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Distance Learning Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is it truly at a distance? While it is the intention that every course listed in this catalog may be taken without the need to come to campus, we cannot guarantee that this is in all cases true. Therefore, you are advised to look closely at the course description for any indication of a need to be present on campus, and further, to check directly with the instructor. Do this before you enroll.
- Does it count toward graduation? Is it transferable? If you take a distance education course and you want it to count toward graduation or a degree requirement, it is up to you to check with your advisor or department at your home institution to be sure the course credit will transfer and count towards your degree or graduation requirements. Since all cases are different, you must check this out for yourself.
- Does taking a course enroll me in a degree granting program? If you take a course as a special or guest student, this does not mean you are enrolled in the offering institution's college or degree program. The credit hours you earn as a special or guest student may or may not count toward a degree once you are enrolled in a degree program. Bear this in mind before you take a course if you want to use it toward a formal certificate or degree. If you do want to work toward a formal certificate or degree, apply for and obtain admission to the institution, college, and degree program of interest to you.
- Are the course listings totally accurate? The information presented for each course is as received from the institution. It may not be fully complete or accurate. In many cases, the information is updated, especially the field as to whether the course is OPEN or CLOSED to enrollment. But this status changes, often within a day. So there is no guarantee that a course listed in this catalog as OPEN will in fact still be accepting enrollment once you are ready to actually register.
- Where does the 'MORE INFORMATION' link take me? The 'MORE INFORMATION' link connects you to the offering institution's web server. The detail provided there will vary - course by course and institution by institution. For some courses and institutions, for example, a full syllabus may be provided and detailed instructions for how to get admitted and register for the course. For others, you may be directed to the institution's homepage.
- Who provides student support services for a course I find here? The <%=system_name%>Distance Learning Catalog is just that — a catalog. It is meant as an aid to you in finding what courses are offered at a distance. To take any class, you must first be admitted to the institution offering that class. In most cases, there is an expedited process for admitting visiting or guest students. Guest or special student status is, however, often limited to a certain total number of credit hours (usually 9 or less total). Once you are admitted as a special or regular student, you may then register for the course. The course registration service is provided by the offering institution, not by <%=system_name%>or this catalog. All other student services associated with the course are also the responsibility of the offering institution, including tuition, advising, library, transcripting, and other student support services. Check with the institution offering the course you wish to take to better understand the student support services offered.
- Is every OPEN course listed open to me? No. Many open courses are open only, or on a first-served basis, to students enrolled in the program offering it. In some cases there are age limits. After you find a course you would like to take, the next step is to check with the institution (start with the 'MORE INFORMATION' link) to see whether it is open to you.
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