Academic Support FAQs

Yes, it is a good idea to let your instructors know if you are on or off-campus. Since the University is open, faculty members may be accessing their on-campus offices and would be able to meet with you in a larger public space for consultation. Also, if you are having any issues with online learning, it is helpful to know how to best respond with local or remote instructions for addressing any issues.
You will continue to use each faculty member’s Kentucky State email address. Faculty will hold virtual office hours and will be as available and flexible as they are now in meeting your learning needs.
The Thorobred Learning Center will provide learning resource support to you if you are having trouble with learning online. The University subscribes to SmartThinking, available on your Blackboard launch page, which can assist you with learning tools and strategies. If you have trouble log-in in or maintaining a connection, please start by notifying your instructor and the IT Help Desk. 

Students who do not have internet access at home are encouraged to contact local providers in their area for free access. Some providers have pledged to help students without internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students enrolled in internships will need to work with their academic departments to determine the best way to meet the hours requirements. Students in Education programs, currently in the field, will have options through Franklin Independent School District to complete their hours. Please contact the Education Department for specific information.

Through our Handshake career portal, you can continue to learn about how to write effective resumes and cover letters and get advice through its resource library on how to prepare for a career. The Office of Career Services and Professional  Development professional staff will continue to answer emails and provide you with individualized support. They are also exploring how to offer training and networking events virtually with local employers and will post information to the campus community as these become available. 

The Blazer Library is fully equipped to address your learning needs through its ebook collections and access to online periodicals. 

Lectures planned by academic programs will be suspended along with other forms on in-person public programming. However, faculty members may be able to host virtual events with outside speakers by arrangement. This would be a course-specific activity and information would be provided by your instructor.

In an effort to ensure the protection of all of our students, the Thorobred Learning Center (TLC) is closed until March 23, 2020. If you have assignments or need assistance in the interim, the university does provide free online tutoring! The name of our online tutoring platform is Smartthinking.  Smarthinking gives students any time, anywhere access to academic help from experts, even when they can’t get to TLC. Smarthinking is linked in every Blackboard course room. We reference the link in the course room as “Live Tutoring.” All students have access to the services at no cost. With Smarthinking, you have 24×7 live, personalized tutoring in core subjects and expert guidance for improving students’ writing — from essays to resumes. Below you will find user instructions and videos to watch.

1. Log into Blackboard: http://kysu.blackboard.com

2. Select the course you need to connect with a tutor.

3. On the left side of the screen select the “Live Tutoring” link

4. If you do not see either link, select “Tools” and choose the Smarthinking link.

5. The Smarthinking homepage will load.

6. Now you are ready to connect with a tutor.

Videos to watch: