Tools and Helpful Info

Technology Tools

Hostos Open Computer Lab

Zoom is now available at Hostos!

Attention Students, Faculty and Staff – Zoom is now available for your use at Hostos!

In conjunction with Zoom, the Hostos IT team has configured Zoom to accept your Hostos e-mail address and password to authenticate you to the popular online meeting platform.

As a reminder, these are the features which are currently included in our subscription:

1) Unlimited meeting duration
2) Up to 300 participants per meeting
3) Free VOIP and International Toll Number
4) Polling
5) Screen Sharing
6) 24/7 Technical Support

How do I login to start using Zoom as a Host?

To start a meeting as a host (e.g. if you are Faculty member launching  class session, or a staff member hosting a meeting), follow the instructions below:

Open a web browser (Microsoft Edge, Chrome and Firefox work best) and navigate to https://zoom.us

Click on “Sign In” towards the top right of the window

Snip image for How to start using Zoom as a Host

When presented with this screen, select “Sign in with SSO”

Snip image for signing in with SSO

You will then be presented with this screen in which you would type “hostos-cuny-edu” as a prefix to “.zoom.us”; alternatively you could click on the “I don’t know my company domain” and it will present you with a screen to enter your HOSTOS E-MAIL ADDRESS. Click “Continue”

Snip image for signing in with DOMAIN

Snip image for signing in with EMAIL

You will then be presented with the Hostos login webpage where you will again enter your Hostos e-mail address, and in the password field, enter the password for your Hostos e-mail system, and click “Sign In”

Snip image for Hostos login webpage

You’re done! Now you should see your Zoom account profile and you can begin to host meetings using the menu on the left or the top right of the page:

Snip image for how to join a Zoom meeting

How do I join a Zoom meeting?

Joining a Zoom meeting is easy from any device. Just click on the link you received in the meeting invitation or on the course page and it will connect you to the meeting. You can sign in with your Hostos e-mail, or just connect as a guest. It is important to note that starting September 20th, ALL ZOOM MEETINGS WILL HAVE THE WAITING LOBBY FEATURE ENABLED BY DEFAULT. This is a company/platform setting and not determined by Hostos.

What if I already have a Zoom account which I created using my Hostos e-mail address? What if I want to use Zoom to teach classes?

Please reply to this e-mail or contact the IT Service Desk immediately so that we can coordinate with Zoom to try and move your settings, recordings, etc. over to your Single Sign On Hostos account and also to enable Zoom in Blackboard for you.

Where can I go to find some quick start tutorials or to sign up for live training?

Here are some web pages from Zoom that have great tutorials. You can also sign up for one of the live webinars, including one focused on Zoom for Education.

Who do I contact if I need help with Zoom?

Your first point of contact will still be the Hostos IT Service desk (details in the e-mail signature), especially if it relates to logging on or getting started. However, CUNY has assurances from Zoom that our Students, Faculty and Staff can also reach out to Zoom support using their online trouble ticket system directly.

As always, please let us know if you have any suggestions for continuously improving the services available to the college.

Stay Safe!

Succeed@Hostos (Hostos Login)

Succeed@Hostos is an integrated program designed to help students achieve their academic goals. This program provides the college community unique opportunities to stay in touch with an array of services and resources to maximize students’ academic and personal success. For assistance with logging in/accessing the system, please contact the IT Service Desk at 718-518-6646 or e-mail itjobrequest@hostos.cuny.edu.

Go to Succeed@Hostos

IT Resources for Remote Work & Teaching – The City University of New York

The below tools are provisioned by CUNY and are available for your use. However, please note that most are not integrated with your campus e-mail/calendar and that Hostos IT has limited ability to support them.

This page provides links to information helping students, faculty and staff safely use technology to support learning, teaching and working remotely.

Go to IT Resources for Remote Work & Teaching

Helpful Info

Discounts/Waivers

Using Your Hostos Email for Student Tech Discounts (See Daily Ready Tips from Hostos IT below)

Hostos Campus Resource—Food Pantry

HOURS:
MONDAY THRU FRIDAY
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

To schedule an appointment, contact Madeline Cruz at (718) 518-4141 or email mcruz@hostos.cuny.edu

Get Free Access to Lynda.com with your NYPL Card (See Daily Ready Tips from Hostos IT below)

Free Connectivity and Internet Provider Options (See Daily Ready Tips from Hostos IT below)

Free 6-Month Subscription for Ti Calculator Emulator Software for Faculty and Students (See Daily Ready Tips from Hostos IT below)

One-year trial of QuickBooks Online and five-month trial of QuickBooks Desktop

Students at accredited academic institutions are eligible for a one-year trial of QuickBooks Online and a five-month trial of QuickBooks Desktop. College, University, and Trade-School students please complete the Intuit form to confirm eligibility and unlock your free license for QuickBooks Desktop.

