Contacting the Instructor

This is my first online course, and the idea of not meeting students face to face is disconcerting. On the other hand, the online format is an ideal way to share some of the wonderful films, lectures, and other interactive material on this dynamic topic.
I enjoy getting to know students' personal interests, aspirations, and superpowers so as to be a mentor as well as an instructor. In the online format, there is more burden on the student to seek out opportunities for personal interaction. I require at least TWO phone/audio, video, or in-person meetings during the semester on topics of your choosing (you may want to discuss a paper, graduate school, career options, etc. Please let me know in advance if possible so I can prepare material or comments that might be helpful). You are, of course, welcome to contact me for office hours as often as you wish.
ELECTRONIC CONTACT: Unfortunately, CANVAS does not support Windows 8 Tablets/Window Phone devices. I had hoped to use the CANVAS mobile app to manage discussions, communication, etc., but will have to log-in to the main website like everyone else. Because I will be traveling during this semester doing election integrity and democracy-related research, I cannot always access UCD systems and email, which require I open a Citrix VP client. While I will do so regularly and whenever possible, the best way to reach me for urgent questions is at my personal email address at reifmegan@live.com, which I can access on my phone and synchronizes with all of my devices. If you send an email via CANVAS, it comes as a forwarded message from the system and it is difficult for me to respond directly. You can also reach me by Text/SMS on my phone (below) and Viber (if I am traveling abroad (an account is free)).
OFFICE HOURS: Megan will be available via:
- Phone if you SMS me first: (720-585-7367) we can set a time to talk at a mutually convenient time. Evenings and weekends are fine, as I may be in Sweden or Africa, which are 8 hours ahead of Denver time, or Pakistan (12 hours ahead).
- I am on Skype regularly at "threeguineas" – if my status is "green" and my status says "in student office hours" you can assume I am available. Please send me a Skype instant message and we can arrange a time to talk soon after if not immediately. My Skype name is will search all of your emails to see if you already have an account. If not, it is not mandatory to set up a Skype account.
- Google+ (https://plus.google.com/u/0/106807994170326938739/about) by appointment (video or audio chat) (Just search for my name, Megan Reif, and/or email addresses (reifmegan@live.com or reifmegan@gmail.com).
- I will be traveling periodically throughout the semester, but will let everyone know when I am in town and will set up office hours and appointments in the Auraria library or a coffee shop (to be identified in the pre-course survey).

Depending on your use of Google+ and student schedules, we will set up a Google+ Circle, and hope that the online status of 2 or more students will coincide or schedule