Online Graduate Student Resources

Technology Support

Canvas Support - If you have difficulty with any functions within Canvas, please review these help resources for support.

SMU IT Helpdesk – Contact for non-Canvas technology questions.

Turnitin Resources and Support including tutorials on how to submit a Turnitin assignment, how to view Turnitin results, and how to interpret the similarity report.

How to Complete an Individual Project

How to Complete a Question and Answer

How to Complete a Group Project

Peer Review

Viewing Rubrics in Canvas

Viewing instructor feedback in Canvas

Technology Resources - for software and hardware discounts and a list of well-tested apps for desktop and mobile that can help you with your studies.

Panopto Assignments:

                                    Submit a Video Assignment in Canvas

Technology Requirements – Students should ensure they have all appropriate technology requirements prior to beginning the program. In addition to the technology requirements, online MSN students should also have a web camera and a headset.

Books

Bookstore: Call 510-879-9287 or visit SMU Campus Store/Bookstore

Supplies​

Discounts from F.A. Davis publishing company

Library​

Call 510-879-9290 or visit John A. Graziano Memorial Library

MSN Online Library Guide

Placing and obtaining books on hold

Librarian Evening Hours

Librarians Sarah Naumann (Thursdays) and Leia Casey (Mondays) are available until 8:00 p.m. PST to assist you with your research needs. They can help by phone or Adobe Connect. They recommend making a research appointment by contacting them at snaumann@samuelmerritt.edu,  mlcasey@samuelmerritt.edu, or call 510-879-9290.

Online MSN Student Support

The Academic Support Resource Guide is a comprehensive list of all these resources
including a 5-minute video that explains each resource in more detail.

Academic Support Resource Guide: Find all of the resources below and much more in one comprehensive academic resource guide. You can also click here for a 5-minute tour of the Resource Guide.

Here are some highlights from the Resource Guide:

  • Peer Tutoring: We offer subject specific tutoring for most courses as well as peer support for writing. You can also connect with a peer to discuss best practices for stress management as well as the use of technology (e.g. navigating Canvas, digital note taking, best apps for studying, etc.). If you are interested, please fill out the Tutor Request Form and we will get back to you with further instructions.
  • Smarthinking Nursing/Allied Health Online Tutoring: Smarthinking provides 24/7 access to highly trained online tutors who provide students with content-specific support (including writing) in a wide variety of Nursing and Allied Health subjects.
  • Writing Support Resource Guide: This guide offers many resources for self-learning as well as information about submitting your writing for individualized feedback. You can also contact the Writing Support Staff to make a writing-focused coaching appointment.
  • Personal Academic Coaching: Learning assistance is available on an appointment basis for any student seeking guidance in developing effective study and test taking strategies. Contact Katherine LeRoy to make an appointment or get more information: kleroy@samuelmerritt.edu, (510) 879-9200 x7302
  • Academic Success Video Library: This video archive offers academic success videos on many different subjects such as time management and test taking, as well as a 5-minute Quick Tips video series.

Please get in touch with any questions or to refer students for coaching/tutoring.

Student Support Manager - Need help with course registration, finding resources at SMU or understanding the curriculum? Contact the MSN Student Support Manager at: StudentSupportSMU@crm.samuelmerritt.edu

Faculty Advisor - Each MSN student is assigned an academic advisor. Your faculty advisor is available to discuss concerns about your instructor or academic experience and career questions. You can find the name of your faculty advisor by logging into your SMURF account or by emailing StudentSupportSMU@crm.samuelmerritt.edu.

Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) for programmatic and curriculum information about this online post-professional MSN program.

Research & Writing Support

Writing Support – Academic writing is a challenging activity for most graduate students. We strongly encourage online students to take advantage of the available writing support. All students can receive two hours of support through SmartThinking online tutoring. If you need more than two hours, contact mailto:kward@samuelmerritt.edu

APA Resources – The School of Nursing requires students to use APA formatting for all academic papers and projects (unless otherwise directed by the instructor). Click http://www.vanguard.edu/psychology/faculty/douglas-degelman/apa-style/ for APA guidelines and more information about the APA Publication Manual.

Scholarly Writing in Science compiled by Dr. Audrey Berman, dean of the School of Nursing.

Scientific Writing FAQs - Community Learning Series  (41:55) by Dr. Michelle Hampton

Academic Support

Your instructor – Your instructor is your first point of contact if you are struggling in a course. Contact your instructor to share your concerns and seek assistance.

Tutoring – Tutoring is available to all online students and is a great way to get additional help with course topics.

Additional Academic Support ResourcesAcademic Support Services provides tutoring and a variety of services to all SMU students, including online students. Services include information and online and on-campus workshops about learning strategies, study skills, time management strategies, test-taking strategies, writing strategies, dealing with test anxiety and many other topics. Many on-campus seminars and workshops are archived online so online students can easily access them.

Community Learning Series – These workshops, which are archived online for students who cannot attend the on-campus events, spotlight the best practices in study management and learning strategies, extend and expand on the classroom curriculum and promote wellness and inclusivity in the faculty and student body. All students are encouraged to attend the on-campus events or view the workshop series online.

Academic Support Resource Guide

Disability Resource Center

Samuel Merritt University recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to the campus community. It is the policy and practice of Samuel Merritt University to create inclusive learning environments. The Disability Resource Center (DRC) works with students and faculty to create accommodations when necessary to provide equal access to University services and facilities. If you would like to discuss disability-related needs, please contact the DRC for a confidential appointment at drc@samuelmerritt.edu.

Study Skills Information -  Learning assistance is available on an appointment basis for any student seeking personal analysis of their learning methods and guidance in developing effective learning strategies. Contact Academic Support and Disability Support Services to make an appointment or learn more.

Institution Policies, Information & Resources

SMU Catalog

FNP Student Handbook

Academic Calendar

Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) - Online students can reach out to SHAC for help with securing referrals to medical and psychological services in their local communities.

Sexual Assault & Violence Prevention Resource Guide

School of Nursing Feedback forms -  We welcome student input. Please send your suggestions for improvement to our programs.

Office of Diversity and Inclusion – Strives to foster a culture of service, inclusion and excellence at SMU by creating a strong sense of belonging for all campus members, educating a diverse and culturally responsive healthcare work forced, developing culturally competent leaders that reflect community demographics, and working to reduce healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

The SMU Newsroom – We encourage online student to keep up with the latest news and events at SMU.

Committees -  Students are invited to join the Curriculum, Evaluation, or Student Committee. Contact Ellie Hoffman at ehoffman@samuelmerritt.edu for more information.

Business & Financial Services

Business Office/Student Accounts – Contact for questions about tuition bills, payment options, and preparing a budget for tuition related expenses.

Financial Aid – Contact Mary Hoang at 510-879-9200 ext. 7315 or mhoang@samuelmerritt.edu with questions about loans, scholarships and financial aid forms, applications and options.

Navigating the Financial Aid Portal Check out our electronic portal.

Office of the Registrar – Contact for academic calendars, course schedules, transcript requests, address and personal information change forms and other student records questions. To discuss course registration, contact the Student Support Manager at StudentSupportSMU@crm.samuelmerritt.edu.