Students: Download Adobe Creative Cloud to your personal devices! (See Daily Ready Tips from Hostos IT below)

Information on cellular/other providers offering services during the Coronavirus Crisis

Sprint

We’re supporting customers by:

  • Providing Unlimited data for 60 days to customers with metered data plans (effective 3/18/20)
  • Giving 20 GB of free mobile hotspot to customers with hotspot-capable devices (effective 3/18/20)
  • Waiving per-minute toll charges for international long-distance calls from the U.S. to CDC- defined Level 3 countries (effective 3/17/20)

Go to Sprint to learn more

Verizon Wireless

Verizon announced (March 13, 2020), for the next 60 days, it will waive late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus. In addition, the company will not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus.

Go to Verizon Wireless to learn more

AT&T

AT&T is proud to support our customers by pledging that, for the next 60 days (as of March 13, 2020), we won’t terminate service and will waive late payment fees of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer due to an inability to pay their bill as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, we’re waiving domestic wireless plan overage charges for data, voice, or text for residential or small business wireless customers incurred because of economic hardship related to the coronavirus pandemic.

We know that many people are experiencing economic hardships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. AT&T is keeping you connected 24/7. As part of this effort, we'll waive:

  • late payment fees for wireless, home phone or broadband residential customers
  • domestic wireless plan overage charges for data, voice or text for residential wireless customers

The waiver applies to these fees or charges you may incur between March 13, 2020, and May 13, 2020, due to economic hardship related to the coronavirus pandemic.

All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, we’ll continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited-income households at $10 a month through our Access from AT&T program. We’ve expanded eligibility to Access from AT&T to households participating in the National School Lunch Program and Head Start. Additionally, we’re offering new Access from AT&T customers two months of free service.

Wi-Fi Hotspots — Our public Wi-Fi hotspots will remain open for anyone who needs them.

The coronavirus pandemic is causing many hardships. If you find yourself in financial trouble and unable to pay your bill, we’re here to help you. Please contact us at 800-288-2020 for AT&T broadband, residential wireless or small business services and 611 from your AT&T device for wireless service.

Go to AT&T to learn more

T-Mobile/Metro Data and Hotspot Plans

T-Mobile launches T-Mobile Connect, its lowest priced smartphone plan ever today, and Metro by T-Mobile is adding lower-cost options, to help ensure everyone has an affordable option to get and stay connected during these challenging times.

T-Mobile Connect represents a new level of value at $15 per month plus tax – half the price of T-Mobile’s lowest priced plan – for unlimited talk and text plus 2GB high-speed smartphone data, including access to T-Mobile’s nationwide 5G network. For $25 per month plus tax, customers get 5GB of high-speed smartphone data. And T-Mobile Connect also has an Annual Data Upgrade, giving customers an additional 500MB of monthly data, every year, at no additional cost, for the next five years. T-Mobile Connect is available starting this Wednesday, March 25.

And to help even more people stay connected, Metro by T-Mobile is launching lower-priced plans and offers on March 25:

  • For the next two months, Metro is offering a $15 plan – that’s half the price of the current most affordable plan. For 60 days after customers activate, it’s just $15 per month for unlimited talk and text plus 2GB of high-speed smartphone data
  • MetroSmart Hotspot devices will be half off, and the $35 per month data plan will include 20GB — double the normal monthly data — for the next 60 days

T-Mobile is also:

  • Giving all current T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers as of March 13, 2020 who have legacy plans without unlimited high-speed data, unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days (excluding roaming)
  • Starting March 20, 2020, providing eligible T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers on smartphone plans with hotspot data an additional 20GB of smartphone mobile hotspot (10GB per bill cycle for the next 60 days) for each voice line
  • Working with our Lifeline partners to provide customers extra free data up to 5GB of data per month through May 13, 2020
  • Increasing the data allowance for free to schools and students using our EmpowerED digital learning programs to ensure each participant has access to at least 20GB of data per month through May 13, 2020

Go to T-Mobile to learn more

List of Resources for Hostos Students - Courtesy of CUNY Start Academic Advisors <pdf>


Daily Ready Tips from Hostos IT

Using Your Hostos Email for Student Tech Discounts

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With the transition into distance learning, some students have had to rely on finding other access to technology that they might've only had access to while on campus. Having the equipment or software you need at home can be hard on your wallet but we found a few major companies with helpful discounts to help you get the tech you need:

Best Buy logo


When you create an account with Best Buy, you can sign up for student deals and receive offers

Dell logo

You can get discounts on Dell computers and earn money back in rewards with their Dell Advantage Loyalty Program

Samsung logo

Save an extra 10% on most Samsung offers and up to 30% on smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other products. The discounts are applied after verification of your .edu email address.

