Distant Learner Handbook

Welcome	Mission Statement
Academic Information	Grading System
Student Rights & Responsibilities	Student Services
Points of Contact	Frequently Asked Questions
Major Campus Addresses	Appendices

Disclaimer: Please note that this handbook contains brief statements of policies and procedures. It does not represent a contractual commitment on the part of Central Texas College and may be changed at any time. Complete details of policies can be obtained from the CTC Catalogs, the Student Handbook, and other official documents.

Welcome to Distance Learning with Central Texas College

If you have Internet access, we invite you explore the Student Information tab at our Distance Education website at http://online.ctcd.edu to learn more about our program and the opportunities it offers.  Here, you can

• Take a self quiz to see if you are ready for distance education.
• Determine your preferred learning style.
• Verify the technical requirements for a distance education course.
• View a sample Blackboard (online) course.

At the Course Information tab at our website, you can learn about the types of courses that you can choose. 

Once you have enrolled in online courses and have access to Blackboard,

• visit the online Student Center for orientations, free mini courses, as well as lots of other resources.
• enroll in tutoring for help with writing or mathematics.

If you don’t have Internet access, or your access is sporadic at best, don’t despair.  Relevant portions of these sites are provided in the appendices of this handbook.

Regardless of where you are or the types of courses you are taking, be assured that your experience will be comparable to that of face-to-face students attending classes on Central Campus, and you will have access to the same support services.  We want you to succeed in your educational goal, and we are here to help you along the way.

This handbook is designed for you, the distant learner, and much of the information is generic in nature. If you are enrolled in a special program, such as GoArmyEd or NCPACE, or you registered at a CTC site/office, please refer to those sections in this document or to the appropriate web portal or program representatives for specific information related to course registration, course withdrawals, Points of Contact, and other unique procedures.

For general information about Central Texas College, please refer to the printed College Catalog and Schedule Bulletins or visit the CTC website at http://www.ctcd.edu or the Distance Education website at http://online.ctcd.edu.If you don't have Internet access and cannot view the referenced websites in this document, see the POC listings for relevant email addresses and telephone numbers or check with local representatives for current information.

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Central Texas College Vision and Mission Statement

Our vision is to ensure that global learners will continue to choose our institution to meet their higher education needs. Our programs will be flexible, accessible, and economical to fit the needs of our community and its diverse population. Unconstrained by physical boundaries, our lifelong learning opportunities will enable our students, locally and worldwide, to enrich their lives and to benefit society.

Institutional Mission Statement

Central Texas College provides education for a global community through responsive, innovative instruction and educational services for diverse student populations.

Accreditation and Approvals

Central Texas College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SACS-COC, to award associate degrees and certificates of completion. CTC is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Education Agency, a member of SLOAN-C, and a major SOC provider.  CTC has an extensive record in providing educational opportunities to service members and their families and consistently ranks high with respect to the quality and availability of these services.

Equal Educational and Employment Opportunity

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.

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Academic Information

College Credit

Academic credit is measured by units called semester hours.  One semester hour is defined by attending a class one hour per week for a standard 16-week semester.  Typical face-to-face classes meet three hours per week for 16 weeks; therefore, you would earn three semester hours at the end of a course.  Lab and clinical hours add to the semester hour value of a course.

Distance education courses are not based on "seat time" or "contact hours."  The course syllabus lists learning outcomes from the standard departmental syllabus and to be successful in the course, you must be able to demonstrate mastery of these outcomes. Although your distance education course may range in length from 8 to 16 weeks, you will be held to the same expectations as if you were in a face-to-face course.

Course Load

A full-time course load is described as 12 or more semester hours during the Spring or Fall semester and 8 or more semester hours during the ten-week Summer session.  If you have questions about what constitutes a full-time course load for distance education courses, you may contact the online mentors.  See the Points of Contact list for email and phone information.

Students attending CTC with financial aid or veterans benefits assistance may be required to meet academic course load standards other than those noted above.

Prerequisites

A prerequisite is a course that must be completed satisfactorily, usually with a grade of "C" or above, before you can enroll in another course.  Prerequisites indicate what skills and knowledge you must have to succeed in the course.  As a distant learner, you must still satisfy any course prerequisites. NOTE: Prerequisites are particularly important in the English and mathematics classes. It is in your best interests to be sure you are prepared for the challenges.

Class Attendance

Obviously, the traditional idea of class attendance doesn't apply to distance education courses.  Still, you are expected to participate regularly and consistently in your distance education course, and your instructor can withdraw you for nonparticipation. Even classes that are self- paced have posted start and end dates, and you are expected to communicate with your instructor from the beginning and throughout the course.  In addition, restrictions may be levied by your instructor, such as submitting certain homework assignments before taking an exam.

