COVID-19: SON-Specific Information

Together, we are stopping the spread.

Social Distance. Wash Your Hands. Wear a Face Mask. Feel Sick? Stay Home.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts everyone. Do your part to foster a healthy and safe campus environment for all by following these important guidelines.

Stay up-to-date with UB’s planning and response
Health and Safety Guidelines

Updated 7/22/2020

The purpose of the information below is to provide resources and tools to help School of Nursing students, faculty and staff stay informed about the evolving COVID-19 situation and to provide SON-specific information.

Students Faculty & Staff Events Tips for Nurses and Nursing Students

General Guidance

Students: Return To Campus
The Academic Info You Need to Know!

Updated on July 14, 2020, with fall semester FAQ. Get the information and resources you need for making decisions to support your academic success this semester.

  • Please keep devices updated with the latest UB software (VPN, security patches, etc.). See additional technology information below.
  • Sign up for UB Alerts to receive emergency notifications about urgent matters that affect the university.
  • For other University frequently asked questions, visit the UB COVID-19 Information site.

Nursing Student FAQs

Academics

Will I still be able to go to clinicals, labs and simulation?

Clinicals

Nursing students are not attending clinical in designated COVID-19 areas, or in other situations where they would come in contact with known COVID-positive patients. While the majority of clinical sites will be providing essential PPE to students, the SON will supply PPE to students when their specific clinical site requests they provide it. (Note: Students outside of WNY are expected to adhere to their local guidelines for clinical rotations.)

Labs & Simulation

Students required to attend on-campus labs will be separated into groups of no more than eight students. Instructional spaces have been measured out and capacities were recalculated based on a six-foot minimum space on either side of, as well as in front and back of each student.

What if I have a question about my course?

Please contact your course instructors for any questions related to your coursework.

Enrollment

Are summer classes still happening, and will they be on campus?

Registration for summer sessions is now open. SON faculty are working on a plan to transition some graduate coursework to a synchronous online format.

Will this change any Early Assurance decisions?

We will still honor all Early Assurance decisions and will work with each student to manage their School of Nursing status.

Will in-person information sessions still be offered?

At this time, all information sessions will be moved online. Please check our events calendar for updates.

Guidelines for Wende Hall Access

  1. Please enter Wende Hall using the rear entrance (with the ramp). Members of the UB community and campus visitors must wear face coverings at all times when inside UB buildings, classrooms, labs, facilities, and buses and shuttles and in outdoor campus spaces.
  2. Only use the elevators when necessary, and no more than four occupants at a time.
  3. Please leave the building immediately after your instruction is complete. 
  4. You must follow all UB guidelines before coming to campus and while on campus.

SON Office of Student Services

The School of Nursing Office of Student Services will continue to support you during this challenging time. We are happy to assist you with any issues you face as you navigate the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester, as well as planning for the Summer and Fall 2020 semesters. We are currently maintaining our normal business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Students may elect to change advisement appointments to phone or Webex. Undergraduate students can make an appointment with your academic advisor by emailing nursing@buffalo.edu. For graduate programs advising, contact your program coordinator. 

Zoom: Installation and Attending Class

Installation

Please take the time to setup your computer, phone, or tablet with the Zoom video conference app. This is especially important for all students currently in synchronous (live face-to-face) courses:

  1. Please test your internet connection here: www.speedtest.net. Please find a location that has at least 1Mbps upload and 1Mbps download and plan on being at that location each time you attend class.
  2. Activate your Zoom account and download Zoom using your UBIT name and password.
  3. When you log in to the desktop app, follow the sign in procedure below:
    • Click "Sign-In with SSO" on the right.
    • Type buffalo when prompted, then click "continue."
  4. Test your desktop computer’s audio and video by making a Zoom test call. Important: Test this again even if you have already done so. 
  5. If you want to use a phone or tablet, please download the Zoom app from the App Store or Google Play.
  6. For further Zoom instructions and information, visit the Zoom support page. 

Attending Class

You will attend class by:

  1. Restarting your computer.
  2. Calling in a half hour before your class begins.
  3. Going to your class UBlearns course, where you will find a Zoom link (tab) on the left menua.
  4. Click the Zoom link on the menu.
  5. Click the individual "join" button.

During class, if you have trouble:

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Test your computer's audio and video by making a Zoom test call.
  3. Try connecting again.
  4. If this test is not successful, call the UB SON IT help desk: 716-829-2796
    • Press option 1 for classroom support.    
    • If you cannot reach anyone by phone, please submit a ticket: nur-ithelp@buffalo.edu. Include your name, class number (e.g., NSG 375) and problem. 
    • Please remember there will be many students in multiple classes at the same time, so this is your last resort. 

Library Support and Resources

Most resources, databases, tools and services can be access from home or other remote locations. Delivery+ will continue to delivery items to you electronically to your UB account.

You can contact Amy Lyons directly at alyons@buffalo.edu or 716-829-5719, or the Health Sciences Library at AskHSL@buffalo.edu.  

Your Well-Being: We're Here to Support You

As we navigate this time of great uncertainty and stress, UB School of Nursing faculty and staff remain committed to not just your academic success, but also your emotional and mental well-being. 

If you need mental health support during this stressful time, please visit the UB Student Life Mental/Emotional Well-Being webpage or contact UB Counseling Services at 716-645-2720 to schedule a same-day appointment.

UB has also created a helpful tip sheet for managing COVID-19 anxiety.

To the nursing students derailed by COVID-19: A message to nursing students STTI member Marianne Biangone, MSN, RN, PHN