify that you are the person registered for this course.

• You may be required to authenticate your identity by providing at least one form of government-issued identification and/or by attending one or more mandatory online skype meetings.
• Misrepresentation of an academic or non-academic nature is a serious violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be reported to the appropriate administrative official and adjudicated in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
• If you are found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, disciplinary sanctions will be imposed including disciplinary probation, suspension, expulsion, and/or dismissal.
• Disciplinary sanctions may appear on your official academic transcript. Students are responsible for procedures and policies contained and addressed in the Tuskegee University Student Handbook

rev 4.15.2019