Online Orientation Week
Short-term housing options in Seattle:
- The iConnect message board is a place where iSchoolers who need somewhere to stay for Orientation can connect with those who live in Seattle.
- You can also seek housing on the ALISS Facebook page.
Travel methods:
- Parking at UW
- City of Seattle Parking Map
- Bus - King County Metro Transit
- Airport Shuttle
- If you pay the mandatory U-PASS fee for fall quarter and activate your U-PASS a week before orientation, it will be activated to ride public transit for free while you are in Seattle.
To Do List:
- Get your student ID.
- Check out the faculty profiles to find professors with similar interests.
Tips:
- You will need to know your student number for various things, so carry it around with you or memorize it. You'll also need this number to get your ID. You will receive it in your welcome packet.
- Don't forget to have some fun and meet new people! Don't stress out if you can't absorb everything that is thrown at you. The Online MLIS Discussion Board is always there for questions and advice from your peers once you're home from Orientation! Note that it is only accessible to current online students. The location of the Discussion Board is currently being changed, and we will add the link here when the new board is in place.
Technology
- Make sure you have a UW Net ID. Your Net ID will give you access to your email, course websites, financial aid and course registration. If you're having trouble with your Net ID, contact the UW helpdesk.
- Take a look at the iPrep website which offers information on various technologies that may be helpful in your coursework.
- If you want to get the jump on preparing your home computer, check out this iPrep section on Installing Software at Home. You will learn more about setting up a file transfer client, free anti-virus software, and ways to access other free or discounted software via the iSchool.
- ALISS provides an Open Discussion Board that is only open to current MLIS students. It is open to both online and residential students.
- As part of Orientation, you will be introduced to technology options/resources provided by the iSchool. If you have a laptop, you might want to bring it along.
Courses
Course delivery:
- Course delivery is asynchronous and Internet-based. However, in some instances, you may want to participate in a web chat at a designated time with your course instructor or with group members to coordinate group projects.
- Much of the course will be conducted on the discussion boards. Try not to be obsessive; you only need to check them once a day!
- The iSchool's Course Management System is Canvas. You will be invited to a an orientation "class" in Canvas shortly before orientation to help you become comfortable with the system.
Textbooks and required course readings:
- Check MyUW for your list of required textbooks. There's a link right below the course schedule.
- Check the MLIS Textbook Exchange forum for used textbooks.
- If you need to order your books, you can do it through the UW bookstore or through your favorite bookstore or book rental service.
The Program
A great place to start is the Online Learning Overview on iPrep, which will help you learn more about all aspects of life in the iSchool, including registration and who to contact for help. This is a must read for all incoming students (and a great refresher for mentors as well!).
Courses:
- The expected student course load is 6-9 credits as the program is designed for completion in three calendar years. Few courses are offered in the summer, so don't count on being able to gain extra credits during the summer
- Many electives are not offered each year, so consider taking those you're interested in when they are offered. You can plan ahead by examining projected course schedules.
- Registration comes earlier than you might expect. You will receive an email from Marie with advice on when and how to register online with UWPCE. More information on registration can be found here.
- Directed Fieldwork is a great way to get some hands-on experience. You must complete 30 credits and view a presentation before you can enroll in a DFW.
- All students entering in 2013 or later will have to complete a Capstone for your Degree Final Project. You can look at examples of past Capstone projects here.
- It is a good idea save examples of your work to create a portfolio to use in the future If you write a really good paper or do an excellent project, save it. If it was a group project, it helps to get the permission of your peers now.
Financial Aid:
- You will not be able to receive financial aid for a quarter if you register for fewer than 5 credits.
- Many other financial aid problems can be resolved by reminding them that you are in a part-time, fee-based program.
- Also, don't be afraid to ask for more money; your financial aid award is not the final say. Since aid is calculated for 5 credits a quarter, it is extremely common to complete a Revision Request for Additional Expenses each quarter.
- For more information, see the Office of Student Financial Aidand the iSchool's information on financial aid.
Communications with the iSchool
- Mailing lists. Note that all students in the program must be signed up for iAnnounce, iMLIS, and iOnlineMLIS.
- Take a look at the iSchool's Student organizations and start joining their Facebook groups.