The Queens Public Library (QPL) serves 2.3 million people from 65 locations, seven Adult Learning Centers, a technology center and two universal pre-kindergartens and two teen centers. QPL circulates among the highest numbers of books and other library materials in the country. Queens Public Library provides amazing programs for adults, children and the entire family, including, but are not limited to the following: • Books (e.g., Mail-A-Book eBooks, large print books, etc.) • Computers & Wi-Fi • Music (e.g., Sunday Concerts, CDs, etc.) • Movies & TV (e.g., streaming, DVDs, Blu-ray, etc.) • Literacy, Book and Recreational Clubs and Discussion Groups • Early Childhood (0-5) and Children (6-12) Programs • College and Career Readiness • Homework Resources • Writing Workshops • Technology Training (e.g., Queensbridge Tech Lab, Tech Workshops, Technology Training Certificates, etc.) • Adult Learners (e.g., Adult Learning Centers, language classes, high school diploma prep, eLearning, etc.) • New Americans (e.g., English classes, immigration assistance, programs & collections in multiple languages, etc.) HAVE QPL LOCATIONS AND SERVICES BEEN CLOSED/SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19? Yes. All QPL physical locations have been temporarily closed. Select QPL services can be accessed remotely. Plans to reopen QPL with limited service has begun. Visit "How to Access the Library's Digital Resources 24/7" to learn more. For updates to the QPL's response to COVID-19, please visit "QPL's COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response." Rate My Professors enables college students to rank professors, providing information about the difficulty of their classes, teaching style, and other information that can be useful in deciding which classes to take. More than 19 million student-generated comments and ratings over 1.7 million professors at over 7,500 schools have been ranked to date. Rate My Professors provides a "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)" guide to help students utilize their tool in the following categories: • Student Questions • Professor Questions • General Questions • Legal FAQ HAS RATE MY PROFESSOR SUSPENDED SERVICES DUE TO COVID-19? No. Readdle's Calendars app allows users to easily manage events both online and offline and across multiple connected devices. Readdle's Calendar app's unique interface allows users to move events simply with Drag & Drop, navigate quickly between dates, change event time and reminders rapidly with custom keyboards or by asking Siri, iOS virtual assistant. Readdle's Calendar app features include: • Color coded events and calendars • Hide calendars • Share calendars with others • Invite people to events • Video call integration • Use of Apple or Google Maps Download Readdle's Calendar app for iOS devices. IS READDLE'S CALENDARS APP FREE? Yes. WHO DOES THIS APP AIM TO SERVE? Busy people who prefer a more visual approach to managing schedules/events. The Sanvello app provides support for mental health through clinically proven techniques based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, etc. Features include four support activities: • Self-Care • Peer Support • Coaching • Therapy Download Sanvello for iOS and Android devices. IS THE SANVELLO APP FREE? Sanvello provides a free version with limited features. Some US insurance providers cover the fee for the premium Sanvello app (upgraded with additional features). The SAT Suite of Assessments, administered by the College Board, is an integrated system made up of these tests: • Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) • Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) and PSAT 10 • PSAT 8/9 The tests measure the same skills and knowledge in ways that make sense for different grade levels, so it's easier for students, parents, and educators to monitor student progress. "The SAT Suite of Assessments" provides an overview of each of the aforementioned test. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING THE PSAT/NMSQT? As students advance from grade to grade, the tests will keep pace, matching the scope and difficulty of work found in the classroom. This helps students see where they can improve and helps teachers adjust instruction for students who are ahead or behind. Participating in the PSA/NMSQT can also connect students to scholarships and awards. HOW CAN STUDENTS PREPARE TO TAKE THE SAT? There are many services to assist students in preparing for taking the SAT. For example, College Board and Khan Academy partnered to develop the free resource "Official SAT Practice. DOES THE COLLEGE BOARD PROVIDE SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES? Yes. The College Board Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Program can be contacted at (212) 713-8333, ssd@info.collegeboard.org or by postal mail: College Board SSD Program, P.O. Box 8060, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0060. For contact information for other offices/services of the College Board, please visit collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/contact-us. HAS COLLEGE BOARD SUSPENDED SERVICES DUE TO COVID-19? The resources provided by College Board remain available. Some SAT exams have been canceled or postponed and plans for a digital remote-proctored version are under development. For updates to how the College Board is responding to COVID-19, please visit pages.collegeboard.org/sat-covid-19-updates. ABOUT COLLEGE BOARD: College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success—including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement® Program. