MUR Student Resources and Policies

At Miami University, you have choices allowing you to complete your courses in a way that fits your goals.

Most students take a mix of:

• Online: Courses are delivered fully online using the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). These may be delivered with no scheduled live virtual meetings (Online Asynchronous Delivery; ONLA) or some required virtual live meetings (Online Synchronous Delivery; ONLS).
• Hybrid: Courses delivered with a mix of components, including required on-campus meetings and online coursework. They may be delivered with no scheduled live virtual meetings (Hybrid Asynchronous Delivery; HYBA) or some required live virtual meetings (Hybrid Synchronous Delivery; HYBS).
• Face-to-Face: Courses delivered using traditional on-campus classroom instruction.

There are many similarities and ways in which learning remotely differs from learning face-to-face. Read more: 13 Differences Between Online and Face-to-Face Courses article.

Search for online courses using Miami’s Course List tool.

Want to view only online courses? Select “Online Synchronous” or "Online Asynchronous" under “Alternative Delivery Types”.

How Do I find my online course in Canvas?

Your current courses should show up in your Canvas dashboard. If you don’t see a course that is on your schedule, it may just be missing from your dashboard.

Review this Canvas Guide for more information: “How do I view my Canvas courses as a student?”

What is Banner Waitlisting?

What classes have Banner Waitlists available?

All Regionals online courses have the Waitlist available; it is not date dependent.

Note: The Waitlist will not be available until you can register and meet the prerequisites for the course.

How do I add myself to a Waitlist for a course?

1. Your status will be closed with the number on the Waitlist.
2. Choose the “Waitlisted” option from the Action box and click the “Submit Changes” button.
3. You should now see that you are Waitlisted for the course.

How will I be notified if a seat becomes available?

An email notification will be sent to your Miami email account from ClassWaitlist@MiamiOH.edu. The subject line will be “Waitlist Notification for <CourseCRN>.”

How do I register once I am notified?

Go to the Banner registration page and change from Waitlisted status to “Web Registered.”

Each course has its own requirements which may include textbooks or other materials. View the requirements, purchase, rent, and sell textbooks online at the Miami University bookstore. The bookstore can ship course materials to any location.

Other Textbook Resources

Check with the Regionals libraries for free resources that may be available to you.

Vitalsource is an online bookshelf that offers some titles free of charge.

Technology Support

Your course instructor will likely be unable to assist you with things like troubleshooting logging into Canvas, resetting your password(s), etc. You should only be contacting your course instructor with course content questions (due dates, assignment questions, etc.). If you are unable to troubleshoot and solve your tech problem, please contact Regional Technology Services.

• Phone: (513) 217-4000 or 7-4000 (from on-campus phones)
• Email: regit@MiamiOH.edu
• Regional Campuses - Technology Issue or Support Request
• IT Portal

Technology Setup

In order to ensure some minimum technology requirements are tested and addressed before you dive into your courses, take time to test your webcam, sound, and microphone. Click on the following links to perform the tests and also find some helpful troubleshooting tips.

• Webcam Test
• Sound Test
• Microphone Test 

Technology Best Practices

In order to facilitate a positive online experience and avoid unnecessary stress throughout the course, it is VERY important to have and use a technology plan for success in the online learning environment.

• Review the Canvas guide for browser and computer system requirements for using Canvas.
• Locate a microphone and webcam if needed for your course.
• Utilize an updated computer/laptop with high-speed internet access. 
• ​Identify a second computer to be used in case your primary computer has a functionality issue such as software, hardware, Internet access, etc. Campus computer labs, libraries, and local libraries are a great resource for free computer and internet access.
• Contact the Technology Services Departments at Miami University Regionals if you have technical questions or need assistance.
• Install and maintain an antivirus software application and regular computer updates to protect the functionality of your workstation.
• Confirm technical and software requirements for all courses at the beginning of the term, well before they are needed for coursework.
• Make sure to give yourself adequate time to complete assignments and tests.  It is important when working with time-sensitive online activities to set aside extra time to allow for upload, download, or submission prior to assignment deadlines.
• Set a location where you store your coursework, as well as a secondary backup location (ie, flash drive, Google Drive, etc).  Remember to save your digital work frequently. 
• Visit Infobase Learning Cloud for on-demand training resources related to common software such as Google Apps, Microsoft Office, Adobe, and workshops such as resume writing, interviewing, completing the FAFSA, plagiarism, and how to be successful in online courses.

Infobase Learning Cloud at Miami

Infobase Learning Cloud is an online technology training and professional development tool. Miami's license allows all students to access nearly 50,000 step-by-step tutorials on common apps such as Microsoft Office, Adobe CC, Google, and more.

Zoom

Zoom is Miami's preferred video conferencing portal used primarily for online learning. All faculty and staff have a Zoom account and initiate meetings using their Miami University credentials.

Google Meet

All Miamians have a Google account. You can schedule or participate in a video conference using Meet.

WebEx

WebEx is one of Miami's video conferencing portals. All faculty and staff have a WebEx account and can initiate meetings. There is also a WebEx integration in Canvas Conferences.

All Miamians have a Google account. You can send quick messages with Chat, send emails using Gmail, collaborate and store files using Drive, and schedule or participate in a video conference using Meet. 

