Frequently Asked Questions From Students

How do I access Canvas for my online course?
You can connect to http://canvas.goucher.edu through a web browser or you can access Canvas on your phone (there’s an app for that!).

Where can I find more information about using Canvas as a student?
The Canvas Help menu is the best place to start (click Help on the left navigation panel). The first link on the Help menu is the Training & Support for Goucher Users page with a link to Student FAQs that answers questions like…

• How do I post to a forum?
• How do I send emails to my professors or classmates?
• How do I submit an assignment?
• And many more.

There are other “Get Help” options available from the Help menu including links to Canvas Guides, Report a Problem (email), Chat with Canvas Support, and a student phone number to call the Canvas Support Hotline. Each of these support options are available to students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

How do I participate in a Zoom meeting?
Zoom provides a 1 minute “Join a Meeting” video.  You can connect to Zoom with a web browser but you can also use your tablet or smarphone to access Zoom.

How do I get assistance with Zoom?
Be sure to visit https://support.zoom.us to view popular tutorials and videos. The One Minute Video Introductions are particularly useful.  For technical assistance, visit the Zoom Technical Support page.

What if I don’t have a laptop computer?
The college requires all undergraduate students to have a laptop for classes.  “What Technology Should I Bring to Campus” includes links to recommended models that meet the minimum requirements and includes links to vendor sites with educational discounts.

Goucher provides a number of options for laptop funding through the Financial Aid website for those students where the laptop requirement might pose a financial hardship.

What if I don’t have Internet access?
Here are some options for obtaining Internet access.  You can:

• Ask a neighbor if you can access their wireless network
• Turn your phone into an Internet wireless hot spot -- see Phone Carrier directions below
• Purchase an Internet hot spot device – see Phone Carrier device options below
• Install Internet access – see Internet provider options below (NOTE: some carriers are currently offering discounts during the coronavirus pandemic)

How do I participate in a Zoom meeting if I don’t have a camera, webcam, or microphone on my computer/laptop?
You can join through the Zoom app that is available for smartphones or tablets.  Or you can call into the meeting with your cell phone.  The Zoom meeting information will include a phone number to call and the meeting id.

Can I schedule a remote assistance appointment?
The IT Help Desk is now offering remote assistance for students. You can sign up for 30 minute sessions during the times available. Please provide as much information about the problem you’re experiencing when signing up for remote assistance and provide a phone number you can be reached at. Please note: we are only able to provide support on Goucher related technology issues.

What if I have a problem with my Internet connection or wireless access?
How to Fix Your Internet Connection suggests: (1) Restart your computer (2) Ensure that your laptop's wireless adapter is enabled (3) Restart your Internet modem and router (4) Perform a soft reset on your network (5) Perform a hard reset on your network (6) Move closer to the router (7) Make sure that you have a clear line-of-sight between you and the router (8) Try using Ethernet (9) Contact your Internet Service provider.

What if I have a question or if I need technical assistance?
You can contact the Help Desk by email helpdesk@goucher.edu, visit the Support for Students webpage, or call or text 410-337-6322 from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday.

How can you turn Your Phone into an Internet Wireless Hot Spot?
Here are the directions from phone carriers for turning your phone into a hot spot: AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity (Comcast).

What are the options for purchasing an Internet hot spot device?
Here are the options for purchasing an Internet hot spot: AT&T, Boost, Cox, FreedomPop, Net10, NetZero, Spectrum (Charter), Sprint (now T-Mobile), StraightTalk, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Xfinity (Comcast).

What are the options for installing Internet Access?
Here are the Internet service provider options: Armstrong, Cox, Dish, Frontier, HughesNet, Sprint (now T-Mobile), T-Mobile, Verizon, Verizon COVID-19 Lifeline Low-Income Assistance Program, and Xfinity (Comcast).  The Federal Communications Commission has published a comprehensive listing of companies that have provided services to keep Americans connected during the pandemic.

What if I need assistance in paying for my Internet Access?
Students can submit an application to the Janet Cane Fisher '38 fund for emergency assistance funding.