Microsoft logo


Office 365 is free for all CUNY students but for select Microsoft laptops and accessories, you can get exclusive discounts.

Protect Yourself from Cyber Covid-19 Scams

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Cyber criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 epidemic to their benefit through tailored schemes that are meant to defraud you into giving money or your personal information. These scams prey on the curiosity, vulnerability and fear of their victims. We want to make sure you are aware of the dangers that might be in your inboxes or computer screens during this pandemic.

Phishing & SMS Phishing

Phishing attacks happen when criminals convince you to click on links within an email or a text message that may either lead you to a malicious website, to download malware to your computer or phone and possibly to steal your sensitive information.

In light of the COVID-19 and Corona virus outbreak, cyber criminals are using clever compelling subject links, calls to action and urgency to encourage you to click. Here are some examples of the type of emails and communications to be wary of:

  • Coronavirus cures and vaccine testing
  • Charity and Fundraising for Coronavirus
  • "Official" Notices from Government and Healthcare organizations
  • Applications for real-time Coronavirus tracking

How to Spot these Traps

  • Are there obvious spelling and grammar mistakes within the message? This could be a possible sign of fraud
  • Is the sender claiming to be from an official organization or company? If so, check the validity of the message by going directly to the official webpage of that organization but not by clicking on a link. Enter the website directly into your web browser
  • Is there a sense of urgency in the message? Are they requiring you to act fast?
  • Does the message incite fear, panic or curiosity? Are they making promises that seem too good to be true?
  • Are they asking for personal information in the email? Please note that official entities like from the government, your bank, your school or employer should never ask for personal private information (i.e. passwords, credit card numbers, account numbers, etc.) through e-mails!
  • Remember: If you receive messages like this to your Hostos e-mail, you can forward them to reportspam@hostos.cuny.edu

What to Do if You Have Clicked on a Link or Entered Information

  • Change your passwords immediately! Be sure to pick something secure with at least 8-12 characters and a mixture of letter cases, numbers and symbols
  • Open your antivirus software and run a full scan
  • If this occurs on a Hostos issued device or while remoting into your Hostos PC, contact the IT Department at (718) 518-6646 or send an email to itjobrequest@hostos.cuny.edu
  • If you have already provided banking information, inform your bank immediately

Revisit our Cyber Security Site for more tips and guidelines on how to stay Cyber Safe.

Tips for Successful Video Conferencing

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Video chatting and conferencing has been a vital way to communicate during social distancing. Here are a few ways you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your video meetings.

Check Your Equipment Before the Call

Many video chat applications will allow you, within the settings, to check your camera and microphone to make sure participants can see you and hear you during the call. You can also check your internet connection before starting by going to speedtest.net in your internet browser. To improve computer speed and performance, make sure you close out any unnecessary programs and applications while you’re on the call.

Prepare Your Environment

Pick a spot in your house that is well lit, relatively quiet and with a neutral background. Before you start the call, you’ll want to ensure your surroundings are clear of anything distracting or that you don’t want the attendees to see. Some programs may have settings incorporated that blur or replace your background if you can’t find a neutral space. Check on these settings within whatever program you’re using.

Be Respectful of Your Fellow Attendees

Consider the attendees while you’re on the call. Remember you’re being watched so maintain eye contact, have a presentable appearance and facial expression and maintain positive body language. It’s also a good idea to mute your microphone when not speaking, especially if there are distracting background noises nearby.

Be Organized and Multi-Task if Necessary

If you’re presenting in a meeting, be sure to have all your documents and talking notes nearby to refer to during the meeting. If you plan on presenting your screen, make sure you close any applications and windows containing sensitive data and close tabs in your browser that are unrelated to your work. When listening to presentations, taking hand written notes will allow you to better focus on the presentation and you can later transfer those notes to digital form, if needed.

Get Free Access to Lynda.com with your NYPL Card

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Lynda.com is an educational site that has thousands of courses and videos that instruct users in various topics including technology, web design, media production, education and many more subjects.  Lynda requires, for most users, a paid subscription to access the learning materials but you can gain free access by using your NYPL library account.  Here's how to get started.

