Frequently Asked Questions
C.O.D. Online Program
1. What kind of institution is College of DuPage?
Browse through the college’s
Visitors Guide and check out the C.O.D.
FAQ and C.O.D.
Factsheet.
2. What are the advantages of choosing
an online course?
You should consider taking advantage of
online learning at C.O.D. for several reasons:
Quality
C.O.D. online courses are
similar to traditional classroom-based courses. You can interact with
your instructor and collaborate with fellow online classmates. You generally
have specific start and completion dates for the course. You use academic
textbooks and
study guides. Most importantly, you earn academic credit that is
identical to the classroom-based course.
Convenience and flexibility
With a proper Internet connection, you can
take your online class at a location of your choice 24/7. While some
courses require on-campus or proctor
tests,
most do not require you to travel to campus.
Savings
You save commuting time and child care expenses. All
online courses are charged at the low in-district
tuition rate regardless where you reside (excluding students
on F-1 visa status).
Please Note: Online courses are no less rigorous than the same courses taught in the classroom because they have the same academic content (and generate the same academic credit). Internet courses will likely require more of a time commitment because you must take the initiative to plan and follow through a study schedule based on the requirements of your course. You need to proactively approach your instructor and ask any questions. Your instructor is readily available to interact, guide and support you in your study.
3. Who administers the C.O.D. Online
program?
The Academic Alternatives
and Instructional Support Division (AAIS) manage Internet courses. With
technology supported by the college’s department
of Information Technology, online is one of
the several instruction delivery formats offered through the Centers
for Independent Learning (CILs).
4. Who are the online instructors?
Currently, there are over more than 80 online instructors. The majority
are full-time, tenured instructors. Most distance-learning faculty also
teach classroom-based courses at C.O.D. Instructors in non-occupational/vocational
programs are required to have a master's degree in the appropriate subject area.
5. Do online classes offer the same credits as classroom
classes?
Yes. All C.O.D. online classes are credit classes (see Ed2Go for
non-credit classes). They are listed on your transcript in the same manner.
The transcript does not distinguish an online from a classroom class,
or from a class in any other delivery mode.
6. How do online
courses work?
Blackboard is a web-based learning environment that allows students and
faculty to participate in virtual classes. C.O.D. Online courses are
delivered via the C.O.D. Blackboard system. Students
need to purchase a textbook but they
access instruction, course supplementary materials and assignments
in their Blackboard account. Students can turn in assignments, receive
feedback, view grades and participate in virtual class discussion
in Blackboard. Most courses include online testing;
therefore, students won’t need to travel to campus.
7. Do online classes have specific due dates?
Most classes have specific due dates for assignments and tests.
Read the syllabus carefully and discipline yourself
to follow a study plan in order to succeed. Before you
register or before class starts, review the Course
Summary.
8. How do I find what classes are offered online?
Check out the master
list of all credit courses available online.
All but a few are offered every semester. To find a course
offered in the current term or in the next term,
go to Classes by Term and Course Information.
9. What certificates and degrees can be earned online?
Courses for eight certificates and two degrees are available online.
Browse through the Certificates
and Associate degrees.
10. How can I find information about a particular course?
If the class has started and you are enrolled in the course, access
your course in Blackboard.
Prior to the class start date or before you register,
you can review the Course Summary of an online
course.
You may also contact the instructor with any questions as a prospective
or enrolled student. The Online
Faculty Directory provides instructor contact information.
Be aware that some instructors may not be available until the first
day of class.
Learner Readiness for Success
11. How can I complete an online course?
You must be self-motivated, self-directed and well-organized. It is
important that you know how to set up your own study schedule and keep
on top of your assignments so that you do not fall behind. To learn more,
visit
How to be successful in distance Learning? or
What
makes a successful online student?
12. How much computer and Internet
experience do I need?
You need some experience navigating and using the Internet, downloading
and uploading files and using word processing software. Knowing how to
attach document files to an e-mail is helpful. For more information,
read Technical
Readiness.
13. Do I need special hardware and software?
Many home and workplace computers are ready to access online courses
in our Blackboard system. But if you
experience difficulty, check Software
and Hardware Recommendations for Blackboard
compatibility and make sure that your system has the necessary hardware
and software installed.
14. I don’t have a computer
at home. Can I still take an online course?
Yes. You can use the college’s Academic
Computing Labs. There are also open computer labs
in the five C.O.D. regional
locations.
The Glen
Ellyn campus library has many computer stations
available for public and student use.
