CSSW Online Course Student Agreement

Online instruction carries added responsibilities for students and instructors. To ensure a high-quality educational experience, we ask that you read and comply with these responsibilities as specified in this agreement.


I understand that choosing to complete my MSSW via Columbia School of Social Work’s
Online Program involves technology requirements that I am responsible for meeting, and that
failure to do so will have a negative impact on my own education and my classmates'
experience as well, as they could be impacted by others' poorly functioning technology.

I have read and understood the technology requirements listed below:

• Computer – I understand that I need a desktop or laptop computer. Tablets,
  Chromebooks, Kindles, smartphones, and other devices do not offer the full
  functionality needed for the CSSW online program.
• Hard-wired, high speed Internet connection – I am required to connect my
  computer through a hard-wired (Ethernet) cable to the Internet. Due to varying
  WiFi speeds, a hard-wired Internet connection is required to avoid disruptions for
  the entire class. A high speed Internet connection can be obtained via cable modem
  or fiber optic broadband; dial-up Internet will not work with the technology
  required for online courses, and digital subscriber line (DSL) or satellite may or may
  not work, so they are not recommended. Depending on high-speed Internet service
  provider, time of day, and other factors, the minimum high-speed Internet package
  may not be adequate.
• Headset with microphone – I am required to obtain and use a headset with a
  microphone that plugs into my computer for all class sessions (wireless headsets will not work consistently and may disrupt the entire class).
• Webcam – I am required to obtain and use a webcam for all class sessions.
• Ethernet cable – I am required to obtain and use an Ethernet cable to use for all
  class sessions (for example).
• Adapter to plug in Ethernet cable (if needed) – If my computer doesn’t have a port to connect to the Internet, I am required to purchase an adapter and/or whatever device is necessary. Examples of adapters include USB-to-Ethernet adapters (for example) and Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapters (for example).
• Canvas Requirements – I am required to comply with all Canvas requirements, found here.

I agree to the following standards for troubleshooting technology:

• Student responsibility for resolving problems - I understand that my technology and connection problems are my responsibility to resolve, and that troubleshooting may include making adjustments to my technology in reaction to my experience. For example, if I am experiencing disconnections from class, difficulties seeing/hearing the class, and inability to participate fully, I may need to upgrade my Internet package, purchase a newer modem, update my Internet browser or use a different browser, update my computer’s operating system, or other. If my computer is very old or broken, I understand that I may need to purchase a new computer.
• Responsibility to seek support for issues with course websites - If I experience technical issues with any of my Canvas course sites, I will promptly contact the “24/7 Canvas Help,” which can be found as a menu item in the left navigation bar of all my online course sites. For questions regarding course content, deadlines, etc., I will contact my course’s Instructor or Associate/TA.
• Consequences of unresolved technical issues - I understand that failing to troubleshoot technical issues in a timely manner can lead to a lowering of my class participation grade if the issues prevent me from using the microphone or webcam, or otherwise participating in class, as instructed by my professor.

I agree to maintain confidentiality and respect for my fellow classmates:

• I understand that live class sessions, recordings of live sessions, and any personal information posted to Canvas or any other course platform as part of my courses are confidential. I understand that all online class sessions are recorded, and the recordings are shared with the full class so that anyone can review what was covered.
• I understand that the CSSW and University policies and procedures, as found in the CSSW Student Handbook, apply to the CSSW Online Program. I will visit the CSSW website to find the most up-to-date version of the Student Handbook. The 2017-2018 Student Handbook can be found here.
• I understand that if I need to request any reasonable accommodation with respect to any of the above or any other aspect of the CSSW Online Program, I must do so by contacting Student Services or registering with the Office of Disability Services at Office of Disability Services.