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. 

Distance education courses require a time commitment.  If you know you will be going to the field for three weeks and will not have access to your course, you probably want to consider postponing enrolling in a course until you will have the time to devote to it.

Textbooks

See Instructional Materials at the CTC website at http://www.ctcd.edu/im/im_main.asp for course textbook and other required resources. You may order your books through MBS at http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/ctc.htm or the CTC bookstore or a provider/vendor of your choice, such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble. However, be sure you have ordered ALL required items per the Instructional Materials site.  Some courses require access codes or other resources that are bundled with new books but must be purchased separately if you acquire a used book.  It is your responsibility to order your books so that you will have them by the first day of class.

Textbooks are sent to Soldiers classified as eArmyU laptop students based on their course registration. The shipments are timed to arrive just before class begins. If you do not receive your course materials, create a case at the GoArmyEd portal at http://www.goarmyed.com.

GoArmyEd and most other students are responsible for ordering their own materials.

Pacific Far East Campus (PFEC) and NCPACE students may receive their books at their registration site. Check with your local representative for details.

Technical Requirements

As a Distant Learner, you are responsible for ensuring that you have the basic technical skills and access to the required hardware and software for your courses.  See the DL Website or Appendix 3 (Course Information) for details.

Final Exams

You will be required to take your final exam per the schedule in your course syllabus.  All exams and coursework must be completed no later than the last day of class.  Many courses require, as a minimum, one proctored exam.

It is your responsibility as a distant learner to:

• Identify a test proctor. (If you have no contact with your instructor during the course and an ESO or learning coordinator maintains your coursework to be submitted to your instructor after the course ends, he/she may also serve as your test proctor.)
• Provide contact information to the CTC Testing Office using the Test Proctor Submission Form.
• Notify the CTC Testing Office if your test proctor or testing location must change.

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 is acceptable).  It may not be made by the test proctor, the CTC Distance Education staff, or any other individual.

See Testing for Distant Learners or email online.testing@ctcd.edu for further information.

Withdrawals

You are responsible for officially dropping a class if circumstances prevent participation.  If you desire to, or must, officially withdraw from a course after the first scheduled class meeting, go to the CTC website Student Forms page to download the appropriate form. Remember, withdrawals must be initiated using the same process as registrations. Students enrolled in eArmyU and GoArmyEd must follow the eArmyU/GoArmyEd procedures for withdrawal.  See the GoArmyEd portal for more information. Students in NCPACE or who registered at a CTC site/office must withdraw in accordance with the appropriate procedures. Check with your representative for details.

Application for withdrawal will be accepted at any time before the completion of the 12th week of a 16-week course, the sixth week of an 8-week course, or the fourth week of a 6-week course.  You may not withdraw from a class for which the instructor has previously issued a grade of "F" or "FN" for non-attendance / non-participation. 

If you are using financial aid, Military Tuition Assistance, VA benefits, or something other than personal funds, you may be required to repay tuition and fees to the funding agency.  For specific repayment requirements, contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance, the Veteran Services Office or your military Education Counselor or Navy Campus representative.

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

The following information is provided at the CTC website in response to HB 2504:

• Course syllabi
• Instructor vitae
• Course evaluations

Address and Name Changes

It is your responsibility to ensure that your student records are accurate.  Submit any address or name changes to the CTC Records Office or through the GoArmyEd Update Portal if you enrolled through this program.  Name changes must be accompanied by appropriate documentation.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as Amended (FERPA)

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. Central Texas College's institutional policy is consistent with the intent, guarantees, and safeguards embodied in the legislation.

Achieving student success in distance education courses will require your active participation and the use of available 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.

In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, information classified as "directory information" may be disclosed to the general public without prior written consent from a student unless the CTC Records Office is notified in writing by the student within prescribed timelines.  Access to any other records by persons other than the student will be limited to those persons specified in the statue.

Privacy Statement

When you correspond with us, we will only use any personal information (such as name, mailing address and e-mail address) contained in your email to respond to your specific inquiry or provide distance learning updates. If you are enrolled in one of our courses, you may be required to email other students or post messages on the site. If you do post messages, remember that other users may have access to your email address and user name. CTC will not share any personal information provided by you with any unauthorized person or company.

Falsification of Records

Students who knowingly falsify CTC records, or who knowingly submit any falsified records to CTC, are subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and expulsion from CTC.

