SIT Online Welcome Letter

Announcement Date: March 18, 2020

Welcome to SIT Online!

Whatever circumstances brought you to SIT Online, we are happy that you are here! Because SIT is fully accredited for distance-learning through our regional accrediting organization (NECHE), we are able to offer online learning options for you to continue as an enrolled student to complete all remaining credits in your program. While the method and location of instruction has changed, the online environment is a place of significant learning that requires your time, talents, and presence.

Your journey with SIT will continue in approximately seven to ten days from your return to your address of record or alternate location. During this interim, we recommend you enjoy this unplanned Spring recess. Spend a few days settling in. Unpack. Eat. Sleep. Enjoy a shower with a generous supply of hot water. Reconnect with friends and family. Process your experience to date. Use this time to decompress, take care of yourself, and re-energize. As the start date for your online program approaches, please check your email for updates from SIT and information on your online program.

As varied as our Study Abroad and IHP programs are, so follows our online instruction. Each program will utilize the technology and tools that your Academic and Program Directors deem appropriate to continue instruction. Some programs integrate Moodle, our Learning Management System, into the program design from the get-go. Other programs utilize technology differently, with minimal or no integration with Moodle. In either scenario, the transition in mode of instruction will take some adjusting until you feel comfortable in your new, fully online learning environment.

To become familiar with Moodle, you can visit this page for general information. Be sure to watch the video to see an overview of features and get a sense of navigation. Once you have your Moodle account credentials, we encourage you to log in and participate in the Moodle Orientation course. Your Academic/Program Director will have specific information on your online program, technical requirements, and academic expectations. In general, you should be prepared to join the online learning environment with an open mind, a positive attitude, a kind heart, and an inquisitive nature. We also have additional online academic services to support your success, including:

Library Services: The Donald B. Watt Library provides access to electronic resources including e-books, journals, online databases, and DigitalCollections@SIT. In addition to these resources, our professional librarians provide both real time and asynchronous general reference consultations, database navigation and research assistance, citation management instruction, and liaison with other libraries to obtain outside materials via Interlibrary Loan. For library hours, collection access, or to schedule an online appointment, please visit us at http://library.sit.edu or contact us at [email protected].

Online Writing Center: Due to limited availability, academic writing support is usually restricted to graduate students; however, we are making this service available to SIT Online students. You can work one-on-one with a trained writing coach to receive objective, constructive feedback on your writing projects at any stage of development by scheduling a synchronous or asynchronous appointment with the Online Writing Center at https://sit.mywconline.net. Appointments are available in English and Spanish on a first come, first served basis. You can learn more about this service here (https://libguides.sit.edu/writingcenter).

Language Support: Mango Languages is a resource available to all current SIT students, faculty, and staff through our Library subscription. Mango Languages provides access to more than 70 foreign language courses and 17 English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. While we know that SIT Online was not your intended destination, we are committed to helping you achieve your learning objectives and complete your program. On behalf of SIT Online, I thank you for continuing your educational journey with us and wish you every success in this phase of your program and in all your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Inskeep, PhD
Dean for Assessment & Learning Support