If You Already Have a NYPL Card

Please note: You will only be able to access the courses on Lynda through the NYPL organization login page. If you try to login through Lynda.com, you’ll have to navigate to “Sign In” > “Sign In with your organization portal” > and then type “nypl.org”

You can also go directly to the login by saving this URL in your bookmarks: https://www.lynda.com/portal/patron?org=nypl.org

On this page, you'll enter your library card number and pin to log in.

Snip image for Lynda.com portal log in

If you have forgotten your pin, you can reset it on the NYPL.org page here.

If You Do Not Have a Library Card

You can apply for a NYPL card through the NYPL's SimplyE app with a free download from the App Store or Google Play. SimplyE also allows you to remotely access and read Library books from your mobile device.

Explore the Lynda Courses on Various Topics

Learn new skills or brush up on old ones with Lynda’s courses on various topics including business, software, technology, and creativity; all taught by industry experts.

Snip image for Lynda.com courses on various topics

Remote Desktop Audio and Video Instructions (For Windows PC and MAC)

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To enable your local PC machines audio and video devices for your Remote Desktop Session, follow the instructions below.

Windows Instructions

Please apply these changes before you remote into your work computer.

You will only need to do this once, if you hit ‘Save’ after making the changes and connecting to your remote session.

How to Enable Audio on Remote Desktop Connection

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection
  2. Click on “Show Options
    Step 2 snip image for How to Enable Audio on Remote Desktop Connection on a Windows PC
  3. Go to the Local Resources tab
    Step 3 snip image for How to Enable Audio on Remote Desktop Connection on a Windows PC
  4. Look for Remote Audio and click on Settings
    Step 4 snip image for How to Enable Audio on Remote Desktop Connection on a Windows PC
  5. Make sure the following settings are applied:
    1. Remote audio playback is set to “Play on this Computer”
    2. Remote audio recording is set to “Record from this computer”
      Step 5 snip image for How to Enable Audio on Remote Desktop Connection on a Windows PC
  6. Click “OK” and go back to the ‘General’ tab and in Connection settings, click “Save” and you can proceed to connect to your Hostos computer

How to Enable Personal Laptop Camera on Remote Desktop Connection

  1. Open Remote Desktop Connection
  2. Click on ‘Show Options’
    Step 2 snip image for How to Enable Video on Remote Desktop Connection on a Windows PC
  3. Go to ‘Local Resources’
    Step 3 snip image for How to Enable Video on Remote Desktop Connection on a Windows PC
  4. Under ‘Local devices and resources’ click on ‘More’
  5. Locate ‘Video Capture devices’ and check off the box, telling the remote connection to use your laptop or local device’s camera
    Step 5 snip image for How to Enable Video on Remote Desktop Connection on a Windows PC
  6. Click “OK” and go back to the ‘General’ tab and in Connection settings, click “Save” and you can proceed to connect to your Hostos computer

MAC Instructions

Please apply these changes before you remote into your work computer.

You will only need to do this once, if you hit ‘Save’ after making the changes and connecting to your remote session.

How to Enable Audio and Video on Remote Desktop Connection on a MAC

  1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop
  2. On your Work Computer Name, hover by the name and select the pencil icon to edit your saved settings
    Step 2 snip image for How to Audio and Video on Remote Desktop Connection on a MAC
  3. ‘Edit PC’ will appear
  4. Select ‘Devices & Audio’ and check off ‘Microphone’ and ‘Camera. This will enable the software to use your Mac’s camera and microphone
    Step 4 snip image for How to Audio and Video on Remote Desktop Connection on a MAC
  5. Select ‘Save’
  6. You can now proceed to remote into your Hostos computer
 
Work-From-Home Scams During COVID-19 Pandemic

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Recently during this COVID-19 pandemic, CUNY students have reported instances of receiving “Work from Home” and other money-making opportunity emails that are malicious attempts to obtain personal and financial information. As seen with previous Secret Shopper Scams, these emails promise to provide payment to the recipient for completing certain tasks. These requests will typically lead to asking the victim to make some kind of purchase with promises to reimburse. At times, these emails may be spoofed to look like they are from legitimate sources like a staff member from CUNY or Hostos. Here's what you should watch out for:

