/Office of the Provost
Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching

Syllabus Addendum

We want you to do well in this course and reach your academic goals. Practicing good time management, being able to identify what you know and don’t know, sustaining motivation and applying effective learning strategies will contribute to your academic success. The following resources can assist you: 

D2L Brightspace is Stony Brook University’s digital learning environment. It is used for the facilitation of communications between faculty and students, submission of assignments, and secure posting of grades and feedback in your courses. To access Brightspace, go to mycourses.stonybrook.edu and use your SBU NetID and password. If you are unsure of your NetID, visit Finding Your NetID and Password for more information.

Sometimes submitting coursework via a tablet and/or mobile device can be challenging. Computers equipped with the appropriate software are available for use at the various SINC site computer labs. Both physical and virtual labs are available. You can also borrow a computer through SBU’s Laptop Loan Program.  

Students should be able to use email, a word processor, spreadsheet program, and presentation software to complete most courses successfully. The following list details a minimum recommended computer set-up, and the software packages you will need to have access to and be able to use:

  • Intel Core i5 or higher
  • 16 GB RAM
  • HDD or SSD, 512 GB
  • 3 year warranty
  • Latest version of Chrome or Firefox; Mac users may use Chrome or Firefox ( Go to Brightspace Browser Support Page for a complete list of supported browsers)
  • High speed internet connection
  • Word processing software (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, etc.)
  • Headphones/earbuds and a microphone
  • Webcam (recommended- may be required for online courses)
  • Printer (optional)
  • Ability to download and install free software applications and plug-ins (note: you must have administrator access to install applications and plug-ins).

Additional information can be found on DoIT’s Hardware support page. DoIT's Software Catalog has additional information on where software is located

  • Points for graded activities will be posted to Grades on the top navigation toolbar.
  • Feedback from your instructor can be accessed through each tool. For example, to view feedback for an assignment, go to the assignment tool or Class Progress.
  • For more information on how to view grades and feedback, go to View Your Grades from D2L Brightspace.

Why is assessment important? It’s more than just grades. Assessment helps you, the student, measure what you are learning and to what degree. It can be a cause for celebration and a way to see your progress over time. The best way to use assessment for your own academic improvement is to look beyond a grade or score, and take time to understand your instructor’s feedback on what you are doing well and where you can make adjustments to do better.  

As a class we strive to maintain professional conduct both in person and online. The classroom is a professional environment where academic debate and learning take place. Together we should make every effort to make this environment safe to share opinions, ideas, and beliefs. We will respect the opinions, ideas, and beliefs of other students—both in the face-to-face classroom and online communication. Students have the right and privilege to learn in the class, free from harassment and disruption. The course follows the standards set in the Student Code of Conduct, and students are subject to disciplinary action for violation of that code. If your behavior does not follow the course etiquette standards stated below, the grade you receive for a posting may suffer. Your instructor can remove discussion messages that display inappropriate language or content.

Online Etiquette

  • Respect Ideas: Engage in discussions by addressing concepts and ideas, not personal attributes. Personal attacks, rudeness, or offensive language will not be tolerated.
  • Write Clearly: Use proper grammar and punctuation to make your posts easy to understand. Avoid overusing ALL CAPS, excessive punctuation, or informal social media shortcuts.
  • Clarity in Responses: Quote or reference the original message when replying to avoid confusion.
  • Ask Specific Questions: Be clear and precise when asking questions to help your classmates and instructor understand your needs.
  • Consider Language Barriers: Be mindful that not all classmates are native English speakers, and allow for possible misunderstandings and unintended discourtesies.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage 

As AI tools become more common in academic and professional settings, it's important to use them responsibly. When participating in online discussions, submitting assignments, or communicating with peers and instructors, students should follow the instructor’s specific guidelines regarding the use of AI tools. If you're unsure whether AI-generated content is appropriate in a particular context, please review the course AI policy or reach out to the instructor for clarification.

Connecting in Online Classes

Online learning doesn’t have the same face-to-face cues, like smiles or puzzled looks, that help us connect in person. To stay on track, reach out to your instructor via email or during office hours whenever you have questions, need clarification, or just want to talk through an idea. 

