Tips to Survive and Thrive Online Spring 2020

Let’s work together to set realistic expectations for ourselves for what we want to accomplish, and how we’re going to do it over the next few months. Here is a handout that I hope will help with your transition to online learning and help given the circumstances of the new environment:

Step 1: Reflect. List out your priorities for the next few months, including all categories of importance to you (e.g., personal, professional, academic, spiritual, etc.). 

Step 2: How would you prioritize these priorities? Review your list from Step 1, and next to each priority you listed write one of four options: Essential to survival (e.g., pay the bills, childcare), critical short-term to accomplish long-term goals (e.g., pass classes, exercise routine, go on a date with your partner), not critical for short-term but important, not very important to you (you may be surprised what you find in these last two categories!).

Step 3: Create a time-blocked schedule based on your answers to Step 2. If you want something to get done and it’s essential, you’ll need to put time in your calendar to do it! If you have lectures at a certain time, continue to log into canvas during that time and read/watch/respond to whatever lecture materials are posted if you are able to. If you typically exercise during a certain time, try to leave that time as is and modify your workout to an at-home video, etc. Some things you can use to help with this:

• Example of scheduling for class-specific tasks only [pen and paper only]
• Example of scheduling for all tasks in a week [pen and paper only]
• Alternatively, use your google cal app, or any other planner you have access to.

Step 4: Be flexible and give grace to yourself and others. Don’t expect that things are going to be perfect the first time you try out your schedule. Test, modify, reschedule!

Step 5: Finish strong! Remember that the work you are doing here at CSUN will help you contribute to your community later. Keep up your good work, and let’s get through this together!

Resource List Working Remotely & COVID-19

If something isn’t working on Canvas:

• IT Help

Help with classwork or writing:

• Learning Resource Center and Writing Center
• SBS Tutoring

Campus Resources or Policies

• List of Campus-Specific Resources from President Harrison 
• Late Add/Drop of classes is available. Here is the most updated form to use, which only requires 2 signatures: yours and the instructor's. More information about it is at the bottom of this Admissions and Records page (under LATE ADD/DROP FORMS heading).
• Spring 2020 President's Grade Change Update: "Students may remain in the current grading mode by taking no action. Alternately, students may opt into one of two alternate grading modes for each course: (1) Letter Grade of A through C or No Credit (NC); and (2) Credit[equivalent of a C or better] or No Credit [equivalent of a c- or less] (CR/NC)." IMPORTANT: Review the FAQ PAGE before changing your grade, as this change could impact financial aid, athlete, acceptance to certain graduate programs, etc. 

Social, Emotional, and Other Support:

• List of providers offering (temporarily) free internet
• COVID-19 Specific Resources for Emotional Support from University Counseling Services.
• CSUN Psychology Peer Mentors (Senior Fellows): Email caps@csun.edu to get connected.
• CSUN Student Success Allies: email studentsuccessallies@csun.edu to connect.
• Visit a virtual Zoom version of CAPS room M-Th 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and work remotely with other CSUN students, or ask a student manager a question: https://csun.zoom.us/j/788300083
• COVID-19 EOP Dream Center Resources (including undocu-specific resources for COVID-19)
• Dial “211” on your phone or visit https://www.211la.org/ for health and human services offered through LA County. This includes info on free activities for kids, local food banks, shelter, etc.
• Federal Disaster Loan Assistance Program
• Racial Profiling During COVID-19: If you have been the victim of or witness to an act of violence, bullying, harassment, threat, or other act motivated by hate, please fill out this Hate Incident Report Form or call 2-1-1 to file a report and be connected to support services. 

Psychology Department:

• The Department Office in SH 376 is closed.
• However, the psychology department office staff will remain available between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. M-F via email "> or phone: 818-677-2827
• Psychology Academic Advisement: https://www.csun.edu/social-behavioral-sciences/student-services-center-and-eop-satellite
• Psychotherapy sessions will be conducted online via Zoom, at no charge to you.  To sign up, please email Alyssa Serpa at and include “Brief Therapy” in the subject line.

Access to computers:

• USU Computer Lab and Oviatt Library Computer Labs are open (Oviatt library open by appointment only and printing is not available).

Reliable online sources for information about COVID-19

•   CDC Website
•   WHO Website
•   LA County Public Health Department Website

For other information related to on-campus resources, including USU, DRES, General Academic Advisement please visit: 

Community for Achievement in Psychological Science (CAPS) is designed to connect psychology students with on-campus resources relevant to helping them complete their degree or pursue a career in psychology. We offer office hours with peer mentors (Senior Fellows) who can answer your questions about topics such as "what is this professor's class like?" to "what is APA format?!"

We also offer a wide range of fun activities and events throughout the semester. We also have a physical space in room Sierra Hall 304 for a space to hangout, charge your device, work on a computer, meet new friends, or see what's new in the psychology department. Team CAPS hopes to help you find your psychology family!