  • Hostos and CUNY will never ask or instruct any students to deposit checks, purchase gift cards or solicit personal information via email. Be very wary of anybody claiming to be from Hostos or a CUNY institution asking for this information
  • Email addresses may be spoofed to appear to be from someone from Hostos or CUNY. If you are unsure of the legitimacy of the email, you can try to contact the person you believe it is from directly but not by replying to the email. Instead, look them up on the college's directory
  • Avoid clicking on links within suspicious emails. If you would like to check the validity of a website, try a google search instead
  • Always be suspicious of any unsolicited offers and communications and approach them with caution
  • Be careful not to download or click on attachments especially from unknown senders as they could be infected with malware
  • In the case of the secret shopper or mystery shopper scams, they will try to lure you in with a large compensation. Typically, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

If you feel like you have been a victim of an online scam or malware campaign like this one, consider the following actions:

  • Call your financial institution / bank and watch out for any fraudulent charges to your account
  • Change any passwords that you might have revealed. If you are using that same password for multiple accounts, change the passwords for those account as well
  • Forward any spam or cam emails you find in your Hostos inbox to ReportSpam@Hostos.cuny.edu

Revisit our Cyber Security Site for more tips and guidelines on how to stay Cyber Safe.

Where Do I Go for Help?

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hostos offices are moving most of their support online. Because of this, call volumes are higher than usual, email responses are delayed and it might be harder for you to get immediate help. We want to make sure you know who to call for your questions and request but we also want to direct you to the online resources available so that you can get the immediate answers you need.

IT Service Desk

For troubleshooting technical issues or issues with various Hostos Services. You can contact the Service Desk in one of three ways:

Before You Contact the IT Service Desk:

Check the list below for your question/inquiry.

Educational Technology (EdTech)

EdTech assists with tech related issues that deal specifically with education and helping faculty with conducting their courses. You can contact EdTech in one of three ways:

Before You Contact EdTech:

Check the list below for your question/inquiry.

Other Service Areas

You can find a list of Hostos student serving offices here. Most offices have more up-to-date information on their webpages so check there BEFORE reaching out. Here is more information on how to get more immediate help.

  • The Hostos Library has a chat feature on their page here. The chat hours are as follows.
    • Mondays-Thursdays from 9am-9pm
      Fridays from 9am-5pm
      Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-5pm
  • The Hostos Caiman Bot is available to answer questions from the following offices/areas
    • Admissions
    • Financial Aid
    • Bursar
    • Business Office
    • Registrar
    • Transfer Service
    If you have a question that concerns one of these areas, try using the Caiman Bot first BEFORE you call or send an email.
Using Succeed@Hostos to Connect to Your Success Network

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Succeed@Hostos is an integrated program designed to help you achieve your academic goals by staying closely connected with your professors, academic advisors and other student support areas on campus.

When you use Succeed@Hostos, you’ll be able to:

  • Make appointments to meet with student support areas (Success Coaching Unit, Advisors and more)
  • Get individual feedback from professors on your progress within your courses
  • Have your success network collaborate to help you achieve success in your education

How to Access Succeed@Hostos

Log in to Succeed@Hostos with your Hostos username and password.

You can also access the login for Succeed@Hostos from the main Hostos Website under the "Login To" dropdown menu at the top.
Snip image for How to access Succeed@Hostos from the Hostos website under the "Login To" dropdown menu

How to Use Succeed@Hostos

Several short videos were developed to assist students with navigating through the system. Click on the links below to view the tutorials by topic.

Create Your Student Profile
Your Success Network
Upcoming Tab & Appointments
Student Dashboard & Messages
Courses Tab
Request Help & History Tab

If you have questions about Succeed@Hostos or functions within the system, please contact your Success Coach (718) 664-2560 or Academic Advisement (718) 518-6547.

If you are having problems ACCESSING Succeed@Hostos, you can contact the IT Services Desk at (718) 518-6646 or send an email to ITJobRequest@hostos.cuny.edu.

Troubleshooting Connecting to VPN and Remoting Into Your Work PC

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If you haven’t remotely connected to your Hostos PC as of yet, you can follow the instructions below to get started. It is a two-step process that involves connecting to the Hostos Virtual Private Network (VPN) and then using the Remote Desktop Client to connect to your Hostos PC. You must first install the VPN BEFORE you can remote into your Hostos PC.

VPN Instructions

Please note that you must know your PC name, which is displayed on your desktop wallpaper on your machine at Hostos. If this information is not known to you, please contact the IT Service Desk at (718) 518-6646.

Remote Desktop Instructions

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues with VPN and Remote Desktop

If you are having issues connecting to your PC, to save time, please try the following things before contacting the IT Service Desk.