  • Academic and Major Advising (undergraduate only): Have questions about choosing the right course? Contact an advisor today. Phone and emails vary-please see website for additional contact information

  • Academic Success and Tutoring Center (undergraduate only)

  • Books by eCampus: In order to have your books ready for the first day of classes, it is important that you place your order as soon as possible.
  • Bursar: For help with billing and payment. Phone: 631-632-9316; email: bursar@stonybrook.edu

  • Career Center: The Career Center’s mission is to support the academic mission of Stony Brook University by educating students about the career decision-making process, helping them plan and attain their career goals, and assisting with their smooth transition to the workplace or further education. Phone: 631-632-6810; email: sbucareercenter@stonybrook.edu

  • Counseling and Psychological Services: CAPS staff are available by phone, day or night;

  • International Student Success: Resources for undergraduate and graduate International students including events, professional development opportunities, and community and wellness. 

  • Ombuds Office: The Stony Brook University Ombuds Office provides an alternative channel for confidential, impartial, independent and informal dispute resolution services for the entire University community. We provide a safe place to voice your concerns and explore options for productive conflict management and resolution. The Ombuds Office is a source of confidential advice and information about University policies and procedures and helps individuals and groups address university-related conflicts and concerns;

  • Registrar: Having a registration issue? Let them know. Phone: 631-632-6175; email: registrar_office@stonybrook.edu

  • SBU Libraries: access to and help in using databases, ebooks, and other sources for your research. Check out the Research Guides and Tutorials or Ask a Librarian.

  • Student Accessibility Support Center: Students in need of special accommodations should contact SASC. Phone: 631-632-6748; email: sasc@stonybrook.edu

  • Writing Center: Students are able to schedule face-to-face and online appointments.

Wellness and Support

Basic Needs

stonybrook.edu/studentsupport

If you are concerned about resources related to your basic needs, including access to nutritious food and stable housing, please contact the Student Support Team. They will be able to listen to your story, connect you with possible resources, and provide stigma-free support. 

Student Support Team (SST)

stonybrook.edu/studentsupport

The SST is committed to supporting the emotional, physical and intellectual wellness of all Stony Brook University students. If you are  not sure how or where to get help or are facing a challenge that is impacting your academics, the Student Support Team will provide proactive and supportive consultation and refer to other on-campus resources, as needed.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

stonybrook.edu/caps 

CAPS offersIndividual, group therapy, psychiatry (medication management) and case management resources to assist with care coordination. To book an appointment please visit the WolfiePortal or call  631-632-6720. Students experiencing emotional crisis can call the CAPS Crisis Line to speak to a counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (631) 632-6720, choose option 2 or (855) 509-5742.

You can also access virtual Scheduled Counseling and TalkNow services (24/7) by visiting timelycare.com/stonybrook or downloading the TimelyCare app (iOS or Android) to register with your name and Stony Brook email address.

Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO)

stonybrook.edu/cpo  

Events and activities to help you learn creative ways to cope with stress as well as gain skills and awareness to empower your health and overall well-being as well as the safety of those in our community. CPO also provides free health products, including menstrual hygiene, safer sex, cold & flu, and sun safety kits.

Student Health Services (SHS)

stonybrook.edu/shs

Comprehensive primary physical health care services for all students, including medical & dermatology care, sexual & reproductive health, dietician/nutrition services, HIV risk reduction/PreP, full-service onsite pharmacy and laboratory, and a self-care clinic with free over-the-counter medications. You can also access virtual Scheduled Medical and MedicalNow services (24/7) by visiting timelycare.com/stonybrook or downloading the TimelyCare app (iOS or Android) to register with your name and Stony Brook email address.

The CARE Team (Consult. Assess. Respond. Educate.) 

stonybrook.edu/care 

Worried about a peer and want to help them connect to resources? The CARE Team uses a supportive, individualized approach to address concerning behavior that may pose a threat to student health and safety. You can report concerns using a form on the website, or contact the CARE Team at (631) 632-CARE or care@stonybrook.edu.

Survivor Advocacy Team 631-457-9981

stonybrook.edu/advocacy

The Survivor Advocate & Prevention Associate provides confidential, trauma-informed support to Stony Brook students who experience any kind of sexual or relationship violence, including harassment, assault, dating violence, and stalking.