15. Do I have to come to campus regularly for an online course?
Most courses do not require a campus visit but some require
on-site or proctor tests. Find out
if your course requires campus visit(s).
16. Do I need to come to campus for labs in online science courses?
No. Online science courses use web-based labs (simulations)
if they contain a lab component. You are encouraged to verify any
required campus activity by contacting
the instructor or looking at the course
components codes.
17. Do I have to be at the computer
at specific times?
Most courses do not require synchronous class activities. You should
check the course syllabus or contact the instructor for confirmation.
Enrollment
18. How do I register and pay tuition and fees?
These answers and links provide detailed
information about registration, cost and methods of payments.
If you are a new student, you need to be admitted to the college first. See How do I register if I’ve never taken a course at the college before?
19. What are the registration dates?
Refer to the college
Registration Calendar to find out dates for registration, withdrawal and refunds.
20. How do I register if I’ve
never taken a course at the college?
You need to apply for admission to the college prior to enrollment.
Follow this New
Student Checklist to start the admission application and registration
process.
You can check the Admissions web site. If you do not live near the college, call the Admissions office at (630) 942-2482. You can also click on the Apply! tab to find out if the Web Admission Form option is right for you.
21. How do I know my PIN?
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is sent to your C.O.D. e-mail account
as well as to your address. If you don’t know
or forgot your PIN, call Registration at
(630) 942-3555 and press “3” during regular business hours.
22. How can I find out if a course
I am interested in is full?
Follow these steps:
If you have your student PIN, you can also log in to Student Online Services and check out Class Availability in the Class Add/Drop area. You will need the 5-digit registration course code.
Or call Registration at (630) 942-2377. Remember that at peak registration periods, calling may not be the best option.
23. How can I register for a class
that is full?
You will need a permit from the instructor. The instructor may or
may not be able to grant permission depending on various factors. If
you need the contact information of your instructor, go to Online
Faculty Directory or follow these
instructions.
24. How can I register for an online course if the class has already
started?
Entering a course after the start date or when the class is full
requires a permit from the instructor. Simply contact your instructor
and make the request. Your instructor may or may not be able to give
you a permit. If you receive a permit, the instructor can send it
directly to registration so you can enroll.
To obtain contact information for the instructor, read
this page or go
directly to the Online
Faculty Directory.
25. What can I do when my registration is denied
due to “Prerequisite
not met”?
Follow the instructions in the Prerequisite
Checklist to find out your options.
26. What else can I do if the instructor
won’t
give me a permit to enroll?
Before the semester begins, you should check the online
Class Schedule daily to see if a seat becomes available when
someone drops the class. Seats may become available around
the payment due date. Learn how to check
seat availability.
If you are not able to enroll in the online class, you may want to check courses through the Centers for Independent Learning. CILs offer many courses in distance learning formats.
27. Can a high school student
take an online course?
Yes, if you meet the Early
Admission Requirements described on Admissions
web site.
28. I will be out of the country during the semester. Can I take an
online class?
Many of our courses are delivered entirely over the Internet, which allows
for the completion of coursework from anywhere with an Internet
connection. If your course requires on-site testing, depending on which
country you are in, it is possible to make arrangements with
an approved testing facility reasonably close to you. Find out
if your course requires campus visit(s) for testing.
If yes, learn about proctor tests. You should
make arrangements or at least gather all necessary information before
registration.
29. What does it mean when a course
is in field test?
It means that the course is being offered for the first time online.
There is no difference compared with a regular online
class except that you will be asked to answer a very simple
survey on course delivery. The class size of a field test
course is typically smaller than a regular online class. The class
is less likely to be canceled due to low enrollment.
After Enrollment
30. What should I expect after I enroll?
You should receive a Welcome Letter with a Student Quick Guide for Blackboard
in the mail shortly after registration. You should also expect an
e-mail version of the Welcome letter and Quick Guide sent to your C.O.D.
student e-mail account prior to the start of your class. You can review
these online.
31. How do I purchase the textbook?
Three different ways to order your books and supplies are described in
the Bookstore Services page.
32. Where can I access my online course?
Your course resides in the college’s Blackboard Learning system.
You have access to it on and after the first day of your class. Blackboard
resources for students, login instructions and the basics of navigation
in your course are accessible via the Blackboard
page.
33. How do I log in to my course?
Follow the instructions in the Student
Quick Start Guide and How to Access Your Course and Contact Your
Instructor.
34. What if I experience technical
problems?
If you are at home and having problems staying connected to
the Internet, contact your Internet Service Provider. For example
if you are an AOL user, please call their tech support number.
