Orientation For Online Students

Studying Online with Memorial

Welcome to Orientation for Online Students, a resource designed to help those new to studying online. The following contains information to help you get connected with the larger Memorial University community and its online resources. This orientation to online learning should ease your transition into learning online.

The first step to achieving success in your online studies is preparation. Prepare for this semester by reviewing the resources provided on this site and participating in one of the scheduled online learning orientation sessions. The Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning will be hosting live online orientation sessions that you can join from the comfort of your own home or office. The online orientation sessions will cover the technical aspects of studying online, review online examination policies, and share important information and resources for online student success.

Orientation Webinars for NEW Online Students

Brightspace Orientation

The session will be approximately 1 hour long and will review the layout of a standard online course, tips and best practices for using Brightspace as well as some information on helpful resources available to online students.

Wednesday, Sept 4th, 2:00PM NL Register to attend
Thursday, Sept 5th, 7:00PM NL Register to attend

Online Exam Information

This information session will cover policies and procedures for invigilated exams in online courses, including exam forms and other set-up requirements, and will provide an opportunity for students to ask questions about any invigilated midterms or final exams in their online courses.

Monday, September 9, 7:00PM NL Register to attend

Academic Matriculation

Academic Matriculation is a ceremony to officially enter new students into university to complete a degree program. It is a formal welcome at Memorial, celebrating the beginning of the student journey at university – a bookend of sorts to convocation.

For Winter 2024, academic matriculation will be delivered in person on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Here are a few steps to help prepare for your first online course:

Whether you are a new or returning student, the essential information outlined in our Semester Startup Guide will help you get the most out of your online studies. Please review the steps and all of the information provided in the Semester Startup Guide. You should complete the startup guide before the start of classes!
Review the Student Resource guides Finding your course in Brightspace, Navigate your Brightspace Course and more to get started using Brightspace. Knowing your way around will help you hit the ground running when you gain access to your online courses on the first day of classes!
We also have an Online Course Checklist available on the My Dashboard widget found on the Brightspace homepage. You can use this interactive checklist to ensure you have updated your address and are setup to write examinations as required. Your exam schedule will be available there later in the semester!
Register for CITL’s Orientation for Online Students above.
Register for CITL’s exam information session below.

Resources for Online Students

As an online student, you have access to Memorial’s many supports and services that can help you succeed, no matter where you are located. These include:

The Academic Success Centre (ASC), is your hub for information, tools, programs and events that will help you succeed in your learning. Check out the ASC’s learning skills resources to help you improve your study habits, manage your time more effectively, and reach new academic goals.
Memorial Libraries provide access to print, electronic, and technology resources and an easy access point to connect with a librarian for online research support.
The Writing Centre offers support to help students become better writers and critical thinkers. Connect with a trained peer tutor using their online tutoring service, attend an online workshop, or refer to their collection of writing resources.
The Memorial Bookstore offers online ordering and shipping for textbooks and other retail products. Use their textbook search to find materials for your specific courses.
The Blundon Centre offers accessibility-related supports, services and programs and supports students with disabilities who experience barriers to accessing post-secondary education.
The Academic Advising Centre helps students navigate their university journey and guides students to set and achieve educational goals. Schedule an online appointment with an academic advisor using the Navigate app.
The Student Wellness and Counselling Centre provides services to support the emotional, physical, and personal well-being of Memorial students.
Student Life’s ASK desk serves as an information hub for campus-related inquiries – use their online chat service to ask questions and connect to campus supports.

Don’t forget to check out the virtual events calendar for Welcome Week or the university’s orientation resources for students beginning their studies this semester, including the MUN 101 site for undergraduates and the Graduate Commons site for graduate students.

Quick Reference Links