FAQ

How do I know if I am suited to take an online course?

Take our "Is Internet Learning for me?" assessment to see if your learning style is compatible with online learning.

What is the difference between an online course and a hybrid course?

Most Internet courses are offered entirely online, usually with no campus component using the WebCT platform. Some courses may include proctored exams that will require the learner to go to a Vernon College campus to take an exam or to use an approved proctor at the student's site.

Hybrid courses are a blending of the traditional on-campus courses with an online component. In this format, you will complete a portion of the course online using the WebCT platform and then only meet on campus as outlined in the college class schedule. Some science courses are hybrid.

What computer hardware is required for taking online courses?

• IBM-compatible PC with a Pentium Processor with Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, NT, or 2000
• 16 MB of RAM
• 100 MB of free HD space
• CD-ROM with sound card
• 3.5" High Density floppy disk drive
• 28.8 Kbps modem or higher
• An Internet connection through an Internet Service Provider
• An Email account (note - Vernon College does not provide email services)
• Internet browser - current version of Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer.

Do I need any special software or plug-ins to take online courses?

You will need a current version of an Internet browser.

Current Internet Browsers for navigating the Internet:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Netscape Navigator

It is highly advisable that you have a copy of Microsoft Word as many of the instructors utilize Microsoft Word for word processing.

Each course may have special software requirements. To check requirements for a course, go to the Vernon College distance learning web site, click on the appropriate semester and location, and then click on the desired course link to view information related to that course.

Some other programs or plug-ins that you may need are listed below. Click on the program name to access the download site.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader - Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® is free software that lets you view and print Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) files on all major computer platforms, as well as fill in and submit Adobe PDF forms online.

What computer skills should I have to be successful when taking online courses?

At a minimum, you should be able to perform basic computer functions: create, save, and manage files on a computer, navigate the Internet, download files, attach files to an email message, and save and open attached files from incoming email.

How much do online courses cost?

Tuition and fees for online courses are the same as for traditional on-campus courses, however there is an added fee of $25.00 per course for each online class.

May high school students take VC Internet classes?

High school seniors may take Internet classes provided they meet all Vernon College admissions and concurrent enrollment requirements. For additional information, see the Concurrent Enrollment Request and Approval Form.

How do I register for online courses?

Once you meet admissions requirements, receive a PIN, and have your Permission to Register block checked by a counselor or advisor, you can register through Campus Connect or during open registration. A student must pay for a course by the deadline listed in the schedule or the enrollment will be cancelled.

When can I register for online courses?

All key registration dates are available under Schedules and Calendars on the Vernon College website.

What is the refund policy for online courses?

Students receive a 100% refund if they drop before the first day the semester begins.

What is the withdrawal policy for online courses?

The withdrawal policy for online courses is the same as for traditional face-to-face courses.

Is there an add/drop period for online courses?

Yes. You need to see the Vernon College class schedule for this date.

Are there any prerequisites for online courses?

The prerequisites for online courses are the same as for traditional on-campus courses. The prerequisites for all courses are outlined in the course descriptions section of the college catalog located on the Vernon College website.

Do these courses count for college credit?

Yes! There is no distinction on your transcript between online and on-campus courses.

Do I have to log onto my course at a certain time?

Course instructors determine when and how often the learner must log in. Most courses do not require learners to log in at a specific time. However, many courses do have a specified number of times you must log into the course site each week.

Are online courses self-paced?

No, online courses have specific start and end dates. You should see the Vernon College class schedule for these dates. Each instructor determines when assignments are due for their specific course. Check the course outline for more information on required assignment due dates.

What is the attendance policy for online courses?

The attendance policy is outlined in each course and can be accessed when you log into your course site. If you have any questions concerning the attendance policy, contact the instructor of the course for clarification.

When can I access my online course?

The first day the semester begins.

How do I log into my online course?

1. Log on to the Internet.
2. Open up Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
3. Type http://www.vernoncollege.edu/webctversion.html in the URL dialog box, which could be named Go to:, or Location:, or Address:.
4. Hit the enter key on your keyboard.
5. Use the username and password provided by your instructor.

How will I get my course assignments?

The instructor for your course will provide your course assignments.

How do I contact my online instructor?

Instructor contact information is located on the course welcome page on the Vernon College distance learning site and on the outline within the course.

What do I do if I forget my password?

Contact technical support at WebCT/Blackboard support.

What do I do if I change my email address?

Send an email to your instructor with an email message.

Who do I contact to schedule a proctored test?

Contact your instructor about his/her testing policies. A proctor form is listed under Support Services at the Distance Learning website at www.vernoncollege.edu/proctor.pdf.

Who do I contact if I need technical assistance?

For course related issues, you should contact your course instructor.

For all other issues you can email  WebCT/Blackboard.

To provide the best services possible, please provide the information outlined below when contacting your instructor and/or technical support:

• First and last name.
• Last four digits of your social security number.
• Course name and number for which you require assistance.
• A complete description of the problem for which you require assistance.

Providing this information will help afford quicker resolution for problems.