Online Learning
Urban College of Boston regularly offers courses in the following teaching modalities:
- Remote Hybrid - These courses feature both a regular weekly synchronous session online and asynchronous activities in the college’s Learning Management System (LMS), currently Brightspace. Carnegie credit hours are roughly 50/50 or 40/60 split. This means that students are expected to meet with the instructor each week via a video conference and must continue to learn some material asynchronously online.
- Asynchronous Online - These courses are taught entirely in Brightspace, but there is no weekly meeting requirement. Activities have set deadlines. These courses are not self-paced.
Online Course Etiquette
Online etiquette rules are a set of shared expectations for online interactions that help create a safe and productive learning environment for the class to share ideas, express opinions, make mistakes, and learn together.
Here are a few things to remember:
- Access to Urban College systems including Urban College emails, student information systems (SONIS), and learning management system (Brightspace) is an earned privilege and students are advised to use these with caution. Never provide your Urban College login information to any other individual, including friends or family.
- Please refer to the Academic Honesty section of this catalog for academic honesty policies that apply to all students, including those in online classes.
- If you have a question about assignment deadlines or closed assignments in a course for your instructor, please do not submit a helpdesk ticket. Instead, reach out to your instructor directly with your specific request. An IT Helpdesk Ticket should be submitted only for true IT problems, such as email or Brightspace login issues.
- Ensure that your video background is presentable, professional, free of distractions, and courteous for online class meetings or virtual events for the college. Please dress appropriately as if you were going to a professional setting.
- When communicating online, remember that your classmates who are reading your words deserve to be treated with respect. Without the benefit of facial cues and other physical indications, your readers may not interpret your words as you intended. Before sending any communication, ask yourself if you would say the same thing if you were face-to-face.
- Behavior standards are the same in face-to-face and online courses. This includes:
- following the copyright laws and Urban College of Boston codes of conduct and civility
- responding honestly but thoughtfully and respectfully
- using language that others will not consider foul or abusive
- being constructive when providing feedback to classmates
- Communication which is acceptable on one platform (texting) may not be appropriate in an academic setting. If you are not sure if a method is appropriate, you should ask your instructor.
- Your communication should be relevant and concise. Your classmates and instructor will need to be able to read your work within a reasonable amount of time. Avoid attaching large files or images that might take a lot of time to download. Your instructor will let you know what to expect in terms of response time and feedback.
- Make sure your written work is well-crafted, relevant to the topic, and proofread before submitting. Follow your instructor’s guidance for the class. When appropriate, share your expertise, resources, and reference materials so others can learn from you as well. Handling disagreements:
- It is okay to disagree with a classmate, but interactions must remain respectful. Focus on the issue and not on any individual.
Privacy considerations:
Never share a classmate’s personal information; always respect their privacy. This privacy extends to all aspects of the course. Sharing screenshots, videos, or audio of your classmates without their permission is a violation of student privacy rights as well as state and federal law. Similarly, you should not share any of your classmates’ classwork, group work, presentations, or other educational materials without their explicit permission.
A Few Communication Tips:
- Stay actively engaged with each class you are taking at the College. This means checking your Urban College courses and email daily. Check your course’s syllabus to see what expectations and policies the instructor has set around communication.
- Don’t be shy. If you have a question, concern, comment, or suggestion, make sure that you speak up. Even though you cannot raise your hand online, you can send an email to your instructors or post a message to the discussion board. It is your responsibility to communicate with your instructors when you have a question or issue that needs to be addressed.
- Follow the online etiquette rules set out in your courses.
- You can expect your instructor to respond to communications within 2 business days.
Helpdesk
Email: helpdesk@urbancollege.edu
Phone: 617-960-0254
Hours: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday
The IT Helpdesk assists students with all technology needs. Contact the IT Helpdesk for help with:
- SONIS Student Portal
- Urban College Outlook Email
- Student ID Cards
- Device Assistance
- Brightspace or other online learning questions
Learning Resource Center
Email: LRC@urbancollege.edu
Phone: 617-449-7044
Appointments for tutoring: https://www.urbancollege.edu/learning-resource-center
The College’s Learning Resource Center (LRC) offers a range of academic support, including one-on-one tutoring, group study sessions, free conversation groups for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and academic workshops for Urban College students. The LRC is staffed by the Manager of the LRC and a team of Learning Support Associates (LSAs). LSAs provide services in English, Spanish, and Mandarin.
