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Distant Learner Handbook 2004-2005 Central Texas College District does not discriminate in admissions or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, or veteran status. Welcome to Distance Learning with CTC Institutional At Thank you for choosing the Central Texas College Distance Education (DE) Program. This program is an outgrowth of the mission statement for Our distance learning (DL) courses are based on approved departmental syllabi, use the same textbooks, and have the same content, outcomes, and requirements as courses taught in a classroom on Central Campus. All courses require proctored examinations. The instructors teaching these courses must meet the same qualifications as those teaching in the classrooms. In fact, many instructors teach both in the classroom and online or via CD-ROM. Distance learning courses qualify for financial aid and the semester hours earned can be transferred to other colleges and universities. Distant learners may register in person at any of the CTC locations, online, or by phone. Registration assistance is available from the CTC Online Help Desk. eArmyU students must register through the eArmyU portal and may obtain assistance from AECS Counselors and Program Mentors. Distant learners have access to the same support services as campus-based students. These services may be obtained by email or phone or through any of the CTC campus locations. Services provided to distant learners include, but are not limited to, financial aid, veteran’s benefits, career planning, career advisement, library, bookstore, and special assistance. This handbook is designed to help you get the most out of your time with us by providing a summary of institutional policies, procedures, and regulations. Please note that procedures may vary depending on your location or program. For further information, please refer to the printed College Catalogs and Schedule Bulletins or our website at http://www.ctcd.edu. Distant Learner Requirements and Responsibilities Just as instructors for distance learning courses must meet the standard teacher qualifications, students enrolling in distance learning programs must meet general institutional admission requirements. Students wishing to enroll in courses having stated prerequisites, such as acceptable placement test scores or prior coursework, must meet those prerequisites. Distance education is not for everyone. Some students learn better in a classroom. To be successful in a distance learning course, you need to be self-directed, self-motivated, and a good reader. In addition, you should be able to
Don’t wait until the first day of class to place your book order or to check on it! Shipping takes any where from a few days to weeks depending on your location. The CTC Bookstore and MBS have tracking systems in place to help you determine the status of your order.
To accommodate the schedules of adult students, CTC offers DL courses with frequent start dates (typically monthly) and different lengths (eight to sixteen weeks). Check with your local CTC office or at our website (http://online.ctcd.edu) for current schedules. Regardless of the length or the delivery mode, each course has a posted start and end date. You as the distant learner are required to demonstrate constant progress within this time period and to complete all coursework by the last day of class. Communication is important in all courses, but it is essential in a distance learning environment. You must maintain constant communication with your instructor and notify him/her if you are going TDY, have a family emergency, or encounter any other event that affects your ability to complete your coursework as scheduled. If you know before enrolling that you will be in the field or otherwise unable to work in a course for any length of time, we recommend that you consider waiting until you can devote your full attention to your schoolwork. As a guideline, we suggest that you miss no more than one week of an eight-week course or two weeks of a sixteen-week course. All
If you are at a military installation, check with the education center, testing center, library, or learning centers. If you are in a remote location, an officer or clergy may be an acceptable proctor. For other students, you can find a proctor at a local college, a library, a high school, or other suitable facility. You are responsible for scheduling your tests as required by your instructor. If you know that you will not be able to take a scheduled exam, you must notify your instructor to determine whether or not a make-up test can be administered. This decision is up to your instructor and his/her approval must be in writing (email). It may not be made by the test proctor, CTC Distance Learning staff, or any other individual. After classes start, it is your responsibility to officially drop a class if circumstances prevent attendance/participation. eArmyU students considering withdrawing from a course must initiate the process through an ACES Counselor.
Incomplete, Course in Progress An “IP” grade may be assigned by an instructor
if a student has made satisfactory progress in a course
In general, an incomplete may not be considered unless
you have completed the majority of the coursework. If you feel that
you have justification for requesting an “IP”, you must
ask your instructor to assign an “IP” and be prepared
to provide documentation to justify your request. Only the instructor
may grant an “IP,” and you must coordinate with your instructor to
identify a reasonable schedule for submitting the required coursework.