Academic Advising

Visit the Academic Advising website to schedule an appointment with an academic advisor and find information about scheduling classes. Advising offers in-person, on-campus appointments, remote appointments through Zoom, or a phone call.

Our academic advisors are here to help you succeed academically at Miami Regionals and also can put you in touch with a variety of services across all campuses and divisions at Miami University.

Regional Libraries

Students have access to materials and services at Miami libraries on the Oxford, Middletown, and Hamilton campuses. The libraries have a number of online research resources available (some require Miami unique IDs and are available only to students, faculty, and staff).

Tutoring and Learning Center

The Tutoring & Learning Center provides services for students, such as individual conferences, workshops, group and individual tutoring, peer mentoring, as well as peer and professional tutoring.

If you are a student with a disability and feel you may need a reasonable accommodation to fulfill the essential functions of this course, you are encouraged to contact Student Disability Services (SDS). SDS provides accommodations and services for students with a variety of disabilities, including physical, medical, and psychiatric disabilities. You are encouraged to contact SDS to learn more about registration and procedures for requesting accommodations.

• Hamilton Campus: MUHODS@miamioh.edu
• Middletown Campus: MUMDC@miamioh.edu
• Oxford Campus: SDS@miamioh.edu

Current SDS registered students should request accommodations according to SDS procedure. You are strongly encouraged to request and discuss your accommodations during the first 1-2 weeks of the course.

For more information, refer to Miami's Disability Services Policy.

Career Services and Professional Development

Career Services and Professional Development (CSPD) is a full-service career center. They can connect you with employers for meaningful internships and full-time career opportunities or talk you through your grad school application. From the first day of your first year to graduation and beyond, CSPD helps students of all majors develop professional skills and create pathways to their chosen careers.

Student Employment Opportunities

Student employees are a vital part of Miami Regionals! If you plan to spend some time on campus, they’re a great option to earn money and learn new skills.

• To view and apply for student jobs, visit Miami’s jobs portal and select “Student” in the job category.
• To view current student job openings at the Miami Regionals E-Campus, visit the Career Opportunities page or search “E-Campus” in the job portal.

The Miami Regionals Counseling Centers provide students with confidential counseling services free of charge. Counseling is offered in the following areas: suicide awareness and prevention, personal concerns, relationship issues, mental health, and support services for student veterans.

For emergencies outside of business hours, consider using the resources and third-party numbers listed on the SCS website.

Visit the Regionals' Events page to find a variety of concerts, lectures, plays, book talks, sports events, and more. Many are free and open to the public.

Visit the E-Campus Events page to join the E-Campus community for events created by and sponsored by our office.

What is academic integrity?

Academic Integrity is at the heart of the mission and values of the university and is an expectation of all students. Maintaining academic integrity is both a reflection of your character and a means to ensure that you are achieving the outcomes of this course and that your grades accurately reflect your learning and understanding of the course material.

As a Miami student, the University has high expectations for you and your future. Because of this, we want you to understand ways in which you can maintain the high standards we have set. Visit the Choose Integrity page and review the Miami University Academic Integrity Policy and Academic Integrity Student Resources pages.

What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is using someone else’s words or work and presenting it as your own. Sometimes it’s deliberate and sometimes it’s accidental. Please refer to the links below for helpful resources to avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity. You will need to log in with your Miami credentials to view the resources.

• View this Tutorial on Academic Integrity 
• View this Video on What is Plagiarism?
• Academic Integrity

Email Policy

A Miami University-provided email address is an official means of communication. Review Miami's Student Email policy.

Netiquette

Network etiquette or “Netiquette” includes the rules of acceptable behavior for online communication. In other words, it's all about how you present yourself in an online environment. Netiquette extends to email, chat, and discussion boards. 

• Use only proper, respectful, and appropriate language.  Even common slang may come across poorly or be misunderstood.
  • Avoid all caps. 
  • Be cautious when using humor and sarcasm.  
  • Avoid using social media text types, such as emojis and abbreviations.  
• When offering constructive criticism, remember to say it in a positive and encouraging manner. 
• Understand that you may disagree with your classmates or your instructor, but that exposure to alternative perspectives and insights is an important part of the learning experience.
• Avoid generalizations. Explain your ideas, offer details, and strengthen your arguments with facts and reliable citations.
• Ask for clarification, to avoid misinterpretation.
• Review what you’ve written. Consider multiple perspectives before you post.  Remember… you are communicating with real people on the other side of the screen; people with feelings and struggles and efforts to do their best, too, just like you. 

View the University Statement of Non-Discrimination.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

View Miami's FERPA Policy

Course Privacy

All course activities are designed to be educational experiences. If you have concerns about your privacy with any activity, please contact your course instructor for guidance. In general, be careful to not reveal personal information, data, or schedules online, and be mindful of items that are published for public viewing. Please make sure to use your Miami Google account instead of your personal Google accounts to protect your privacy.

As of July 1, 2017, nearly all employees of Miami University have a Duty to Report harassment and discrimination. We are deeply committed to finding ways to effectively prevent, reduce and respond to discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct and interpersonal violence. This change is intended to create a more aware, responsive, and safer community. By asking all employees to report, we will be able to respond more effectively when a member of our community experiences such misconduct. Visit the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity to learn more about Title IX or to make a report online.

Review Miami's Sexual Misconduct Protocol for Students policy