Arrangements for tutoring are made via the LRC’s Bookings website: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/LearningResourceCenter@URBANCOLLEGE.EDU/bookings/
LRC Computer Facilities
Urban College of Boston has a Learning Resource Center with laptops and printing available when students come in. However, we encourage students to come in with their own devices so we can bookmark important sites to serve them after their visit and beyond. Students can do research for class assignments and term papers and have access to the library and other research materials online. Students are encouraged to call ahead at 617-449-7044 or stop by the LRC to check on the computers’ availability. Computers are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Library and Information Resources
Urban College of Boston is committed to ensuring that all students gain the information literacy skills that they need to be successful students and engaged citizens. Urban College students have access to a full array of print and nonprint resources through the College’s dedicated suite of Gale Databases and a wealth of library resources available through the Boston Public Library (BPL).
Gale Databases
With the assistance of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Massachusetts Library System, Urban College provides students with over thirty Gale databases covering virtually every academic discipline. Located at http://galesites.com/menu/mlin_b_urbancb,
Urban College’s customized e-resources page is available from computers in the LRC, as well as to remote users 24/7. The site offers full-text access to academic and general interest journals; newspapers, including The Boston Globe and The New York Times; encyclopedias; e-books; and a wide variety of other materials.
Boston Public Library (BPL)
Urban College students have access to the Boston Regional Library System (BRLS) through the BPL, including its extensive databases for research and knowledge on any and every topic. Urban College students can use their personal library card to gain access to BRLS online services, including ProQuest, EBSCO, Gale, OCLC, NewsBank, and many more electronic resources.
Student Supports
Accessibility & Academic Accommodations
The Director of Student Services and Support at Urban College of Boston provides services to students who qualify as having a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Director of Student Services and Support is responsible for accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and applicable state law. The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who: “has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or is perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as a person who has scars from a severe burn).”
The services provided to registered students with disabilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Providing advocacy support for students with documented disabilities,
- Coordinating services for students with disabilities, which includes verifying eligibility for academic accommodations based on documentation,
- Providing assistance to members of the campus community in responding to disability- related issues and concerns,
- Working with the larger campus community to overcome architectural, attitudinal, and administrative barriers,
- Educating and training students on assistive technology resources,
- Coordinating peer note-taking services,
- Providing exam accommodations,
- Assisting students with academic strategies
- Assisting with the diagnostic evaluation referral process
Questions and Contact Information: The Director of Student Services and Support, may be reached by email at studentservices@urbancollege.edu or by phone at 617-449-7380.
Here is the link to the Accommodation Request Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=HnCdJ2cNiUupTrgmGCPjKzt0agm94stErG3OXo8chiNUQjlIRkpXVks5MEU2UU5QUUFMV0Y5Vk1LSy4u
Here is the link to the Medical Provider Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=HnCdJ2cNiUupTrgmGCPjKzt0agm94stErG3OXo8chiNUMjNJMk41V040S0czMURXVzBERlRYU0tNMC4u
Accommodation and Accessibility Process
Urban College of Boston is committed to the success of its students. This includes providing equal access to all members of the student body. The Accommodation and Accessibility Process document provides step-by-step instructions to address student inquiries and requests for accommodations and includes accessibility resources.
If a student discloses a disability and is interested in an accommodation, please encourage the student to contact the Director of Student Services and Support, Rosana Perella.
- Student looking for accommodations initiates communication with the Director of Student Services and Support directly
- Director of Student Service and Support provides the Accommodation Request Form (ARF) and the process begins
- If the student does not contact the Director of Student Services and Support, the process cannot begin.
- Student is responsible for completing and submitting the Accommodation Request Form (ARF)
- If the student does not submit the Accommodation Request Form (ARF), the process is on hold until the Accommodation Request Form (ARF) is submitted.
- The Accommodation Request Form (ARF) will be reviewed
- The student will need to submit appropriate disability documentation (e.g. Medical Provider Form (MPF), IEP, 504, Neuropsychological evaluation, Psychoeducational evaluation, etc.)
- If the student does not submit disability documentation, the process is on hold until disability documentation is submitted.
- An intake meeting will be scheduled to discuss the student’s experience with their disability and review documentation.
- After the intake meeting, either:
- Additional information may need to be provided, and student will be informed
- The information provided was sufficient to make an accommodation determination.
- An official communication with an accommodation decision will be sent to student via email.