  1. Make sure GlobalProtect is open and the status is “Connected”. If not, make sure you follow the instructions above under “Installing and Using VPN” to make the connection
    1. If you are unable to connect to the VPN, make sure the Portal Address is typed correctly. If you are still having issues, restart your machine and try again
  2. Make sure your Hostos credentials are up-to-date and that your password has not expired
    1. If you suspect your password has expired or if you are locked out of your account, go to sspm.hostos.cuny.edu to change, reset or unlock your accoun

If you are connected to the VPN but cannot remote into your machine, try the following steps

  1. Make sure there are no errors in your computer name
  2. Make sure your Hostos credentials are typed correctly and your password has not expired (see above)
  3. Disconnect and then reconnect to the VPN
  4. Disconnect from the VPN, restart your machine and try the process again

If you have tried all these steps and still cannot connect, there might be a deeper issue that can hopefully be solved by the IT Service Desk. You can call (718) 518-6646, or send an email to ITJobRequest@hostos.cuny.edu.

How to Successfully Work and Learn from Home

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As we are getting used to this new normal of distance learning and working remotely, it can be challenging. Here are some tips that can help you adjust to this new online environment.

Designate an Area for Working/Learning

Working and Learning from home can be hard due to distractions. If you can, find a spot in your house for your work. It should contain as little distractions as possible, be quiet and conducive to productivity. If possible, ask your housemates and relatives to respect your workspace during the times you designate.

Keep on Track of Tasks/Assignments

Practice good time management by keeping track of deadlines on a calendar. Utilize the calendar app on your phone or download one of the many free time-management apps available. Create a schedule and stick to it.

Stay Focused by Minimizing Distractions

Do everything you can to eliminate the distractions that you can control. Logging off of social media accounts and minimize internet browser tabs that don’t relate to your work.

Keep in Touch with Peers

Check your Hostos e-mail often to keep in touch with your peers and the college community especially for new updates and information you may need to know. Check in with your teams periodically if you’re working on projects. Students, keep in touch with professors and your classmates through discussion boards and virtual meetings. If you’re feeling unwell and can’t commit to your tasks, let your professor, your team members, or your supervisor know right away. Ask for help if you need it.

Take Care of Your Mind and Body

Successful working and learning starts with taking care of yourself. Take scheduled breaks. Take a walk outside (while still following social distance guidelines), stay hydrated, eat well and get as much sleep and rest as possible. Protect your mind by not consuming news or media that is too negative or might cause anxiety. It’s good to stay informed but okay to unplug as well.

Sources
Science-backed tips for settling into your new work-from-home routine
Tips for Successful Online Learning
Getting The Most Out Of Your eLearning Course: 10 Study Tips for Online Learners

Get e-Tutoring Provided by the Writing Center and HALC

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During this time of social distancing, e-tutoring for students that need assistance with their assignments is now available. Follow the instructions below to get started.

The Writing Center

  1. Log in to your Writing Center account at hostos.mywconline.com. These account credentials will be what you used to sign up for the Writing Center site and may differ from your Hostos credentials. If you have not registered an account on hostos.mywconline.com, you can do so here
  2. On this screen, you can choose a tutor who has an available timeslot or you can search for a tutor by name on the left. White boxes underneath each timeslot indicate an available time and you can click on any white box to book your appointment
    Step 2 snip image for How to Choose a Tutor on the Writing Center website
  3. The “Create New Appointment” window will appear and you can enter all the required information for your tutoring session. Chose the type of assignment and what you want to work on from the drop-down menus
  4. Next you can upload any relevant files like your assignment draft and the assignment description. Be sure to review all the information for accuracy and click on Create Appointment when you’re done
  5. You’ll receive an email confirming your appointment and you’ll see the timeslot you’ve chosen will turn from white to yellow indicating a successful booking

REMEMBER: Tutors will not edit or revise your work. They will only provide feedback that will help you to craft a stronger assignment.

For more information on eTutoring check the Writing Center Site.

HALC

*HALC will be providing online tutoring until Friday, May 15th, 2020 and throughout Spring Break.

  1. Create a new email from your HOSTOS ACCOUNT ONLY and send an email to HALCTutoring@hostos.cuny.edu
  2. Include in the e-mail the subject of the tutoring, the tutor name, the day and the date. You must make your tutoring request an hour before on the day you wish to meet. HALC is currently unable to make appointments ahead of time.
  3. You can check the HALC schedule here
  4. Once your email is received, HALC will send you a link to a Blackboard Collaborate session that will start at the requested time. All sessions are recorded and will include no more than 4 students.
  5. Click here and fill out the HALC Online Tutoring Request Form

If you have any questions, you can send an email to HALCtutoring@hostos.cuny.edu and feel free to include your phone # in case they need to reach out to you.