Scholastic Honesty

All students are required and expected to maintain the highest standards of scholastic honesty in the preparation of all coursework and during examinations.  The following are considered examples of scholastic dishonesty:

Plagiarism	The taking of passages from the writing of others without giving proper credit to the sources.
Collusion	Using another's work as one's own, or working together with another person in the preparation of work, unless such preparation is specifically approved in advance by the instructor.
Cheating	Giving or receiving information on examinations.

Ignorance of the precise definition of plagiarism is not an excuse.  It is up to the student to become aware of the general principles and the specific criteria of individual instructors and to check with the instructor if there is a question.  Instructors may use tools such as SafeAssign to identify possible plagiarism.

Students guilty of scholastic dishonesty will be administratively dropped from the course with a grade of F and subject to disciplinary action, which may include suspension and expulsion.  All questions on academic dishonesty are reviewed by the faculty member.  If you do not accept the decision of the faculty member, you may appeal to the department chairperson.  If you disagree with the decision of the department head, the case will be sent upward through the chain of command.  You 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.

Class Behavior and Student Discipline

To facilitate learning, you are expected to maintain a mature, earnest, and interested attitude in your class.  CTC will not tolerate student behavior that disrupts a class or attempts to discredit the instructor, the course material, or other students.

Students are admitted to Central Texas College for the purpose of educational, social, and personal enhancement.  Each student has rights, privileges, duties, and responsibilities, as prescribed by State and Federal Constitutions and Statutes and policies of the Board of Trustees of the Institution.  For those few students who fail to understand and accept their role in an educational institution, CTC has prescribed procedures for counseling and disciplinary action, which may result in suspension or expulsion.

Code of Conduct

Central Texas College expects students, visitors and guests to accept the following responsibilities:

1. Knowledge of, and compliance with, all published policies, rules, and regulations of the College. Copies of such documents will be available to the student in the Student Life Office.

2. Compliance with federal, state and local laws, and compliance with and support of duly constituted civil authority.

3. Respect for the rights of others and cooperation to ensure that such rights are maintained, whether or not one agrees with the views of those exercising such rights.

4. To exercise disagreements in a responsible manner and within the framework compatible with the orderly resolution of differences.

These expectations apply to all students in all situations, to include the virtual classrooms and proctored testing.  Violators will be subject to the appropriate disciplinary measures.

Grievances

Existing administrative procedures are used to handle student grievances.  In all instances, academic issues must first be referred to the instructor for resolution, and the instructor's judgment is final unless compelling evidence shows discrimination, differential treatment, or procedural irregularities.  Only if this fails will you be allowed to escalate your grievance to the next level.

If you are believe a condition or employee of Central Texas College is unfair or discriminatory, you can appeal to the administrator in charge of that area.  If you need assistance pursuing a grievance matter, contact either

• The Director of Student Life
  • Room 100, Roy J. Smith Student Center
  • Call 254-526-1258 or 1-800-792-3348 extension 1258
• The CTC official representative or the Campus Dean at your location.

Academic

Individual course instructors retain primary responsibility for assigning grades. A student who feels that he/she has been treated unfairly or unjustly by a faculty member (full-time or part-time) with regard to an academic process such as grading, testing, or assignments should discuss the issue first with the faculty member involved. This conference should be requested by the student within 15 working days from the time the student knew or reasonably should have known about the unfair or unjust treatment and may be conducted by email, chat room, telephone, or other methods as necessary.

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. Before a written complaint is accepted, the student must attempt to resolve the matter with his/her instructor. If the matter is not resolved by the instructor, a written complaint should be forwarded following steps below.

A written complaint must specifically identify the grievance at issue and be filed within ten working days following the previous deadline of ten days for the request of a conference. This complaint should be sent to the Online Mentors at online.mentors@ctcd.edu or to a local CTC representative 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 who believe they have been treated in a discriminatory manner because of race, color, gender, age, religion, national origin, handicap, or veteran status may informally discuss the allegations or formally file a written complaint of discrimination with the Director of Student Life. The Director of Student Life will forward the complaint to the appropriate Dean.

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

The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADA) makes it unlawful to exclude a student or prospective student with a disability from participation in or be denied the benefits of the programs, services, or activities of Central Texas College by reason of such disability. If you have a disability for which you may need an accommodation, you must contact the Central Texas College Disability Support Services Office:

• Building 111, Room 107
• call 254-526-1450 or 1-800-792-3348 extension 1450

Harassment

Central Texas College is committed to providing an educational and workplace environment which will contribute to the personal, professional, and academic development of each individual. Faculty, staff and students should be aware that discrimination and harassment based on age, ethnic background, family status, gender, handicap, national origin, race, religion or veteran status of individuals or any other subgroup stereotyping or grouping within the educational community is unacceptable. To fulfill its mission as an institution of higher learning, Central Texas College encourages a climate that values and nurtures diversity and uniqueness of the individual. Central Texas College also endeavors to protect the rights and privileges of each individual and through these efforts, enhance the self-esteem of all its members.

