Resources for Online Students Taking CGS Courses

CGS has compiled a list of commonly asked questions, resources, and suggestions to provide its students with a productive online learning experience.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some organizations employ measures to their email systems that may prevent CGS/Rutgers email messages from being delivered. If your organization uses such measures, to ensure deliverability of emails from CGS/Rutgers, we recommend that you work with your IT department to whitelist our domain address: docs.rutgers.edu.

Canvas is a web-based learning management system.  CGS staff, instructors, and students will use the Rutgers Canvas system for course content and sharing information. Canvas has many features that facilitate teaching, learning, and interaction including:

  • A central location for all course materials
  • Facilitated communication through:
    • Announcements posted in one central location
    • Email messages sent from within Canvas
  • Assignment management of homework and projects
  • Online discussions, quizzes, and exams
  • Online gradebook

Instructors will use Canvas to send messages to students, post class links, track attendance, record completion of assignments, grade assignments and provide feedback.

Students will use Canvas to access the course materials, submit assignments, take quizzes and the final exam.

If signing into Canvas for the first time, visit this website for detailed instructions to create your account: https://canvas.rutgers.edu/documentation/general/log-into-canvas-with-email/.  Remember to use the primary email address you provided when registering for the course.

Please note that s
ome organizations employ measures to their email systems that may prevent CGS/Rutgers email messages from being delivered. If your organization uses such measures, to ensure deliverability of emails from CGS/Rutgers, we recommend that you work with your IT department to whitelist our domain address: docs.rutgers.edu.

If your primary email address is your work address, we suggest you ask your IT department to whitelist the following email addresses to make sure they are not blocked by the firewall:  

As a new user for Canvas, we suggest you review the following information to familiarize yourself with the Canvas site before your course begins:  https://canvas.rutgers.edu/students/getting-started-in-canvas-students/.

Some CGS courses use Rutgers Box to distribute course materials.  Box is a cloud-based file-sharing platform that is used for sending electronic course materials. You do not need an account to access your materials. You will receive an email invitation to join Rutgers Box approximately one to two business days before your course begins. 

Box Troubleshooting 

  • Check your SPAM folder if you do not see an email from Box. 
  • When you accept the invitation, follow registration steps, and create your password. Your email and this password are your log in credentials for Box. 
  • Install Box on your desktop or laptop. Follow directions from this link: https://rutgers.app.box.com/app-center 
  • To access Box again, please go to https://box.rutgers.edu/ and log in using your email and password you created when accepting invitation.
  • Common Issues with Downloading Files
  • While logging in click "Not a part of Rutgers University?" Do NOT click on Continue button (depicted in image below). 

A screenshot of a computer screen

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Webex is a video conference platform that is used for some CGS courses. Below are articles that can help you learn more about Webex.

Get Started with Cisco Webex Meetings for Attendees

Join a Test Meeting

Zoom is a video conference platform that is used for some CGS courses. Below are articles that can help you learn more about Zoom.

Zoom Frequently Asked Questions for Users

How to Use Zoom like a Pro

All CGS course evaluations are distributed to students by email through Qualtrics after completion of your course. Your feedback is important to us so please remember to fill out your evaluation.

If you are experiencing a poor internet connection, you may be able to increase your bandwidth by trying the below suggestions:

  • You will have the best connection by using a wired connection with an Ethernet cable
  • If you are using WiFi, try to be as close to your router as possible
  • Turn off your camera/video
  • Reduce usage on other devices (i.e. cell phones, streaming on TV, etc.).

You may be required to complete a final exam or other assignments using fillable PDF forms. Below are instructions on how to complete PDF forms.

How to fill in PDF Forms