Free Resources to Help Faculty Transition Into Distance Learning

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If you’re unfamiliar with the technology needed to transition your course into an online learning environment, EdTech and IT have put together training materials to get you ready. Take a look at the links below to get started.

Getting Your Course Ready for Distance Learning in 3 Steps
This course which includes a 10-minute video/demonstration, was developed as a quick guide on how to get your course ready for online learning by clearly outlining the necessary steps and showing through screen grabs, the basics of how to access and navigate through Blackboard.

Blackboard Resources
A single resource webpage with a collection of tutorials on various Blackboard topics has also been created as a way to help faculty with this transition. If you’ve never used Blackboard before, these tutorials will help you get started.

Educational Technology Workshops
EdTech is providing online workshops in the coming weeks covering various subjects surrounding online learning. Click on the link above to see the upcoming workshops and to sign up.

Free Online Courses for Helpful Programs

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Free Online Courses for Helpful Programs through Blackboard

During the transition to online instruction, the Educational Technology Department has put together training materials for you to read and watch that will help you use systems you may not be familiar with.

Blackboard
If you’re having trouble using Blackboard, there are several tutorials available on various topics such as how to submit an assignment, taking a test online, using discussing boards and more.

For troubleshooting Blackboard issues, you can call EdTech at 718.318.7915, send an email to blackboard@hostos.cuny.edu.

After hours Blackboard Support are available during the following times:

  • Weeknights — from 8:00 pm to 8:00 am the next morning
  • Weekends — from 8:00pm Friday night to 8:00am Monday morning
  • Dial the following telephone number: 1-646-664-2024
  • Please read these instructions before contacting Blackboard for support

Student Online Readiness “Are You Ready?”
Ed Tech has developed the “Are You Ready?” course as a self-paced online guide to help you prepare yourself for taking an online course. This course covers a variety of topics associated with online learning at Hostos. Learn how to enroll in the course through your Blackboard Account.

Microsoft Office Training
For helpful training in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, another self-paced course is available. Enroll after logging in with your CUNY credentials.

Online ePortfolios
This course covers the process of creating an ePortfolio and the features and tools of Digication, the tool used for sharing your work. Enroll after logging in with your CUNY credentials.

Practicing Safe Computing During Distance Education/Remote Work

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Whether you’re a staff member working remotely or using your devices to conduct or take online courses, practicing safe computing is important. Being cyber safe is especially critical in this time when COVID-19 scares are translating into cyber attacks. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe and protect yourself and your devices.

  1. Keep an eye out for official notices and updates about Hostos or CUNY in your Hostos e-mail inbox. Emails originating from outside of the Hostos community will be indicated with an “External” indicator in the subject. If you are unsure of the validity of an e-mail from a Hostos member or suspect spoofing, contact the person directly using other means, like a phone call.
  2. Be wary of using free internet based tools to collaborate with others while using non CUNY (personal) e-mail addresses. With personal emails, there is no way to authenticate the identities of the individual or individuals you’re communicating with so it is strongly recommended that you use only Hostos/CUNY approved tools for collaboration such as Blackboard, etc.
  3. Keep up with software updates on your personal devices. You can set your PC up for automatic updates but if prompted, make sure you update your software and restart your computer periodically to ensure updates are in effect.
  4. Beware of Coronavirus related e-mails especially ones that contain links or attachments. These could contain phishing traps or malware. Check official websites for Coronavirus updates such as CDC.gov and WHO.int and for any suspicious emails in your Hostos inbox, you can forward them to ReportSpam@hostos.cuny.edu.
  5. Never reveal any personal or financial information via e-mail, webchat or through any other online communication. This also applies to phone calls as well. Protect your private information.
  6. Share your screens/desktops responsibly. When using a program like Blackboard Collaborate to present a program or your computer screen, be sure to close out any windows containing any sensitive information or information that should not be disclosed to the person or people you are communicating with.
  7. Revisit our Cyber Security site for more tips and guidelines on how to stay Cyber Safe.
Free 6-Month Subscription for TI Calculator Emulator Software for Faculty and Students

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For Faculty and Students with Math Courses, Texas Instruments is offering free six-month calculator emulator software subscriptions for the following programs. Click on the links based on your role and enter your email address when prompted to request the software.

