Welcome New Anteaters!
This page will guide you through the basics of successfully navigating remote instruction as you begin your journey at UCI.
Contents
What to Know about Educational Technology
Your Computer
Your UCInetID
Your UCI Google Account
UCI’s Canvas learning management system
Your Remote Classroom
Exams & Proctoring
What Else You Should Know
Your Academic Advisors
Placement Testing
UCI’s Libraries
The Writing Center
Other Assistance
What to Know About Educational Technology
Your Computer
UCI has put together a minimum computer requirements page that can help you understand the what equipment is necessary to use the range of tools you’ll use as a student.
The Canvas website has recommended browsers.
Things to Know
Chromebooks do not work with some educational technology software and is not recommended for your course work.
A webcam is key to participating in remote classes. If your computer doesn’t already have one, you’ll want to get one.
Your UCInetID
Your UCInetID is your passport to all your academic tools and services. Make sure you never share your UCInetID password with anyone and confirm you’re logging into an authorized UCI resource before entering your password.
- Activate your UCInetID or change your password
- Use these password security tips
- Add MultiFactor Authentication (MFA) for extra security
- Install VPN software to access some campus resources
Things to Know
If you have a different name that you prefer to go by (what UCI calls a “preferred name”), you can add that name to the Registrar’s StudentAccess system and it will populate Canvas and other campus tools.
If you want to request a different UCInetID than the one originally assigned, you can request this change with a $25 fee.
Your UCI Google Account
Your email and calendar at UCI will be via Google Apps for Education. Your UCI email is how all official communication between you and the University is conducted. As you transition to an enrolled UCI student, we will no longer message you using a non-UCI email address.
- Set up your UCI Google account and password
- Set up Gmail on your phone
- Change where your “@uci.edu” email is delivered
- Learn more about your Google tools at UCI
Things to Know
You’ll get a lot of Zotmails from various campus folks. Be sure not to automatically filter these out or you could miss important campus communication.
You’ll also get course emails from your instructors which you definitely do not want to miss.
UCI’s Canvas Learning Management System
Your course materials will typically be located on UCI Canvas. Your first ‘courses’ in UCI Canvas will actually be for your orientation this summer!
- Login to UCI Canvas using your UCInetID
- Set up your Canvas communication preferences
- Download the Canvas Student App: iOS Devices | Android Devices
- Review all you need to know about using Canvas at UCI
Related and useful websites:
- View your schedule and other class resources at EEE+ GrandCentral
- View your official enrollment at the Registrar’s Student Access site
Things to Know
UCI’s original homegrown learning management system, EEE (now known as Legacy EEE), is being retired. You may still see references to it, but it’s being replaced with Canvas and new EEE+ tools.
You can get Canvas support by writing to eee-support@uci.edu which is available during regular campus business hours.
Your Remote Classroom
With the exception of 13 classes, all UCI undergraduate instruction will be remote in fall, 2020.
There are two primary web conferencing tools that are used at UCI for delivery of remote instruction.
Yuja
Some instructors will use Yuja and embed videos into Canvas. There’s nothing for you to set-up, you’ll just access these like any other course material in the LMS.
Zoom
Many instructors will use Zoom and may conduct real time classes that you’ll participate in at scheduled times.
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- Download Zoom
- “Sign in” to activate your UCI Zoom account
- Use your UCInetID to login to Zoom sessions
- Learn more: Zoom – Getting Started
Things to Know
Students can host their own Zoom meetings. This is a great way to have study groups or work on group assignments.
If your instructor hosts Zoom office hours, go! Bring your questions to your instructor, learn what other students are struggling with, and connect with your class in a more meaningful way. Especially while instruction is remote, it’s important to take advantage of office hours.
UCI has themed Zoom backgrounds you can use.
Exams & Proctoring
Some of your instructors will use proctoring software to administer exams. Proctoring is provided at no cost to students.
Using Respondus
Using Examity
Things to Know
Neither of these tools works with Chromebooks. Respondus does not work with ChromeOS. Examity won’t work on smartphones, so be sure to use a computer.
What Else You Should Know
Your Academic Advisors
Get to know your advising office and your advisors. You will be introduced to your advising office during the orientation (SPOP) process, but that should not be the last time you talk to your advisor! If you have questions after going through SPOP, you can always get in touch with the staff and peer academic advisors in your school.
Things to Know
UCI uses DegreeWorks, which is software that helps you plan classes toward your degree. Login to the Registrar’s StudentAccess system to use this important tool.
Placement Testing
Things to Know
From the Academic Testing Center: “Dear entering class of 2020! Your writing placement at UC Irvine will be based on information you have already submitted to Admissions. New freshmen do NOT need to take the online UC systemwide Analytical Writing Placement Examination (AWPE) in June, or pay the fee to take the AWPE. Our enrollment process here at UCI is delivered at no cost to students. Students do not need to take any other actions to be placed in a writing course. Course enrollment will take place during the required online academic advising in summer.”
UCI’s Libraries
UCI has a Main Library (Langson Library) and a Science Library. When on-campus activities resume, you might also want to use the Gateway Study Center, which has computers, printers, and study spaces.
- Sometimes course materials will be on Course Reserve
- You can take self-paced tutorials and watch short videos to be better prepared for classes
- You can Ask A Librarian a question at any time, 24 hours a day, or schedule a free research consultation
- Use a Curated Guide to learn more about your major and study tips
Things to Know
Many UCI Library resources require you to use UCI’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access, so make sure you’ve enabled VPN on your computer and smartphone.
The Writing Center
Writing is an important component of your coursework at UCI. Fortunately, you’ve got assistance via the Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication, otherwise known as The Writing Center.
Other Assistance
College is a big transition. Be sure to take advantage of academic assistance offered at UCI.
- Get tutoring from the Learing and Academic Resource Center (LARC)
- Become familiar with the Student Success Initiatives opportunities that include mentors and scholarships
If you need any disability accommodation assistance, the Disability Services Center is here to help you.