You should arrange to complete the course requirements as soon as
possible. If only an exam is missing, the deadline may
be just a few days; if several assignments are missing, it may be
a few weeks. However, in no case will the deadline exceed 120 days
after the scheduled end of the course. You are responsible for adhering to the prescribed schedule
for submitting your work. The instructor should not have to beg you
to turn it in or remind you of your commitment. If at the end of
120 days you have not completed the remaining coursework as required
by the instructor, the “IP” will be converted to an “FI” and
appear as an “F” on your official transcript. During each class, you should check the online grade book frequently to ensure that your work has been recorded and to identify any outstanding assignments. Report any discrepancies to your instructor immediately. Course grades are available by telephone (for local students) or through SOAR, which is accessed through the CTC web site at http://www.ctcd.edu. Periodically, you should review your records to ensure that all grades are posted and are correct. If you believe that a computational error occurred in grading or that an IP should be removed, you should immediately contact your instructor. This matter must be brought to the attention of the instructor no later than 120 days after the end of the course in order for a grade change to be considered. Administrative personnel of CTC are not authorized to change an instructor’s grade. All students are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of coursework and during examinations. Students guilty of academic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a grade of “IPF” and subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and expulsion. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, and collusion. Plagiarism is an act in which a student uses someone else's words or ideas without due acknowledgment in order to gain some form of reward. Certain words and ideas in this simple-sounding definition need to be clarified: "uses someone else's words" is the unacknowledged use either of any original or important words from another source, or three or more consecutive words from any unacknowledged source. "uses someone else's . . . ideas" includes use without acknowledgment of any interpretative idea, even a general idea taken from a general source, or any fact not in general knowledge. It also includes use of the paraphrased, altered, condensed, or simplified phraseology from an unacknowledged source. It is plagiarism when the unacknowledged use occurs in any written work, including "homework" or practice work that will be graded or presumed to be the work of the individual who is presenting it. "without due acknowledgment" means any situation in which the reader of the immediate document cannot tell that the writer that he/she is reading is not primary source of the ideas and/or words. Simply placing a work in a reference or works cited list is not enough. Neither is placing a parenthetical reference at the end of the paragraph. There is a clear need for both the accuracy of quotations marks, appropriately placed parenthetical references, and an accurate works cited page. If any one of these is missing, plagiarism could result. "someone else's" includes, but is not limited to, any work that has been published, including books, multi-volume works, academic journals, popular magazines, or any papers/notes produced as "study guides" or "study aids." It includes all electronic sources. The phrase also includes the use of any unpublished work, whether produced by a fellow student or not, whether borrowed, stolen, or paid for (including work from internet paper services). It does not include broad general knowledge or lecture information given in the class for which the paper is written. The writer must check with the instructor to determine if the use of class/lecture notes is an acceptable source of information. The phrase "someone else's" also includes excessive aid accepted from, or given to, other students, even in spoken form. Excessive aid, for instance, includes ideas dictated to a student and placed in the student's paper. "reward" here means benefit, tangible or intangible, received by any party involved in the acts of plagiarism or cheating. Ignorance of the precise definition of plagiarism is no more an excuse than ignorance of the law is an excuse. It is up to the student to become aware of the general principles and the specific criteria of individual instructors. Cheating is more often than not more clear an offense than is plagiarism. Cheating is an act of
Collusion is defined as the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work for credit. Any time a student is in doubt about what he or she is going to do, it is the student's responsibility to check with the instructor before doing it. All questions of academic dishonesty are reviewed by the faculty member. If the student does not accept the decision of the faculty member, the student may appeal to the department chairperson. If the student disagrees with the decision of the department head, the case will be sent upward through the chain of command. The student will be allowed to remain in class until the process is exhausted except when immediate suspension or expulsion is deemed necessary for the continuance of the educational mission or when the safety of persons or property is in jeopardy. Academic Advisement Financial Aid/Veterans’ Benefits CTC offers comprehensive financial aid and veterans’ services. For full details on benefits, call the Office of Financial Aid/VA Services on the Central Campus at 1-800-792-3348 (out of state), ext. 1508 or 1559 or email annabelle.smith@ctcd.edu. Tuition costs for distance learning are the same as for traditional courses. Students in Admissions Tuition costs are established by campus and approved by the CTCD Board of Trustees. Tuition and fees are established by campus; explained in the CTC catalog; and posted on the website. Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice as necessitated by college, contract, or legislative action. Evaluation of Previous Education and Training Students are eligible for credit consideration based upon documentation of their previous learning experiences after completing with a “C” or “P” grade or higher a minimum of six semester credit hours in the Central Texas College system. To request the evaluation, submit the Evaluation Request form and required documentation to the CTC Evaluations Office. For information, call 1-800-792-2248 ext. 1298 or email student.services@ctcd.edu. If you need an official CTC transcript when the evaluation is completed, you should submit a Request for Transcript. Your first transcript is free; all subsequent transcripts are provided for a fee of $3. If the transcript is being used for a promotion board, an official copy is generally necessary. Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Because of its efforts to serve the educational needs of servicemembers and their family members, CTC has been designated a The distant learner can use the Oveta Culp Hobby Library on the Central Campus, use our online library access, send e-mail requests to peg.jennings@ctcd.edu, or submit requests by phone (1-800-792-3348 ext. 1237) or fax 254-526-1878. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. This legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides equal access to all programs and services. If you have a documented disability, please contact the Disability Support Services Office at 1-800-792-3348 ext. 1195 or the Physical Disability Support Services Office at 1-800-792-3348 ext. 1339. TDD: 526-1378 Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action CTC does not discriminate in admission or access to or treatment or employment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, ancestry, place of birth, marital status, or liability for military service. CTC operates its programs and services in accord with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all other applicable laws and regulations. Inquiries may be directed to the Director of Human Resource Management. Family Rights and Privacy Act The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 grants to students certain rights, privileges, and protections relative to individually identifiable student educational records which are maintained by the College. Achieving student success in online courses will require your active participation and the use of online resources and services. To ensure that the programs and services provided are appropriate to your needs, information regarding your enrollment may need to be communicated electronically. Access to this information will be limited to college officials with legitimate need for such information. These may include your instructor, academic advisor, registrars, and testing officer. Privacy Statement Courseware Use Policy The CTCD Distance Education Division staff makes every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date courseware. Never the less, we have no liability for the accuracy, content, or accessibility of the hyperlinks contained within the courseware. Grievances Academic If, within ten working days of the request for a conference with the faculty member, the problem is not resolved or the faculty member has been unable to meet with the student, the student may file a written complaint. The written complaint must specifically identify the grievance at issue and be filed within ten working days following the previous deadline. This complaint should be sent to the Distance Education and Educational Technology Department to be forwarded to the appropriate department chairperson or program director who will work with the parties in an attempt to resolve the conflict. Every attempt will be made to maintain confidentiality during this process. A faculty member will not be required to respond to a complaint that is not in writing or, when appropriate, does not have specific documentation such as dates, times, materials, etc. The written complaint will be made available to the faculty member. If the grievance is not resolved at this level within ten working days, the student should forward to the appropriate Office of the Dean, a copy of the written complaint along with an explanation regarding action taken at each prior level. The Dean will meet, either jointly or independently, with the student, faculty member, and department chairperson and attempt to resolve the issues. This level will be the final step in any grievance process regarding grades. If the grievance, other than those concerning grades, is not resolved by the Dean, it may be forwarded in writing by the student to the appropriate Deputy Chancellor for final resolution. The Deputy Chancellor will expedite a timely examination of the issues and will issue a final written determination in the grievance process. The appeal process for grades expires one year from the date the grade was issued. Discrimination Students may also file a complaint of discriminatory treatment in the provision of educational programs and services with the Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights. Students are encouraged to contact the Director of Student Life to report any perceived allegations of prohibited discriminatory treatment. The faculty and staff maintain an open door policy for all individuals attending Central Texas College. This means that any student problem should, if possible, be worked out between the student and the faculty or staff member directly involved with the problem. If the student feels the problem remains unsolved, he or she should consult the Director of Student Life for direction and further appeal. ADA Central Texas College has appointed a committee to coordinate the implementation of all provisions of the ADA relative to access to programs, services, and activities. The Associate Dean of Guidance and Counseling serves as the chair of this committee. All grievances will be handled through that office. Call 254-526-1452 or 1-800-792-3348 extension 1452 or email David.McClure@ctcd.edu. Harassment Students who believe they have experienced harassment or discrimination are encouraged to contact the Student Life Office. Any report of harassment will remain confidential. Distance Learning Points of Contact Need help? Check this list for appropriate email addresses and telephone numbers. AUAO/eArmyU Help for eArmyU Soldier-Students For one-stop comprehensive support, create a case with the eArmyU Help Desk by calling 1-800-817-9990 or going to http://earmyu.com/public/public_crm_create_case.asp. If the Help Desk cannot solve your problem immediately, they will escalate your case to a subject matter expert.
eArmyU Frequently Asked Questions
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Develop educated, technology-savvy Soldiers who can succeed in the network-centric missions and battlespace of the 21st century.