Support Services

Office of Teaching & Learning with Technology

The Office of Teaching & Learning with Technology (TLT)  helps you indirectly by helping faculty members design quality online courses. They help you directly by being an information hub. Anytime you have a question about where to go or who to talk to, they can help. If they don't know the answer, they will help you find it!

SmarterMeasure

SmarterMeasure (formerly referred to READI) is an online tool to provide you with information on your ability to succeed in distance education courses. Distance education courses are not any easier than traditional courses, are usually not self-paced and often contain more information than corresponding face-to-face courses. To be successful in distance courses, information about your personal strengths and weaknesses may be helpful. The purpose of SmarterMeasure is to help you learn more about skills and traits that have been shown to help students become successful in distance education.

Buying Books

The TWU Bookstore isn't just in Denton - it's in CyberSpace too! You can order books, TWU apparel and school supplies through the TWU Bookstore Website. To find the text book section:

• Go to the first, red menu box  that says, "Books." 
• From the drop-down menu, select "Textbooks & Course Materials."
• Fill in all the drop down menus, selecting your course and section number for the appropriate semester and department
• You can either purchase the books then, through the TWU Bookstore site, or you can write down the information and buy them from another vendor.

Also, whenever it is time for you to graduate, you can order your graduation regalia online.

Student ID Cards

Distance Learners will receive a Student ID Card in the mail, after the 12th class day. It will not have your photo on it, but it will say "distance learner" and will entitle you to student discounts wherever they are available, as well as for services if you come to campus. You may also need to show your student ID card if you use your TexShare card at a library in Texas. If you do not receive your student ID card soon after the 12th class day, please contact Beth Lewis, Director for ID Systems at NLewis@twu.edu or 940.898.3645.

Tutoring & Training Services

Mathematics and Technology Success Center

The Mathematics and Technology Success Center (MTSC), located on the TWU Denton Campus in MCL 307, is available to assist TWU students in reaching their educational goals in math and technology through technology programs and individual or group tutoring. Tutoring is provided for TWU students who are enrolled in math and technology courses or enrolled in any courses with math or technology components. They also tutor any statistics course and the statistical software: SAS and SPSS. For students that cannot come to campus, the MTSC also provides several online resources for math review, computer literacy and exam preperation.

Online Writing Lab Live

The Write Site just launched a new program called Online Writing Lab Live (OWLive). Students are now able to schedule live, online tutoring sessions with Write Site staff. Previously, there were only two appointment choices: face-to-face or OWL (receiving comments on a paper via email). OWLive combines these two options, utilizing audio, video, and chat space for a synchronous online tutoring session. Like all Write Site services, OWLive is completely FREE. For more information, go to http://www.twu.edu/write-site/owlive.asp.     

Smarthinking

Smarthinking is an online tutoring service. It provides tutoring in mathematics (basic math through Calculus including Bilingual Math), Biology, Introduction to Human Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Accounting, Introduction to Finance, Statistics, Spanish and Writing. Tutoring in some subjects is available 24/7. With Smarthinkingyou can:

• Connect with an e-structor and interact with a live tutor.
• Submit your writing for any class to their Online Writing Lab
• Submit a question and receive a reply from a tutor.
• Commuter & Non-Traditional Student Services

As a distance learner you will have access to this tool. Ask your professor how you can get started.

Student Technology Assistants and Resources Program

The Student Technology Assistants and Resources Program (STAR) is a uniquely designed technology training service led by students. STAR provides the following services:

• Training and education for productivity software packages, such as MS Office and the Adobe Suite.
• Education and Training for TWU services, such as Blackboard, Portal and Webmail.
• Education on Online Safety and Awareness.
• Troubleshooting and Support for hardware and software related issues.
• Support and Assistance with mobile devices and phones.

Commuter & Non-Traditional Student Services

The Office of Commuter and Non-traditional Student Services recognizes the unique environment in which online students earn their degrees. They are here to help you have a successful and well-rounded experience as a TWU student. You can think of this office as your one-stop-shop to find answers to your questions. They can connect you with people and services throughout Student Life and the entire campus who can assist you in addressing a variety of your everyday life needs. As a part of Student Life, Commuter Serivces is focused on giving you the resources you need to balance your life with your academics.

Getting to Campus

If you do have to come to campus read through this information about general transportation information, public transportation and carpooling.

Parking

In order to accommodate students who are taking only distance education courses, the Department of Public Safety has agreed to issue a complimentary, one-time (once a semester) temporary pass upon request.  So, if you are taking all of your classes at a distance and do not have a parking permit, drop by the DPS Office on your next trip to campus (campus map).  DPS staff will check your name from a list provided by Lifelong Learning and ask to see a photo ID before issuing the pass.  Remember that this is a one-time (once a semester) complimentary pass for those students who are enrolled in distance education classes only.

Parking decals are enforced Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Monday through Friday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. students may parking in gray, black, blue, or auburn curbs with a valid parking permit. Handicapped restrictions are enforced at all times. 

If you have further questions about this policy, please contact the TWU DPS at (940) 898-2911.

Technology Service Desk

The Technology Service Desk provides user support services via telephone (940-898-3971), email (servicedesk@twu.edu) and online chat. If needed, technicians also connect with your computer and see what is on your screen. The Technology Service Desk can help with Blackboard, registration, Pioneer Portal, TWU email, Microsoft applications and other TWU related technical issues.

Counseling Center

The TWU Counseling Center makes every attempt to provide services to you, up to the limits of the law and professional ethics. As a Distance Education student, you may access any and all materials available on their Online Resources website.

The TWU Counseling Center can refer you to appropriate mental health providers, within our limits of knowledge (by telephone only). Due to legal and ethical issues, we do not provide Internet, e-mail, or other electronically-based counseling, therapy or communications. In addition, due to varying state laws, students who reside outside the state of Texas may find that we are unable, by law, to provide counseling or therapy services of any kind.  

Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services, (DSS) is a resource for Texas Woman's University students with disabilities on the Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses. DSS determines  appropriate accommodations for students in the classroom and in the use of University facilities in order to provide equal access to educational opportunities at TWU.

Project REV

Project REV is a federal grant-funded program that provides resources for victims of the following crimes: dating or domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. Although TWU is one of the safest college campuses in the country, it is important for students to be informed about these issues, which college-age women are at a disproportionally high risk of facing.

Career Services

The Office of Career Services has many wonderful resources available to you on a web page designated just for distance learners! Here you'll find links to employment opportunities as well as to information about upcoming career days. You'll also find helpful resources for preparing for a job search, interviewing and internships.