Here are some important resources for Biology students as CSUSB moves to online instruction for Fall semester 2020.
Enrollment and other Registrar-related requests
All enrollment requests, including adds to closed sections, simultaneous enrollments (due to schedule conflicts), overload requests, etc. have been moved online.
- Instructions for simultaneous enrollment, unit overloads, and pre-requisite overrides.
- Instructions for change of grade scale (letter grade to CR/NC).
- Policy for COVID-19 related grading.
- Open University course enrollment will still use PDF forms. Open University enrollment form (more information on the Open University Program).
Visit the Office of the Registrar website for more information.
Internet connectivity
- Information and Technology Services (ITS) is working hard to expand WiFi access. Parking areas on both campuses are being developed where you can connect from your vehicle and maintain physical distancing guidelines. On the San Bernardino campus, Internet access can be found in the East and West Parking Structures, specifically from spaces located close to the elevators. Lot N also has coverage in areas near existing access points. A similar option will be made available on the Palm Desert Campus in the coming weeks. See this official announcement dated Mar. 29, 2020 for more information.
- ITS also has a FREE laptop loaner program for students. Generally we do not recommend taking online courses using your phone or tablet.
- Various internet service providers are helping with free or discounted services.
General contact information
Generally speaking, email is the primary method by which we can contact students. Be sure to check and read all your emails daily, and respond to them (if needed) as soon as you can!
- COVID-19 information: official CSUSB announcements are found here.
- Email for general inquiries: biology@csusb.edu (Preferred method of contact)
- Biology main phone number: (909) 537-5305. Update Apr. 14: the department phone is up and running again!
- Dept. Chair: Dr. Mike Chao, (909) 537-5388 ( if no answer leave voicemail). mchao@csusb.edu (preferred method of contact).
- Academic Coordinator: Mr. Jason Jung, (909) 537-7495 (if no answer leave voicemail), jason.jung@csusb.edu (preferred method of contact). Contact Mr. Jung for scheduling issues in large lecture classes (BIOL 1000/1000L, 2010/2020, 2200, 2230/2240).
- Faculty contact information: visit the Faculty Student Hours page. Faculty are available for questions or advising.
- Technical support: email support@csusb.edu or call (909) 537-7677.
- College of Natural Sciences Professional Advising Center: make advising appointments by calling (909) 537-7345. Advising will be done through the phone or Zoom teleconferencing.
Software
Here is a partial list of software you might need for online instruction. These are just general suggestions; your professors might have additional requirements. Check your Spring 2020 syllabus for more information. The Biology Dept. does not have the resources to provide tech support for you; contact support@csusb.edu for tech support.
- Zoom: videoconferencing software that can be used for some synchronous lectures and for advising. Available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. When logging in, make sure you use the "SSO login" option; our domain is csusb.zoom.us. You should be able to use your MyCoyote login.
- A scanner app for your phone for handing in some assignments. There are many different scanning apps that you can use. One free version that does not have ads is Microsoft Lens; download Microsoft Lens for iOS or Microsoft Lens for Android.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. You may need this to read and fill out various forms. Not all forms are fillable - the university is working hard to convert all the forms to work online, but this will take some time. You may not need this if you are on a Mac, as Macs have a built-in PDF viewer.