Coronavirus FAQ

COVID-19 information for graduate students

Updated May 29, 2020 at  4:00pm

In accordance with Chancellor Reilly and Governor Sisolak's executive orders, the University of Nevada, Reno is moving into Phase 2 of recovery. Beginning June 8, the Graduate School office will be open on a limited schedule from 10 am – 3 pm, Monday through Friday. However, all services and meetings are still encouraged to be completed remotely when possible. Document submission is electronic only. All staff, students, and visitors will be required to follow the latest University policies and procedures. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

You can find the latest information and decisions affecting students and campus on the University's Coronavirus page. 

Below are resources for graduate students and graduate program directors, faculty, and staff that support graduate students. Please check back frequently, as updates will be made on an ongoing basis.

 

Graduate students

The following reflects the most current available information pertaining to graduate students. For additional questions or concerns, please contact the Graduate School office, currently working remotely, at  (775) 784-6869 or email at gradprogression@unr.edu.

Expand All
 

Academics

Spring 2020 instruction

The University’s for-credit courses will continue to be delivered remotely for the remainder of the semester. If Governor Sisolak lifts the shelter-in-place directive at any time before that time, the University will nonetheless maintain remote delivery of all courses through the end of the Spring semester.

Summer 2020 instruction

Fully online course delivery at the University of Nevada, Reno has been extended through the Instruction for  Mini  Session, First  Session, Regular  Session, and all dynamic  sessions with start dates prior to June 30, 2020. Currently, Second  Session is planned to run as scheduled with on-campus operations. However, as conditions in Nevada and in the world are extremely dynamic and could necessitate changes in this policy. Any updates will be announced as soon as more information becomes available. For updates, please visit the  Summer  Session website and the  University's Coronavirus updates page, where you will find resources for  online learning and technology.

Graduate student exams and progression

Dissertation and thesis defense

In order to safeguard the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, the Graduate School is temporarily relaxing the requirements for the public defense of the dissertation. The  new, temporary policy is in effect until further notice.

Grades

Students may petition Admissions and Records to change their final letter grade to a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade once the letter grade is posted. However, students must consult their academic advisor, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (if applicable), and athletic advisor (if applicable) at a minimum. Consultation with other offices also may be suggested to assist students in making an informed decision to avoid unintended consequences of the grade change. Petitions will be available online and accepted Wednesday, May 6th through Tuesday, May 26th. Once a degree is posted, all grades are final. A "S" grade will meet all enrollment and degree progression requirements regardless of original letter grade; however, students are urged to be mindful of academic preparation needed for student success.

Grade translations for Graduate Classes S/U COVID-19 Petition:

S (Satisfactory) = B- or better; U (Unsatisfactory) = C+ or lower

The form and more information can be found on the official student FAQ page and the Admissions and Records COVID-19 S/U policy information page.

Academic progression

Forms

All  forms on the Graduate School website are either online submissions, interactive PDFs or DocuSign electric forms. Please read through the  PDF DocuSign instructions to understand how to initiate and complete those forms. If you have questions about the process or encounter issues with the DocuSign forms, please contact (775) 784-6869 or email at  gradprogression@unr.edu.

Graduation application

Appeals to the application deadline for degree programs are accepted at the Graduate School until the last day of the graduation term. The Advanced Degree Graduation Application Deadline Appeal form is available on the  Graduate School’s forms page.

Thesis/dissertation filing deadline

The dissertation or thesis filing deadline for Spring 2020 is May 8. If you require an extension, please contact the graduate school to determine options for filing late or delaying your filing to Summer 2020. International students should be sure to contact OISS regarding any changes in their enrollment or degree continuation.

Academic probation and dismissal

Visit the Graduate School’s academic standing page for any updates on policies related to graduate student probation or dismissal.

 

Research

All research labs have transitioned to maintenance-only mode of operation. A new process has been implemented to identify critical labs and research programs. PIs must submit a Request for Research Continuity form, to be routed through the department Chair/Head, Dean, Vice President for Research and Innovation, and President to continue operations. All requests were due to Research & Innovation by 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2020.

Please visit the Office of Research and Innovation's website for specific information, answers to frequently asked questions, and more detailed guidance.

