Choose your channel
Most questions belong in one specific place. Use this guide to pick the right channel for what you need.
Virtual Office Hours forum
For most questionsCourse content, assignment clarifications, technical questions about Canvas or Honorlock, study strategies, "how do I do this?" questions. Anything that is not confidential belongs here.
Response: 24 to 48 hours, weekdays
Email or Canvas Inbox
For confidential mattersGrade questions, accommodation needs, personal circumstances, anything you would not want classmates to see. Use email for things that are about you specifically, not the course.
Response: 24 to 48 hours, weekdays
One-on-one Zoom
For deep conversationsComplex situations that need back-and-forth conversation, study coaching, going over feedback, or getting unstuck on a difficult concept. By appointment only, scheduled by email.
Response: scheduled within 1 to 3 days
Why the forum is preferred
Most professors I know use email as the default contact method. I am asking you to use the Virtual Office Hours forum instead, for four reasons:
- Other students benefit from your questions. If you are confused about something, three other students probably are too. Posting publicly means everyone gets the answer.
- You can read others' questions. Some of the most useful learning happens when you see what your classmates are wrestling with. The forum becomes a study aid.
- Faster responses. I check the forum daily on weekdays. Email gets answered too, but the forum is my first stop.
- Searchable record. Questions and answers stay in the forum all semester. You can search back for "ABG analysis" or "portfolio submission" and find the answer immediately.
The result is fewer duplicate emails for me, faster responses for everyone, and a richer learning environment for the class.
Quick examples
Not sure which channel to use? Here are some common situations:
Contact information
Dr. Sharilyn Rennie
Canvas Inbox
From within the BIO 304 Canvas course
Virtual Office Hours forum
Pinned in the BIO 304 discussion section
One-on-one Zoom
Response time (weekdays)
24 to 48 hours
Weekend & holiday messages
Response on the next business day
How to schedule a Zoom meeting
Email me at rennies@arc.losrios.edu to request a meeting. Three things to include:
- Two or three time windows that work for you. Give me options so I can find a time that fits both schedules.
- What you want to discuss. A brief description so I can prepare any necessary resources before we meet.
- How long you expect to need. Most coaching meetings are 20 to 30 minutes. Quick check-ins can be 10 minutes.
Meetings are held at lrccd.zoom.us/j/4748608065. Be ready to start on time. If you cannot make a scheduled meeting, email me at least 2 hours in advance to reschedule.
After the course ends
The Canvas course closes after final grades are submitted. After that:
- The Virtual Office Hours forum will not be monitored. Do not post questions there after the course ends; I will not see them.
- Email me directly at rennies@arc.losrios.edu for any questions, transcript verification requests, or letters of recommendation.
- Letters of recommendation require at least 2 weeks notice. Include the program you are applying to, the deadline, and a brief reminder of how I knew you (which course, when, what stood out about your work).
Stay in touch
If you go on to nursing school, EMT or paramedic certification, mortuary science, or any other allied health pathway, I would love to hear how it went. Send me an update. Watching former students succeed is one of the best parts of this work.