If you cannot delay your work for a test or an assignment, either come to campus, go to a public facility such as the public library or visit a commercial place such as an Internet Café.
35. Where do I go if I’m
having trouble logging into Blackboard?
Review the
Blackboard page. If you still have difficulty,
call (630) 942-2999 or e-mail: studentHelpDesk@cod.edu.
If you are certain that the C.O.D. Blackboard system is down and it is a critical time for your completion of a test or assignment, contact your instructor right away. System down-time can be verified. The time stamp in your e-mail or voice mail can be helpful if you need to request an extension.
36. How come I don’t see my
course in my Blackboard account?
If the class has started and you don’t see the course link in the
My Courses area in your Blackboard site, you should check your enrollment
status. Chances are you are not or no longer enrolled. You can find
your enrollment status either by going to "View
Schedule" in Student Online
Services or
by calling Registration at (630) 943-2377.
If you are dropped from a class, you will need to re-register. The class could be full by then. To prevent this from happening, make sure you pay your tuition on time.
37. I’m having trouble
in the course site. What should I do?
Once your class begins, contact your instructor
with any problems that would prevent you from progressing. Your instructor
may direct you to the appropriate service area for assistance.
Course Specifics
38. When does an online course begin and finish?
Access to your course material begins on the first day of class. All
coursework should be completed by the deadline date given in the course
syllabus unless the instructor approves an alternative timeline.
Here is how you can find the official start
and stop dates of a particular online class.
Due dates for final assignments or tests usually differ from the official class stop date. Review your syllabus carefully for the due date of the last assignment or test.
39. What if I am unable to complete the course by the end of the term?
Any student starting a course late or intending to move through the course
at a slower pace than scheduled should discuss this with the instructor
prior to enrollment.
Some instructors may allow an Incomplete grade ("I" grade) if the student has completed an appropriate level of coursework. Refer to the details and conditions in the syllabus.
You may want to review the Incomplete policy of an online course before you register.
40. What if I need to withdraw from a course?
The college has a policy regarding
course withdrawals. The Registration
Calendar details dates for withdrawal and refund amounts.
If you live outside the Chicago area, you may ask your instructor to submit the withdrawal permission directly to the Registration office.
41. Where do I find an instructor's
contact information?
There are several ways to find the e-mail
addresses, phone numbers and office locations.
42. Do I have to be at the computer at specific times?
Most courses do not require synchronous class activity. You should check
the course syllabus or contact the instructor for confirmation if this
is critical to you.
43. Can I get an extension on completing the course if I start late?
When you request permission to enter a course late, you should discuss
deadlines with your instructor at that time. Any flexibility is
at the discretion of the instructor. The course Summary available on
this site includes the Incomplete Grade Policy.
44. Is it possible to finish
my course early?
Yes. But you should discuss your needs with the instructor
before the class add/drop period, especially if you need to receive
your grade early.
You can finish early because most, if not all, course materials are presented once the class starts. But you will need to arrange early access to tests and/or other course content with your instructor.
Official grade reports are processed for all students after the class/semester ends. You can receive your grade early if your instructor is willing to grade all your work early and request an early grade for you.
Testing
45. Does the college require any placement testing
before I enroll?
Yes. Pre-course assessment in reading, writing and math helps you discover
what level of classes will contribute to your success. All new
students should be familiar with certain placement assessment requirements. Learn
more about Placement Testing.
46. How do I take my tests?
Most courses have tests, exams or other assessments set up in the course
management system, i.e. Blackboard. Take the tests online
and in your course site. A number of courses require that you come to
the Assessment and Testing
Lab on the Glen Ellyn campus or an off-campus CIL (Bloomingdale,
Naperville and Westmont) to take exams. Find out if your
course requires on-site tests.
47. My course does not require
campus visits for testing. What would online tests be like?
Tests are given in Blackboard, where
your online course resides. Your instructor sets dates for test availability.
Tests generally have time limits but formats can vary.
Refer to the syllabus or contact your instructor with further
questions.
48. If I can’t come to campus
for testing, can I arrange remote testing?
Yes. Details and useful links are available at our Testing page.
49. I accidentally hit the Submit button before finishing my exam. Can
I retake it?
The instructor is the only one who can allow you to retake an exam
after it has been submitted. Contact your instructor immediately.
50. I can’t access the test
for my online class and it’s
due today! What should I do?
Check your computer and rule out problems that only you
or your Internet Service Provider can resolve. If you believe the C.O.D.