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators, and schools. For further information, visit collegeboard.org. School of Visual Arts (SVA) has been a leader in the education of artists, designers and creative professionals for more than six decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, dynamic curriculum and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprised of more than 7,000 students at its Manhattan campus and 38,000 alumni in 100 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. HAS SVA SUSPENDED CLASSES AND OPERATIONS DUE TO COVID-19? All of SVA’s academic buildings and administrative offices have been closed to students, faculty and nonessential staff until further notice. In-person classes have been canceled and moved online with plans to reopen in the fall semester. Commencement and art exhibits have been held virtually. For updates to SVA's response to COVID-19, please visit sva.edu/features/message-from-sva-about-covid-19-novel-coronavirus. Shape Up NYC is a free, drop-in fitness program with locations across the five boroughs. There is no class registration, simply show up to take fitness classes like aerobics, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and much more. Shape Up NYC's fitness instructors know how to make fitness fun! Membership at a recreation center is not required. Participants must bring a lock for classes held at recreation centers. HAS THIS PROGRAM BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19? Yes. All Shape Up NYC programs are cancelled until further notice. For updates to Shape Up NYC's response to COVID-19, please visit Shape Up NYC's Facebook page here. SparkNotes provides multiple ways to study: online, on your eReader, and with good old books by offering: • SPARKNOTES GUIDES: Summaries and insightful critical analyses of more than 500 guides for English literature and Shakespeare, and a vast number of guides for history, math, biology, and other subjects. SparkNotes most popular guides include quick quizzes to test retention before the test. • NO FEAR SHAKESPEARE: No Fear Shakespeare provides side-by-side translations of Shakespeare into plain English. No Fear Shakespeare is available online and in book form. HAS THIS SERVICE BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19? No. St. Francis College is a private college. St. Francis College's extensive selection of minors and concentrations lets students explore different paths of interests to personalize their degree while introductory (core) courses help students discover new subjects that best fit their personality and talents. HAVE ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE'S CLASSES AND OPERATIONS BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19? St. Francis College's classes will be remote through the summer of 2020. Fall classes will be conducted under a flexible hybrid model, incorporating both in-person and online instruction. All in-person events have been suspended until further notice. For updates to St. Francis College's response to COVID-19, please visit www.sfc.edu/studentlife/studenthealth/covid19-guidance. St. Joseph's College (SJC) is a private college with more than 50 undergraduate majors, pre-professional and certificate programs, with graduate degrees in management, business, health care management, human services, nursing, accounting and education. It's mission is to provide a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, rooted in a liberal arts tradition that supports provision for career preparation and enhancement. St. Joseph's College has two campuses plus an online extension: • SJC BROOKLYN: 245 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205, Main: (718) 940.5300, Admissions: (718) 940.5800 • SJC LONG ISLAND: 155 W. Roe Blvd., Patchogue, NY 11772, Main: (631) 687.5100, Admissions: (631) 687.4500 • SJC ONLINE: www.sjcny.edu/online HAVE ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE'S CLASSES AND OPERATIONS BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19? All campus events and activities at St. Joseph's College have been postponed until further notice. For updates to St. Joseph's College's response to COVID-19, please visit www.sjcny.edu/em/corona. The State University of New York (SUNY) is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States. SUNY's impact in New York State and across the globe begins with 64 institutions, including research universities, academic medical centers, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, colleges of technology and an online learning network. SUNY serves nearly 1.3 million students, including nearly 600,000 in credit bearing courses and programs and more than 700,000 through continuing education and community outreach programs. Nearly 3 million SUNY alumni are located around the globe, each making their own unique impact. HAVE SUNY'S CLASSES AND OPERATIONS BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19? SUNY will continue with distance learning for classes with plans to reopen in-person classes in the fall. For updates to SUNY's response to COVID-19, please folrow the hashtag #SUNYTogether and visit www.suny.edu/sunytogether. StayFocusd increases productivity by limiting the amount of time spent on time-wasting websites. StayFocusd is a productivity extension for Google Chrome that blocks entire websites (or specific subdomains, specific paths, pages, etc.) once the allotted time has been used up, remaining