Students who believe they have experienced harassment or discrimination are encouraged to contact the Student Life Office. Any report of harassment will remain confidential.

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Grading System

This is a summary of Central Texas College grading scheme.  Refer to the CTC College Catalog for a complete description of the grading system.

Letter Grade	Description	Grade Points
A	Superior	4
B	Above average	3
C	Average	2
D	Passing, but unsatisfactory	1
F	Failure	0
IP	Incomplete, in progress	Not computed
N	No Credit	Not computed
P	Completed	Not computed
W	Withdrawal	Not computed

Incompletes

An IP (incomplete passing) may be assigned by an instructor if you have made satisfactory progress in a course with exception of a major quiz, final exam, or other project.   An IP may also be assigned for extenuating circumstances beyond your control.  Documentation of these circumstances may be required, and it is the instructor's prerogative to grant or deny your request for an extension.  The instructor may set the deadline for completing the remaining course requirements, and we recommend that the time be no longer than one to two weeks. It is your responsibility to arrange with the instructor for the assignment of work necessary to complete the course within the time specified and to notify the instructor when the work has been completed.  In no case will the deadline exceed 110 days after the scheduled end of the course.  

At the end of 110 calendar days, any outstanding IPs are converted to FIs and will appear as Fs on your official transcript.  An IP grade cannot be replaced by a W.  If you elect to repeat the course, you must register, pay full tuition and fees, and repeat the entire course.  Note that an IP may prevent you from enrolling in additional courses.

GPA

Your grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total quality points by the semester hours completed.  Ws and IPs are not included.

Change of Grades

You can view your grades through WebAdvisor. If you believe that a computational error occurred in grading or that an IP should be removed, contact your instructor.  This matter must be brought to the attention of the instructor no later than 180 days after the end of the course for a grade change to be considered.  Administrative personnel of CTC are not authorized to change an instructor's grade.

Honor Roll

Students whose scholastic achievement is outstanding may qualify for the “Dean’s Honor Roll.” If you are a local Central Campus student, contact the Student Life Office to request your letter. If you are located at a site other than the Central Campus, contact the Student Developmental Services Office in Killeen or contact your local CTC site representative for assistance.”

Graduation Grade Requirements

To graduate from CTC, you are required to have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, to include a minimum 2.0 at CTC and complete at least 25 percent of the degree or certificate semester credit hours at CTC to fulfill residency requirements.  For additional requirements, refer to the CTC College Catalog.

Academic Probation, Suspension, and Dismissal

Academic standards of progress are monitored by the College to identify students who are having academic difficulty.  To increase the likelihood that a student will succeed at CTC, advisors may limit a student's enrollment and course selection.

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Student Services

Academic Advisement

Visit the CTC website at http://www.ctcd.edu/gc/index.htm for information and points of contact for guidance and counseling, to include career planning and placement services.  You can contact Online Mentors by email (online.mentors@ctcd.edu) or by phone (254-526-1296 or 1-800-792-3348 extension 1296) or chat by going to the Distance Education website at http://online.ctcd.edu.

Financial Aid/Veteran's Benefits

CTC offers comprehensive financial aid and veterans' services. Financial aid information and procedures are listed at http://www.ctcd.edu/f_aid/intro.cfm.  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 financial.aid@ctcd.edu.

Transcripts

For instructions on how to request CTC transcripts, go to http://www.ctcd.edu/transcripts/index.htm.  Requests must be in writing using the Transcript Request Form.

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.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)

Because of its efforts to serve the educational needs of servicemembers and their family members, CTC has been designated a Servicemembers Opportunity College. Students can continue their CTC certificate/degree programs regardless of location through the "credit bank" provisions of the SOC. Students may study at any other regionally accredited college and apply the work toward CTC certificate/degree requirements, but at least 25% of the degree requirements must be completed with a minimum overall 2.0 GPA, to include a minimum 2.0 GPA at CTC. SOCAD agreements may be issued after completion of at least six semester hours of coursework with grades of C or better at CTC. Submit requests to the Evaluations Office.  Details are available at http://www.ctcd.edu/student/soc_review.htm.

Library Services

The distant learner can use the Oveta Culp Hobby Library on the Central Campus, use our online library access, or submit online database requests by phone (1-800-792-3348 ext. 1237) or fax 254-526-1878.  Go to http://www.ctcd.edu/library/pg-lib.htm for a complete description of available services.