Applications for Senior Fellows Fall 2020 will Open in April!

See links below to apply.

• Wanting to meet new friends?
• Wanting to help others navigate the psychology major?
• Wanting opportunities to volunteer and help others? Want opportunities for professional development?
• Need elite access to on-campus printing?
• You may be interested in CAPS' fellowship mentoring program!

There are two tiers to the program.

1. Join as a freshman, sophomore, or 1st semester transfer student to become a "FELLOW". To apply for Spring 2019, please complete the Fellow Interest Form.
2. Join as a junior or senior to become a "SENIOR FELLOW." You must first check if there is availability to join. Note: You will need a recommendation form from a faculty member, and will enroll in PSY 499 (1unit), B (2 units), or C (3 units). To view further information, and apply, please fill out the Senior Fellow Interest Form.
3. NOTE: ALL students need to save Saturday September 5th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for training day. Senior Fellows are REQUIRED to attend this to stay enrolled in the program.
4. If you're a faculty member that is completing a form of recommendation for a CAPS senior fellow, please fill out our online Faculty Recommendation Form.

If you don't hear back from a representative within a few days after completing the above surveys, please email caps@csun.edu or elise.fenn@csun.edu to receive further information.

Interesting in joining a research lab? Check out our list of full-time faculty here. Click on each faculty's name, read through their bios or click on their websites to get a sense of the type of research they work on and find out if they're accepting students! Some faculty may not have information on their websites or bios about accepting students. Please feel free to email any faculty to get more information! Faculty expect that students reach out, or stop by office hours, to get more information about their research, so please don't hesitate to reach out. Here is a sample email that you might send to a faculty member to see if they're accepting students:

Dear Professor XXXX,

I am a [fresh/soph/junior/senior] psychology major. I recently read your bio(or website), and found your research on XXXX interesting. I especially found XXXX interesting! 

I was wondering if you're currently accepting research students into your lab. If so, how may I go about applying? 

Thank you for your time,

Your Name

Health and Well Being Resources:

• University Counseling: Many students experience stress and challenges during their university years. University Counseling Services (UCS) provides free and confidential consultations to help students deal with academic stress, relationship problems, family or roommate conflicts, personal growth and crisis events (e.g., divorce, assault) and other mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression). Visit UCS in Bayramian Hall 250 or call them at 818-677-2366 or 818-677-7834 (TTY).
• Student Success Allies (no web page available): Students helping students! This is a group of masters in social work students that want to help YOU succeed. The CSBS Student Allies team are MSW Students who provide immediate response to support students in crisis and case management as needed under the direct supervision of a Faculty LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). In addition to being a near-peer support, the allies can also help those students who need more intensive services connect to off campus programs. For information contact Tiffany Brooks at tiffani.brooks@csun.edu or (818) 677-6460.
• Oasis Center: The Oasis is a welcoming destination where CSUN students can find serenity and relaxation amid the rush and activity of campus life. It offers nutrition counseling, meditation, massages, acupuncture, nap pods and workshops focused on wellness and managing stress — all intended to promote student academic success

Learning Resources:

• Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES): If you have a disability or need accommodations for your learning, you can register with the Center on Disabilities and the Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES; Bayramian Hall, Room 110; 818-677-2684) or the National Center on Deafness (NCOD; Jeanne Chisholm Hall; 818-677-2611). 
• Learning Resource & Writing Center: Need help with MATH 140? Looking for help with writing or grammar tips? Here is your spot! The Learning Resource Center (LRC) and the Writing Center at the LRC are available to help students improve their writing, critical thinking, and communication. Visit the LRC in Bayramian Hall room 408, or call them at 818-677-2033.
• College Student Success Team: The CSBS Student Success Team works with YOU to ensure you are on track for successful graduation.
• CSBS Statistics and Writing Tutors: Many psychology students that are enrolled in PSY 320/L or PSY 321/L find this resource useful! A place to find help with statistics and writing. Drop in during their hours, listed on their website!
• Campus Mentorship Program

Financial Resources: At this link you'll find a list of several resources to help with finances, including paying your tuition, living expenses, or financial planning.

DACA Resources

• The American Psychological Association's website has a wealth of career exploration, professional development opportunities, internship information, and more. Try starting at this link about psychology and science in action.  This link also has a guidebook for career exploration. This link will take you to other student resources such as internship information, information about getting into graduate school, or using APA style in writing. 
• Dr. Plunkett has created a web page with lots of information about job resources. You can access that HERE.
• Our career center has unique resources for you, including various on-campus job and internship fairs! Their website and list of events are located HERE
• Explore webinars designed to introduce psychology majors to unique career paths

1. Positive Organizational Psychology 
2. "What to do with a Psychology B.A.?" Webinar: Jon Katz