inaccessible for the rest of the day. Users can add the extension to their Google Chrome browser here. IS STAYFOCUSD FREE? Yes. Strand Bookstore carries over 2.5 million used, new, and rare books, covering topics as far-ranging as occult to philosophy to finance. The store also offers an ever-changing array of literary gifts and goods from Moleskines to coffee mugs, and everything in-between. Strand's employees are not only knowledgeable about books but they’re also passionate about them. Not only can they help you find a book, they can also recommend something you might love if you give them a quick description of your literary tastes. With our famous dollar carts outside you can always find a gem but that doesn’t mean there’s not a hidden treasure inside the store, like a beautiful Rabelais for $15. Strand is developing a service to sell text books. Please check Strand's website for updates. HAVE STRAND BOOKSTORE'S OPERATIONS AND SERVICES BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19? As of June 22nd, NYC's Strand Bookstore's main location at 828 Broadway will reopen with certain restrictions (e.g., limiting capacity to 50%, requiring face masks and social distancing, socially distanced discount carts, gloves and masks available upon request, etc.). All other Strand locations and kiosks will remain temporarily closed. For updates to Strand Bookstore's response to COVID-19, please visit "Updated Store Operations." Streaks app enables users to track up to twelve daily tasks with the goal to build a streak of consecutive days. Streaks features include: • Syncs tasks across all devices using iCloud • Syncs tasks linked to the iOS Health app • Sends automatic reminders to complete a task • Creates negative tasks to break bad habits • Creates timed tasks to track mindfulness, brushing teeth, etc. Streaks is available in multiple languages (e.g., English, Arabic, Czech, Hindi, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, etc.). Download the Streaks app for iOS devices. IS THE STREAKS APP FREE? No. Streaks is available for purchase for $4.99. It is the mission of Student Accessibility Services, in conjunction with the Academic Center and faculty, to provide equal access to all of St. Joseph’s College programs and services in order to create a supportive campus environment. Student Accessibility Services' guiding philosophy is a student-centered approach that focuses on maximizing student strengths to ensure that each student realizes their full potential. Through support services, students can achieve personal, academic and vocational goals. St. Joseph’s College is committed to serving and empowering our students in becoming their own best advocates. Services may include, but are not limited to the following: • Extra time on testing, assignments and/or labs • Note-taker • Tape-recording of the classroom lecture • Alternate seating • Adapted test-taking HAVE ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE'S CLASSES AND OPERATIONS BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19? All campus events and activities at St. Joseph's College have been postponed until further notice. For updates to St. Joseph's College's response to COVID-19, please visit www.sjcny.edu/em/corona. The New School seeks to foster an environment that encourages all students to reach their highest level of achievement. Through various student services and programs, the university emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing individual differences. In keeping with this philosophy, Student Disability Services (SDS) is committed to helping students with disabilities obtain equal access to academic and programmatic services. SDS assists students with disabilities in need of academic and programmatic accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Examples of accommodations offered include, but are not limited to the following: • Extended time on exams • Assistance obtaining class notes (from instructor or classmate) • ASL Interpreters or Speech-To-Text services • Assistive Technology • Course materials and books in alternate format • Coordination of accessible housing needs HAS THE NEW SCHOOL SUSPENDED CLASSES AND OPERATIONS DUE TO COVID-19? Most buildings on the New Schools New York campus have been closed until further notice. All classes will be conducted online. All public programming and special events have been canceled. For updates to the New Schools's response to COVID-19, please visit www.newschool.edu/coronavirus. Student Disability Services at Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) works in partnership with faculty, staff and students to ensure that all aspects of student life are accessible, equitable, and inclusive for all individuals with disabilities. Accommodations offered include, but are not limited to the following: • Additional time on exams due to learning disability or psychiatric conditions • Access to academic/ living and all campus buildings due to movement or sensory disability • Need for emotional support in housing • Temporary accommodations due to injury/ medical illness • Hearing or visual aids/ interpretation • Housing accommodation due to medical or psychiatric disability Other reasonable accommodations may be created in collaboration between the student and the Associate Dean. Dana Zappetti, MD, is the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and WCM Student’s Disability Officer (daz9001@med.cornell.edu, (212) 746-1058). HAVE STUDENT DISABILITY SERVICES BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO COVID-19? No. Classes have moved online and faculty and administration continue to support students remotely. For updates to WCMC's response to COVID-19, please visit WCMC's website. WHAT IS SCREEN TIME? Screen time is the amount of time users spend looking at an electronic device with a screen such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, television, or video game console. WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DAILY SCREEN TIME? The Mayo Clinic recommends that teens and adults limit their daily screen time to two hours per day. For children between the ages of 2 to 12, 1 hour per day is the suggested limit and no screen time for children under 2 years old. WHAT IS THE CURRENT AVERAGE DAILY SCREEN TIME? According to multiple sources, the average American can spend between 7 to 12 hours per day in front of a screen, between personal devices, computers and televisions. WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF EXCESSIVE SCREEN TIME? Excessive screen time impacts health negatively in multiple ways: PHYSICALLY: • Sedentary life-style can lead to weight gain/obesity • Digital eye strain (According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), "computer vision syndrome" describes several vision-related problems (e.g., eye strain, dry eyes, blurred vision, etc.) that result from prolonged computer, smartphone, tablet and e-reader use.) • Headaches • Neck and shoulder pain from poor posture SOCIALLY: • Lack of interactions with other people in the household can lead to strained relationships NEUROLOGICALLY • Reduced attention span • Anxiety • Depression • Sleep disturbance (For sleeping tips, visit "Study Skills: Sleep Habits (General Tips)") AT WHAT POINT DOES AN EXCESSIVE ACTIVITY BECOME DISORDER? According to the Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders (CIMAID), an excessive activity becomes a disorder when the behavior causes problems with sleep, school, social functioning and various aspects of physical and mental health. Today electronic devices with screens, such as smartphones and laptops, are a big part of everyday life, especially for college students' academic and social lives. It can become difficult to determine if an individual is simply using electronic devices to get numerous daily tasks finished (e.g., writing an essay, communicating with professors, classmates, friends, family, etc.) or if an individual may have a disorder. HOW CAN STUDENTS MANAGE THEIR SCREEN TIME? Students can manage their screen time by: • Increasing self-awareness of screen time by tracking quantity of screen time across all personal devices • Setting reminders to take periodic breaks from screen time • Reducing apps and websites on personal devices that may be less productive (e.g., use assistive technology to block apps and websites for certain amount of time each day, etc.) • Setting non-screen zones, either time blocks or zones in the home (e.g., dinner time, bedtime, bedroom, etc.) With a heavy course schedule, reducing screen time to recommended time limits may be nearly impossible. To help maintain health while exceeding daily recommended screen times, students can do the following: • Follow the 20-20-20 rule, take a 20 second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes. • Use screen filters (e.g., reduce glare, reduce "blue light" that impacts the production of the melatonin hormone that regulates sleep cycles, etc.) • Take daily vitamins to support good eye health. • Get regular eye exams and monitor the need for new glasses. WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY NUTRITION TO STUDENTS? Research has shown that students are able to learn better when they are well nourished. Eating healthy meals has been linked to higher grades, better alertness and faster information processing. Foods that are rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats (e.g., eggs, yogurt, apples, oatmeal) keep the body feeling full longer, providing enough energy to focus and stay alert throughout the entire day. HOW CAN STUDENTS USE THE RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE DATA PROVIDED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)? Students should familiarize themselves with the FDA's Recommended Daily Intake with the understanding that it is a general guide and should tailor meals to meet their specific nutritional needs. For more information on recommended daily intakes, visit the FDA website. WHAT ARE COMMON PITFALLS FOR NEW COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH REGARD TO NUTRITION? Common barriers to healthy eating include, but are not limited to the following: • Stress from academic pressure (especially during examinations) leads to poor decision-making around meals • Budget constraints limit the purchase of more expensive healthier food options • Time constraints limit meal preparation, regular eating schedules and encourage consumption of junk food and convenient high-calorie food • Poor meal-planning and extended study sessions leads to snacking on unhealthy foods (e.g., late at night, etc.) • Social eating (e.g., family/peer pressure to eat out, drink alcohol, etc.) HOW CAN COLLEGE STUDENTS MAINTAIN HEALTHY EATING HABITS? Students can maintain healthy eating habits by: • Improving nutritional knowledge (e.g., learning to distinguish between healthy food options and convenient processed options, gaining a better understanding of sensible portion sizes, etc.) • Varying meals (e.g., different fruits and vegetables, meats, grains, different