For Faculty/Instructors

  • TI-SmartView™ CE emulator software for the TI-84 Plus graphing family
  • TI-SmartView™ for MathPrint™ calculators (TI-30XS/TI-34 MultiView™ scientific calculators)
  • TI-Nspire™ CX Premium Teacher Software

For Students

  • TI-SmartView™ CE emulator software for the TI-84 Plus graphing family
  • TI-SmartView™ for MathPrint™ calculators (TI-30XS/TI-34 MultiView™ scientific calculators)
  • TI-Nspire™ CX Student Software
  • TI-Nspire™ CX CAS Student Software

iPad Solution
Texas Instruments has also temporarily made the TI-Nspire™ App for iPad® and TI-Nspire™ CAS App for iPad® free for download in the app store until the end of April 2020.

For any issues with the software install, you can call 1-800-TI-CARES or send an email to ti-cares@ti.com.

Students: Download Adobe Creative Cloud to your personal devices!

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Downloading Adobe Creative Cloud to Your Personal Device

CUNY and Adobe have made it possible for CUNY students to be able to download Creative Cloud Apps to their personal devices using their CUNY login credentials, making it easier to work and continue to learn while off campus.

Installing Creative Cloud

  1. Go to creativecloud.adobe.com in your web browser. When prompted, enter your CUNY Login email (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu) and click “Continue”
    Step 1 snip image for How to Install Creative Cloud

    PLEASE NOTE: Do not enter your Hostos email, Google, Facebook or your Apple credentials. This will only work with your CUNY login credentials.
  2. Enter your CUNY Login Username (firstname.lastname##@login.cuny.edu) followed by your CUNY Login Password and press “Login”
    Step 2 snip image for How to Install Creative Cloud

    If you have problems with your CUNY Login credentials, please contact Hostos IT by calling (718) 518-6646 or you can send a Skype Instant Message to IT Tech Support.
  3. Once on the Creative Cloud site, you’ll be able to browse for available applications and download what you need*
    Step 3 snip image for How to Install Creative Cloud

*Please be mindful of your computer capabilities and available space. Download only what you need and see Adobe’s Creative Cloud System Requirements page to ensure you have the requirements available for the programs you need.

Free Connectivity and Internet Provider Options

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With distant learning underway, several companies are making attempts to make it easier for students to stay connected. Here are some of the options you can consider if you’re having connectivity issues.

Altice USA/Optimum
For households with K-12 and/or college students who may be displaced due to school closures and/or who do not currently have home internet access, Altice USA is offering 30 Mbps broadband solution for free for 60 days to any new customer household within their footprint.

Read Altice USA/Optimum official statement. For more information and to sign up for this service, call (866) 200-9522.

Comcast
For families who do not have a subscription, Comcast is offering free public Wi-Fi for 60 days. Comcast is also making it easier for low-income families in their service areas to sign up by offering 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service for $9.95/month. They will also be sending new customers a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem and Wi-Fi router.

For more information visit the Comcast website and to sign up, call (855) 846-8376 for English and (855) 765-6995 for Spanish.

Charter/Spectrum
Charter will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription and at any service level up to 100 Mbps. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.

Read Charter/Spectrum statement, click here. To enroll call (844) 488-8395.

Self Service Password Management

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How to Sign Up for Self Service Password Management (SSPM)

You can manage your own Hostos password by signing up for the self-service password management system. Use the system to reset your password if you have forgotten it, unlock your account if you have too many failed login attempts, and change your password when it expires. Save yourself a trip to the IT Service Desk and follow these steps to get started:

Enroll in SSPM (please note that you must already know your current Hostos password before enrolling)

  1. Go to sspm.hostos.cuny.edu in a web browser
  2. Enter your Hostos Username
    Step 2 snip image for How to Enroll in SSPM
  3. Click the “I’m Not A Robot” indicator
    Step 3 snip image for How to Enroll in SSPM
  4. Read the Privacy Policy & Terms of Use and click “Agree”
  5. Enter your Hostos password to be enrolled in the system
    Step 5 snip image for How to Enroll in SSPM

Choose Security Questions

  1. Click on Enrollment to choose your security questions for unlocking your account in the future
    Step 1 snip image for How to Choose Security Questions
  2. Choose your security questions from the drop down list and type in the answers
    Step 2 snip image for How to Choose Security Questions
  3. Click “Continue” when you’re done. Once you’re enrolled you’ll receive this confirmation
    Step 3 snip image for How to Choose Security Questions
  4. Once you’re enrolled, when you click on “Forgot Password” and “Unlock Account”, you’ll be asked the security questions you chose. Click on “Change Password” to change your password once it expires ever 90 days 

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Self-Checker

Testing for COVID-19

Coronavirus Self-Checker
A guide to help you make decisions and see appropriate medical care

  • Who should be tested
  • How to get tested
  • What to do after you are tested

Go to CDC > Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) > Symptoms & Testing

 


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