Academic Planning and Advisement
Students and their academic advisors should meet regularly to review and discuss students’ academic progress. Professional and personal goals and objectives. Advisors recommend course selection and sequence and remain key points of contact and sources of guidance throughout students’ academic career at Urban College. Students are expected to schedule an appointment and meet with their assigned academic advisor prior to registration. In addition to the ongoing guidance provided by academic advisors, each student has access to staff who are available to offer information on financial aid, assist with internships and field placements, and provide referrals to other agencies and organizations. Staff will also assist students in developing peer support groups for academic, professional, and social networking.
Urban College offers a range of services and activities designed to support, strengthen, and encourage student efforts to assist in overcoming problems that may interfere with student progress and to enhance a student’s ability to manage and direct learning and career development over a lifetime. Services are provided by the College in cooperation with community organizations to help in the critical areas of daily life, educational achievement, professional advancement, orientation, advisement and counseling, career planning and development, and cultural enrichment. If in need of assistance, please reach out to the Director of Student Services and Support at Rosana.Perella@urbancollege.edu
Student Activities & Success Workshops
The Student Services Department and the Learning Resource Center (LRC) offer workshops in multiple languages throughout the year. These sessions are designed to address students’ common questions, concerns, and areas of interest. Whether you’re interested in better understanding your syllabus, seeking help tackling a research paper, or looking to improve your technology skills, there is a workshop for you. Student Services holds monthly events for networking and building our student community (such as Winter Celebration, Lunar New Year, and What’s My Story). Student Services posts a “Wellness Wednesday” email to all students, staff, and faculty to promotes self-care and well-being.
Please check the monthly newsletter for current events.
Click here to view the Student Activities Calendar for the current semester
Student Strong Pathway
The Student Strong Pathway focuses on support and engagement of students from the day they enroll to when they become Urban College alumni. The data has shown that students who attend events within the Student Strong Pathways are more likely to persist through their first semester and continue their studies. The workshops involved in the Student Strong Pathway include:
- First Steps to Success
- Accepted Student’s Day
- New Student Orientation
- Asynchronous New Student Orientation
- Learn Computer Skills Strong
- Start Strong
- Continue Strong
- You Started Strong, Let’s Finish Strong
- Develop Your Career Strong
- Transfer Strong
- Graduate Strong
- Continue Your Career Strong
Career Planning and Development
As a college with programs focused on direct entry into career tracks, Urban College of Boston integrates career planning and development into the curriculum of its programs. This includes career-related coursework, required internships and fieldwork, and optional professional development seminars. Additionally, students have access to guidance through faculty who are experts in their fields as well as their academic advisors. Student Services has developed a “Career Corner” in the College’s learning management system, Brightspace, where students have access to resources on topics such as resume preparation and interviewing techniques. Professional opportunities are posted regularly in Brightspace and in the student newsletter.
Housing, Food, and Personal Resources
Information about housing, food, and personal resources is available in the Student Resource Handbook at this link. Here you will find information on:
- Affordable Housing
- Transportation
- Mental Health Resources
- Substance Abuse Resources
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resources
- Sexual & Reproductive Health Resources
- Legal Resources
- Immigration Resources
- Food Assistance
- Clothing and Essentials
- Learning English
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Community Groups & Events
We also have an ongoing Food Pantry on campus for students. It is free for all of our students. It is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 6pm.
Student Government
The Student Government Association (SGA) is a group of four current Urban College students who act as the voice of the Student Body to the Administration. They help identify and address student concerns while creating an inclusive environment and promoting communication and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Their voice, actions, and decisions can have immediate and long-term impacts on the Urban College student body.
Student Government Meetings take place once a month, and there are meetings that are open to the entire student body.
To learn more about Urban College’s student government, you can find information here.
TruLeague
TruLeague is a platform we use at Urban College to build community and increase touchpoints for prospective students. Prospective students can join the platform to chat with current students, alumni and staff to learn more information about the college and the admissions process. New students are able to join community chats to connect with their peers and support each other as they are starting their courses. Current students and alumni also have the opportunity to become Ambassadors, supporting new and perspective students in their Urban College journey.
Identification Cards
Urban College will issue identification cards to all students by request upon their enrollment. All students are required to complete the process to have a card issued and carry it with them whenever they come to campus. Students may be asked to produce their identification cards by Urban College and building staff.
Alumni Association
The Urban College of Boston Alumni Association was established in the spring of 2004 with a generous grant from Hannah and Moses Malkin. The Urban College of Boston Alumni Association is open to all degree and certificate recipients. Those interested in more information about the Urban College of Boston Alumni Association may contact the Chief Operating Officer, Caitlin Callahan at Caitlin.Callahan@urbancollege.edu
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