COVID-19: School of Nursing Information
Together, we are stopping the spread.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacts everyone. Do your part to foster a healthy and safe campus environment for all by following these important guidelines.
Updated 4/26/2021
Health and Safety Non-Compliance?
View tips for talking with other students, handing out Compliance Cards, and getting help.
Spring 2021 SON Building Hours
Wende Hall
Entrances will be unlocked during the following hours:
- Monday-Wednesday: 7:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Thursday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Beck Hall
- Swipe only access.
General Guidance
The Academic Info You Need to Know!
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
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
- 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.
- Only use the elevators when necessary, and no more than four occupants at a time.
- Please leave the building immediately after your instruction is complete.
- 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 your program. 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 Zoom. 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:
- 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.
- Activate your Zoom account and download Zoom using your UBIT name and password.
- 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."
- 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.
- If you want to use a phone or tablet, please download the Zoom app from the App Store or Google Play.
- For further Zoom instructions and information, visit the Zoom support page.
Attending Class
You will attend class by:
- Restarting your computer.
- Calling in a half hour before your class begins.
- Going to your class UBlearns course, where you will find a Zoom link (tab) on the left menua.
- Click the Zoom link on the menu.
- Click the individual "join" button.
During class, if you have trouble:
- Restart your computer.
- Test your computer's audio and video by making a Zoom test call.
- Try connecting again.
- 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.
Zoom Etiquette
Technology
- Restart your computer before joining a meeting
- Test your video and audio before the meeting
- Use a good quality camera and headset
- Adjust your camera
Attendees
- Be on time
- Clean up and have a simple background
- Find a quiet space to meet
- Mute your audio when not speaking, refrain from talking to others while on the microphone, and inadvertently creating other disruptions
- Look at the camera
- Don’t get too close
- Have your cameras switched on unless notified otherwise
- Dress appropriately
- Refrain from multitasking
- Be kind to yourself and others
- If you can, hold off on eating
- Refrain from private behavior
Presenter
- Position yourself so that most of the light is coming from in front of you (behind your monitor). If you have a window behind you, shut the blinds. Otherwise, you will be backlit.
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.
- Access health sciences information, databases and tools via the Health Sciences Library Homepage.
- Access the UB Libraries LibGuide: Library Support for Online Courses.
You can contact Amy Lyons directly at alyons@buffalo.edu or 716-829-5719, or the Health Sciences Library at AskHSL@buffalo.edu.
Mental Health and Food Support
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.
Food Support
If you are struggling to buy groceries, UB has some Food Support resources to assist with this:
- Consider using UB’s Blue Table, all enrolled students are welcome – place orders online and pick up your order in the Student Union (with a valid Student ID). You can order online using the Blue Table support form.
- The United Presbyterian Church Food Pantry across the street from the South Campus provides food items for students and residents who are in need. You can find more information on the UPC Food Pantry website.
- You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) SNAP issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. COVID-19 relief has softened eligibility for students (students eligible for work study or who have expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 on their FAFSA form may be eligible).