Supporting students through the COVID-19 crisis

To be sure, the COVID-19 public health crisis has brought many aspects of our traditional way of life to a dramatic, sudden halt. For UB students, especially those who were living and working on campus this semester, the transition has been more dramatic than most.

I want to take a moment to reassure students that we see the challenges you’re facing, and the effort you’re putting in to rise to them, and we are working hard every day to support you.

First of all, please don't hesitate to connect with us if you’re struggling. If you’re experiencing technology barriers, visit the UBIT Help Center Online to see all the ways we can help. Whether your device is struggling to run necessary software, you’re having trouble with your internet connection or facing other barriers, we want to help.

Second, you should know we’ve been working hard to put together resources for students who are struggling. The UBIT website has an updated list of resources we’ve found that might be useful to students like you.

These include new services we and our partners at UB and SUNY have introduced specifically for students in recent weeks:

• We’ve turned our public computing sites “inside out,” allowing remote access through a web browser to desktop computers on campus
• We’ve collaborated with SUNY and UB Libraries to provide laptop loans to Pell Grant-eligible students without an adequate device. Visit the UB Libraries’ website to request a laptop loan.
• For those without adequate internet access at home who are practicing social distancing, we’ve expanded our Wi-Fi reach into student parking lots on North Campus.
• We’ve worked on providing temporary, free “Mi-Fi” wireless hotspots to students.  

None of us would be here doing what we do without you—supporting you is our primary mission. This transition hasn’t been easy for any of us. Just like you, we’re doing our best in a trying time. If you think we could be doing better, I hope you’ll connect with us on X or Facebook and let us know.

Thanks for your patience, and input, as we keep working to support the important work you’re doing every day.