sources, etc.) • Maintaining a food diary to track eating habits (e.g., type of meal, nutrients, timing, portions, etc.) • Staying involved in grocery shopping and food preparation • Sharing shopping and cooking responsibilities with family and friends • Planning meals ahead (e.g., by the week, etc.) by taking into consideration work, class and recreation schedule and local grocery/food delivery options • Learning how to use the microwave to prepare healthier food options • Drinking more water (daily recommendation is eight 8-ounce glasses, sipped throughout the day) • Moderating/reducing consumption of sugary (e.g., sodas, etc.), highly caffeinated and alcoholic drinks • Take vitamins WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS WHO MAY BE FOOD INSECURE DUE TO COVID-19? Many organizations have continued to provide food assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. For specific resources, please see "Food Assistance" on the "COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources" page. WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS WITH EATING DISORDERS? Many national and local organizations provide support to students with eating disorders. The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) is providing free and low-cost resources to students with eating disorders here including virtual support groups and a Helpline (800-931-2237). For crisis situations, students can text "NEDA" to 741741. HOW OFTEN SHOULD STUDENTS STUDY? Students should study every day and not just before an examination (commonly referred to as "cramming"). HOW LONG SHOULD STUDY SESSIONS BE? The duration of each study session will vary depending on the subject, the student and other factors, however, leading educational institutions recommend studying in one-hour blocks (50 minutes of study with a ten minute break). HOW OFTEN SHOULD STUDENTS TAKE STUDY BREAKS? At least once every hour. WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS DO DURING STUDY BREAKS? Students should rest their minds and bodies to have a productive study break. Common study break activities include, but are not limited to the following: • Take a power nap (For tips on good sleep hygiene for students, visit "Study Skills: Sleep Habits (General Tips)".) • Take a walk away from the study area/school • Stretch • Organize/tidy up the study/work space • Take a shower • Cook a simple, healthy meal (For tips on good nutrition for students, visit "Study Skills: Nutrition (General Tips)".) • Meditate, breathing exercises • Connect with a loved one about non-school related topics • Do a creative activity (e.g., coloring, drawing, etc.) Students should not do the following during a study break: • Snack on unhealthy food or eat a big meal • Watch television or surf the Internet (For tips on limiting screen time, visit "Study Skills: Managing Screen Time (General Tips)." • Drink excessive caffeine • Exercise vigorously • Study a different subject Doing "low-thought" activities during study breaks will reduce decision fatigue, the deteriorating quality of decisions made by an individual after a long session of decision making (e.g., during a study/work session, etc.). WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SITTING TOO MUCH (E.G., DURING AN EXTENDED STUDY SESSION)? According to the Mayo Clinic, extended sitting is linked to a number of health concerns including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels. Being seated for a long time can cause postural problems such as Anterior Pelvic Tilt (APT). APT is caused by tight hip flexors (muscles of the front thigh that are shortened for prolonged periods of time when seated and can lead to lower back, hip and knee pain and other physical issues. WHAT IS A CORRECT SITTING POSTURE FOR VIEWING A COMPUTER? The American Optometric Association provides guidance on proper body positioning for computer use, which includes guidance on desk and chair height, hand and feet positions, back and neck posture, viewing level and more here. 
WHAT ARE SOME EFFECTIVE STRETCHING TECHNIQUES? To address Anterior Pelvic Tilt, Healthline suggests the following stretches and exercises: • Half-kneeling hip flexor stretch • Bridge to strengthen hamstrings and gluteus muscles • Kneeling leg lift with back stretch • Air squats • Pelvic tilt To get the full benefit of any stretching routine, WebMd, recommends the following: • Hold the stretch (e.g., 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, etc.) • Do not bounce during the stretch (bouncing can cause muscle tears) • Stretch regularly (e.g., morning routine, repeatedly through extended study/work sessions, etc.) Examples of general stretching routines and how to complete them properly are available below: • VERYWELLFIT: 8 Relaxing Total Body Stretches • SELF: The 21 Best Stretching Exercises for Better Flexibility • HEART: Stretches for Exercise and Flexibility There are many free stretching routines available on YouTube. HOW CAN COLLEGE STUDENTS MAINTAIN A HEALTHY STUDY ROUTINE? Students can do the following: • Set reminders to take regular study breaks • Utilize study breaks to refresh the body and the mind, including light exercise and stretching • Change positions at least every 30 minutes during an extended study session (e.g., alternate between standing and sitting, etc.) • Use a standing desk station (or stand) for 15 to 30 minutes per hour When sitting at a desk for classes/lectures, students can perform stretches and exercises at their desk (e.g., wrist and neck stretches, leg raises, etc.). | |