Blackboard system is down, e-mail or call
your instructor immediately. The time stamp of your e-mail or voice
mail can be critical in your instructor’s decision to grant a retake.
Your instructor will report the problem if necessary.
Instructor
51. Who do I go for help with coursework
during an online class?
If you have difficulty with any course-related activities, contact
your instructor via e-mail or phone. Your instructor is oblilgated to assist you in achieving success
in the course. Make sure you use the contact information provided in the syllabus.
52. How can I find the name of the instructor for a current online course?
Follow the steps described on this page.
53. I can’t reach my instructor.
What should I do?
If you are currently in the course, make sure you use the e-mail address
and phone numbers provided in the syllabus. You also should use your
C.O.D. e-mail to reach your instructor
— it will be easier for your instructor to recognize who you are. Entering
a clear course-related subject will definitely help. If you don’t
recieve a response by phone or e-mail after a reasonable amount of
time, e-mail
codonline@cod.edu or call the
online student support phone line at (630) 942-2490 for assistance.
You can also call the faculty’s
division office.
54. How does the instructor communicate
with me?
Your instructor should post announcements in the course and send
notices to your C.O.D. e-mail address. You cannot rely on the instructor
to e-mail you as to when to start your class.
The instructor has provided instructions in the course. You are encouraged
to interact with your instructor by e-mail, phone or discussion
board. Make sure you check your C.O.D. e-mail regularly.
Other Student Academic Support
55. Can I connect with a counselor or advisor
online?
Yes! Contact Kara Molenhouse, an academic adviser assigned to online
students. You can reach her by e-mail or
voice mail at (630) 942-4890. She can help you make decisions
about your online learning and about other alternative learning programs
offered by the Centers for Independent Learning. More
about Counseling/Advising
You can also contact Counseling and Advising or a program adviser by selecting your area of interest on the Program Guide page and contacting one of the listed faculty advisers.
56. What library services and
resources are available to me?
The College of DuPage Library is a state-of-the-art facility that offers
a web-based interface to its many electronic resources. You have access
to library services and databases through the
Library web site.
The Library also has a dedicated web page and a staff member for online/off-campus students.
57. Are tutoring services available
to online students?
Yes. Read this page for more information:
Academic Assistance and
Peer Tutoring
58. Where do I find student support
contact information?
The college’s web site is the best place
to get information about various student support services. Check out
the top and bottom menu bars and the site
index.
Contact information for an office is usually on the office’s home
page.
Here is a quick reference of selected offices providing support services to students.
59. How can I learn more about
academic support services?
Visit the Student
and Academic Support Services web page. This is a
quick way for distance learning students to gather information about
the different online services. These links are
listed specifically to assist distance
learners in their planning and decision-making.
MyCOD E-mail
60. What is my C.O.D. e-mail account? Do I need to use it?
Shortly after your enrollment, your C.O.D. e-mail account
information is mailed to you. You must use your college
e-mail account — this is the e-mail address on your student record. Unless
specially arranged, your instructors and support staff will use this
e-mail address to communicate with you about any academic issues. Access
your C.O.D. e-mail account on a regular basis.
You can find your C.O.D. e-mail address online by accessing your student record at Student Online Services. Log in with your ID or SSN and PIN and go to “Student Personal Information.”
61. How do I access my C.O.D.
e-mail?
Go to MyCOD.The
Welcome section on the left of the home page leads to tutorials and FAQs as
well as basic information of the Campus Cruiser system. You can also access Student
Guide to MyCOD in the Campus Bookmarks
area of this page.
If you need further assistance, call the Student HelpDesk at (630) 942-2999 or e-mail: studenthelp@dupage.edu.
Other Distance Learning Programs
62. Besides online, what other distance learning courses are available
at the college?
Telecourses and broadcast courses are offered through the Centers
for Independent Learning (CILs).
Check out the CIL web site to see
if these and other flexible-learning formats are right for you.
63. What is the difference between online courses and those offered
in the CIL?
Visit this
CIL web page for detailed information. To learn how online
courses are delivered, see How Do Online Courses
Work?
64. What other online programs
are available in Illinois?
Illinois Virtual Campus (IVC) provides
a catalogue listing distance education courses and programs from 72 Illinois
colleges and universities. You can search for a course or a program,
browse through them and compare course features.
65. Are there non-credit online courses at C.O.D.?
Yes! Visit Ed2Go or
call Continuing Education at
(630) 942-2208.
For more information,
email codonline@cod.edu
or call (630) 942-2490
For academic advising,
email Kara Molenhouse
molenh@cod.edu
or call 630-942-4890
