Polk State reminds students of resources to help in remote environment

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Resources

As students prepare to return to classes online for the Fall 2020 Semester at Polk State, the College is sharing valuable resources that are in place to support student success in the remote environment.

The majority of classes will remain online for the fall semester, with a limited number of workforce training programs taking place in hybrid or face-to-face formats.

Polk State understands that students may face challenges in the online learning environment and encourages students to review the resources below prior to the start of classes on August 17.

  • Polk State’s Academic Support Line is available by calling 863.669.2833 for students with technology needs including laptops and webcams to complete their courses.
  • Polk State’s Canvas Orientation is available online. Classes are available and accessible through Canvas, which has an easy-to-use interface and mobile-friendly app on Android and iOS. Students can receive course updates, submit assignments, communicate with professors, and more through Canvas.
  • Canvas support is available 24-7 by calling 1.844.880.9814.
  • The College has Guidelines for Students in the Online Environment.
  • Books and course materials are available through online ordering and convenient shipping or curbside pickup options.
  • Office 365, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is available online.
  • Free Wi-Fi hotspots are available in public via the City of Lakeland’s SurfLakeland downtown and in select areas throughout the city; the City of Winter Haven’s MyWinterHaven in the downtown parking garage and library parking lot; Haines City’s PSCHainesCity at Haines City Park; and the City of Lake Wales’s CityNet throughout Lake Wales.
  • Technical support for students having trouble with accessing my.polk.edu email accounts is available by calling 863.837.5971 or emailing jthompson@polk.edu.
  • Online tutoring is available through Canvas with Polk State tutors. Students can find additional information regarding their tutoring options through Smarthinking.
  • Online help with writing is available from Polk State English professors in The Writing Studio. 
  • Online library services are available at polk.edu/library, including electronic books and databases. Ask A Librarian is also available on Canvas.
  • Online test-taking is available through proctoring services provided by Honorlock, which requires students to use Google Chrome and download the Honorlock Chrome extension. Honorlock support is available 24-7 by emailing support@honorlock.com and through live chat support online at honorlock.com/support.
  • Advising and registration assistance is available by emailing registrar@polk.edu, calling 863.297.1000, or using the webchat feature in the bottom right corner of the polk.edu/admission-aid page.
  • Financial aid assistance is available by emailing financialaid@polk.edu, calling 863.297.1004, or using the webchat feature in the bottom right corner of the polk.edu/admission-aid page.
  • The BayCare Student Assistance Program offers immediate counseling assistance from licensed professionals. All services are available 24-7 for free and are confidential, providing support from managing classes, to managing stress. Students can call 800.878.5470 or access services online at BayCare’s Personal Advantage.
  • United Way’s 2-1-1 is a comprehensive source of human and social services information. Specialists are available 24-7 to connect individuals with services in Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties online, by phone at 888.370.7188, by texting your zip code to 898-211, or by emailing uw211help@gmail.com.
  • Polk County Unites, a partnership between the Polk County Board of County Commissioners and United Way of Central Florida, is providing economic relief to Polk County residents who have been furloughed, laid off, or a decrease in pay due to COVID-19. Possible clients could be eligible for direct assistance for rent, mortgage, childcare, adult care, and food. Individuals can receive more information by calling 2-1-1 or texting their zip codes to 898-211.

In addition to the aforementioned resources and the services available remotely, the College will open its Winter Haven Administration (WAD) Building and Lakeland Technology Building (LTB) on August 17 as Polk State enters Phase II of its Return to Campus Plan.

Students will be able to access in-person assistance with advising, registration, and financial aid during Phase II. However, the College encourages students to access services remotely and only to visit campus if necessary. It is critical that all students and visitors read the Return to Campus Plan and take note of requirements, including self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to campus and staying home if sick, as well as wearing a cloth face covering and practicing social distancing while on campus.

More information, important updates, and answers to frequently asked questions are available on Polk State’s COVID-19 page. Students should also continue to monitor Polk State email, www.polk.edu, and the College’s social media for updates.

Students who have any questions or concerns are asked to contact a Dean of Student Services. The Winter Haven Campus Dean may be reached at 863.292.3740 or lpakowski@polk.edu. The Lakeland Campus Dean may be reached at 863.669.2813 or slittle@polk.edu.