Academic Studio (Partners in Academic Success Services)

Academic Studio provides free one-on-one tutoring, walk-in tutoring, and workshops to all CTC students.  Visit http://www.ctcd.edu/gc/project_pass/index.htm for details. Distant Learners not at the Killeen campus may use the free online tutoring through Blackboard.

Technical Support

While we have backup systems in place to minimize disruptions to your online courses, we cannot guarantee your technology will always be in order.   You could encounter difficulties resulting from your hardware, software, or computer settings; storms and/or power outages; your Internet Service Provider (ISP); or even user error (we all make mistakes).  It is your responsibility to contact the CTC Distance Education Technical Support team immediately to report any perceived technical issues.   This service is available 24/7 via live chat, email, and telephone.  See the Tech Support link at the Distance Education website or consult Appendix for further information.  Please note that although the technicians will do their best to help you, they cannot resolve all problems, such as your lack of administrative rights on a military computer that precludes you from downloading software or plugins or your inability to maintain a stable Internet connection.  In these instances, you cannot hold the institution responsible for your failure to comply with the course requirements.

Concerns about MM courses may be directed to course.support@ctcd.edu. 

Disability Support Services

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.  Go to http://www.ctcd.edu/gc/sss/index.htm for further information.

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.  See http://www.ctcd.edu/hr/index.htm for details.

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Points of Contact

Points of contact for various questions and concerns are listed at both the CTC website at http://www.ctcd.edu and the Distance Education website at http://online.ctcd.edu as well as in the printed documents for the college.  Below are some essential contacts. Remember, if you are enrolled in NCPACE or registered at a CTC site, you will have other contacts.

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Major Campus Addresses

Headquartered between Killeen and Copperas Cove, Texas, CTC operates six campuses.

These campuses provide support to students worldwide. Campuses may offer the full range of degree programs and services or only those identified through local needs assessments or based on local contractual agreements. Addresses are listed below. When corresponding by mail, always include Central Texas College, and if possible, the name of a person, in the address. Go to http://www.ctcd.edu/campus/index.htm for further information on the various campuses and programs, as well as additional points of contact.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This last section addresses those "how do I get started with my class?" questions. Although the information is not presented in question and answer form, it should help you with any concerns you might have.

All CTC distance education classes, regardless of delivery method, are set up in a standard format. All contain a syllabus and lessons. Each lesson includes learning objectives, learning activities, and assignments due.

Syllabus

Start with the syllabus. Read it carefully. This is where your instructor outlines what is expected of you, the student, and him/her, the instructor, for successful completion of the course. It tells you what will be covered in the course, lists the learning outcomes, and explains how you will be graded. Consider the syllabus to be your contract with the instructor. Your instructor agrees to be your mentor and you agree to follow the instructions of your mentor.

You can print a syllabus or lesson by clicking within the text of the item. Select File, Print, from your browser tool bar. Select the printer you want to print on and click print. If you are taking your course on a handheld device, this might not be an option for you unless you can "sync" with a computer.

Lessons

Most courses have eight lessons. In general, you should start with Lesson 1 and complete each lesson in order. If your course is eight weeks long and is self paced, plan on completing one lesson a week. If the course is 12 weeks long, you get to spend a little more time on each lesson--about 1 1/2 weeks. If the course is sixteen weeks long, you have two weeks for each lesson. Your instructor may provide suggested timelines for completing each lesson. However, you might want to work ahead, if possible, just in case something comes up that interferes with your work. If the course is NOT self paced, your instructor may provide deadlines for certain assignments and activities. These are not negotiable.

Learning Objectives

The objectives describe in measurable terms what you will be able to do when you successfully complete the lesson. They provide you with key points to study.

Learning Activities

These activities guide you in your study of the material. They tell you what to read in your textbook, as well as including opportunities for you to practice and monitor your progress.

Assignments Due

This section describes assignments you must perform for grading. Some lessons may have continuing assignments, such as research papers or projects, that are due in a later lesson. Read the assignment submission instructions. If you are taking your course online, your assignments are usually submitted through Blackboard. If you are taking your course on a CD, you will email the assignments to your instructor, if you have contact with him/her. If you are working with an ESO/Learning Coordinator, you will give your assignments to him/her to be maintained in your course folder.

Tests and Exams

All courses include tests and/or exams. Some of these might require a proctor. Identifying a test proctor is addressed earlier in this handbook. If you have an ESO/Learning Coordinator who is monitoring your work and maintaining your file, he/she will probably also serve as your proctor.

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Appendices

• Tips for Success
• Student Information
• Course Information
• Tech Support
• Course Checklist

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