 

Disability Accommodations

Disability Resource Center (DRC)

The DRC will continue to support students through advocacy and accommodation assistance. DRC encourages students to stay in contact with their coordinator by email or Zoom. For additional information about accommodation please call the DRC.

Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center

The university aims to ensure that all students have equitable access to the technology resources they need to support research, teaching, and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you require additional technology to teach a course, first reach out to your supervisor or department chair.

  • Laptop and WiFi Hotspot Lending Program
    For academic checkout of lendable technology, available on a limited basis, contact Daniel Fergus, Manager of student Digital Media Technology at dfergus@unr.edu.
  • Zoom Pro Accounts for Students
    TLT has purchased an enterprise license for Zoom which will be provided to students, staff, and faculty at no charge. Among other features, this enables students to unlimited meeting minutes and 300-person meeting capacity. More details are available by visiting the Teaching & Learning Technologies COVID-19 Resource pages.
 

Academic resources

Math Center

The University Math Center is providing remote, drop-in tutoring via Zoom.

Students should use University Zoom portal: https://unr.zoom.us/ , sign in with their NETID, and use the following Meeting ID: 163-238-689 to access the Math Center. Review Session will take place and the corresponding Meeting ID.

University Math Center website

Tutoring Center

The University Tutoring Center will operate remotely using Zoom.

You can also contact them via email at: nevadatutoring@gmail.com

Libraries, student spaces and events

Library facilities are closed until at least May 1st, 2020, but librarians are available to assist you online. For academic checkout of lendable technology, available on a limited basis, contact Daniel Fergus, Manager of Student Digital Media Technology at dfergus@unr.edu. The Libraries will continue to monitor the situation, and the hours posted on the website will be kept up to date.

Visit the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center website for the most up-to-date information.

 

Basic need services

Graduate Student Association

The Graduate Students Association and the University of Nevada, Reno grants, loans, scholarships and donation programs available to assist students and their programs based on need such as:

  • Childcare Scholarship Program
  • Computer Loan Program
  • Financial Crisis Grant Program
  • International Student Transitional Loan

Contact information

ASUN Pack Provision

Providing access to perishable and non-perishable foods, meals on campus, school supplies and hygiene items.

Starting Friday, March 20th Campus Escort will be delivering Pack Provisions orders to your residence within 3 miles of the University. Drop offs will be delivered at student’s front door or to the front desk of a University Residency Hall. This delivery service will run on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s between the hours of 10am to 4pm.

How to request items from Pack Provisions

  1. Fill out this Request Form
  2. Select from a list of currently stocked items in Pack Provisions

Nevada Dining Services

ASUN Marczynski Student Emergency Fund and Tuition Emergency Fund

The Emergency and Tuition fund is available to provide financial support to students in emergency circumstances. The tuition and emergency fund have supported students in paying for classes, medical services, housing costs, legal services and etc. Funding is case by case.

The application will be sent to the Dean of Students who will assess what funding is available to students.

 

Equity & inclusion

Jahahi Mazariego, LSW, Social Services, Coordinator

Jahahi Mazariego supports students and their families by coordinating campus and community resources that meets their unique needs. Additionally, she supports students who are undocumented, students with DACA and students in mixed-status families. She available by phone, email and Zoom. To schedule an appointment please send her an email, jmazariego@unr.edu 

How she serves:

  • Referrals to campus and community resources relating to food/housing insecurity, financial support, legal, medical, mental services and much more
  • Emergency housing and/or exploring housing options
  • Advocate for students individually and systemically

Equal Opportunity & Title IX Office (EOTIX)

The EOTIX will continue to support students, faculty and staff by utilizing virtual platforms of communication such as phone, email and Zoom. EOTIX can be reach by phone or by email. To ensure privacy of students and staff, phone calls may be returned from a private or unlisted number.

Victim Advocate Services (confidential resource)

Sonnie Kanneh, can be reached by phone or email, skanneh@unr.edu. To learn more about the services she provides please click the link below.

 

Health & wellness

University Student Health Center

Student Health Center are currently not accepting walk-ins. Please call to schedule an appointment with one of their providers.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services will be available through remote services. Students in need of Counseling Services can call (775) 784-4648 and urgent care appointment via phone or teletherapy for the same day will be made based on availability. At this time, Counseling Services will suspend groups, outreach efforts and in-person sessions. Office hours will be 8am to 5pm, Monday-Friday.