Learner Support

Online learning comes with the same challenges as any academic program, and the same support. Whether you're struggling with coursework, navigating a technical issue, or dealing with something more personal, the offices below are here for you, and most offer remote appointments.

Accessing Your Courses

All online courses are accessible through Brightspace, Stony Brook University's learning management system. Log in using your NetID and password. Your instructor will contact you through your Stony Brook University email account.

Technical Support

For technical issues with Brightspace, Zoom, or any other university tech, contact the DoIT Help Desk.

Phone: +1 (844) 673-6786
Hours: Weekdays 7 am–midnight | Saturday 10 am–6 pm | Sunday 10:00 am–9 pm
Online: Submit a support ticket

For a full overview of technology tools and services available to Stony Brook students — including Brightspace, Zoom, Microsoft 365, and Google Workspace — visit the DoIT Student Technology Guide.

Having ongoing device issues? SBU students currently enrolled with a valid SBU ID may be eligible to borrow a laptop through the Student Laptop Loaner Program.

Campus Support Resources

The following university offices provide support to online students. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out — every office listed here exists to help you succeed.

Writing Center — For help with papers, essays, and written assignments at any stage of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Online appointments are available.

Academic Success and Tutoring Center — Skill-based peer tutoring in areas such as time management, evidence-based study strategies, and academic goal setting. Available to undergraduate students only.

Student Accessibility Support Center (SASC) — If you have a documented disability or believe you may benefit from academic accommodations, contact SASC to learn about the support available to you.

Office of Financial Aid — For questions about loans, awards, or financial emergencies that may affect your ability to continue your studies.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) — Free short-term counseling, stress management support, and referrals for ongoing care.

TECHNOLOGY GUIDE

Learn about the tools and services offered to Stony Brook students, including Google Apps, Brightspace and ECHO 360.

View Tech Guide

Additional Online Learning Support

Undergraduate Students

If you are an undergraduate student taking online courses and looking for additional support, reach out to the Academic Success and Tutoring Center's Skills-Based Tutoring Program.

Skill-based peer tutors help their peers develop and enhance their academic success techniques in areas such as time management, studying, using evidence-based learning strategies, academic goal setting, and using campus resources.

They do not tutor specific courses, but instead tutor students on academic success strategies and behaviors that can be used in any class.

Please note: this is open to undergraduate students only.

A close-up shot of a pair of hands typing on a laptop keyboard

Graduate Students

If you are in an online graduate program and looking for additional support, please reach out to your program for more information.

Grievance Resolution

Having a Problem? Let us Help

For General Student Support Services, please visit the Office of Student Affairs.

Stony Brook University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and follows the complaint resolution policies and procedures outlined within the SARA Policy Manual and summarized on the NC-SARA website.

Consumer protection complaints resulting from distance education courses, activities, and operations may be submitted to the appropriate contact below for investigation and resolution.

Grievance Contacts by Course Type

Course Type	Submit Complaint to:	More Information
Undergraduate	Wanda Moore, Division of Undergraduate Education	Academic Integrity website
Undergraduate (CEAS)	Jennifer Dellaposta, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences	CEAS website
Graduate	Celia Marshik, Graduate School	Graduate Catalog
SPD	Peter Diplock, School of Professional Development	Graduate Catalog

If a student is dissatisfied with the campus-based resolution, a concern may be submitted to System Administration of the State University of New York as outlined in SUNY Student Concerns. If still not satisfied, a complaint may be submitted — within two years of the incident — to the New York State Education Department as outlined on the NYSED website.

Please note: This does not include complaints related to grades or student conduct violations, both of which are to be fully addressed via campus processes and are not subject to NC-SARA complaint resolution procedures.

A student taking notes while working on her laptop