Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will I be able to logon to UCC Online?
All preregistered students are enrolled into UCC Online three (3) days prior to the first day of classes. Students who register after that date are enrolled usually 24 to 48 business hours later, Monday through Friday. For example, if you register on Friday, the earliest you will be enrolled is Monday morning. If Monday is a holiday, you will be enrolled on Tuesday.
When will my course be available?
Courses are activated three (3) days prior to the semester start date. All courses will appear on your UCC Online home page. Late registrants will be given access usually within 24 to 48 business hours, Monday through Friday.
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How are online courses different than on-campus courses?
Online courses are very similar in some ways to on-campus courses. All classes have specific start and end dates, assignment due dates, and specific test dates. Most of the coursework and readings are completed without being connected to Internet. The differences are that online courses are designed to be taken asynchronously (anytime), usually at times convenient to the student. Interaction with classmates and the instructor is accomplished electronically by mail, discussion forums, and in some classes, live chat rooms instead of in a class meeting. Depending on the course, tests may be taken online, at a UCC campus, or proctored at another selected site. Online classes provide flexibility for students with busy schedules.
Do I have to access my class at the same time every day?
No, you don't! However, you should logon the first day of classes and then you will need to connect to your course several times a week in order to keep up with class discussions, questions and assignments. Some courses require that students participate in electronic chat room discussions held at specific times. You should contact the instructor to check if realtime electronic participation is required.
Are online classes for me?
They are if you:
- are self-motivated and don’t procrastinate.
- are responsible and can resist distractions.
- are an independent learner and can set weekly goals.
- enjoy communicating in writing.
- have good reading comprehension skills.
- possess good time management skills.
Take a SELF QUIZ to find out whether online learning is right for you.
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What computer equipment do I need?
Students access classes via a Web browser, therefore you must have a computer with access to the Internet. Please review the Minimum Computer Requirements for using ANGEL. Some courses may have specific requirements and it is strongly suggested that you check with the course instructor for any additional technology and software requirements before you register for any online course.
What browser do I need?
ANGEL supports only two browsers:
PC users must use either Internet Explorer 7 or higher, or Firefox 3.0 or higher.
MAC users must use Firefox 3.0 or higher.
While users may be able to use another browser or version of a supported browser (IE 6 for example), they are not supported by ANGEL and may cause problems when attempting to submit assignments or tests. Safari or AOL are not suitable browsers and are not recommended.
Download the correct browser or update your browser to the correct version.
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Do I have to be a computer expert to take an online course?
No, but you must be able to access the Internet; send and receive email with attachments; and create, save and open documents.
How do I register for an online class?
You may register in person or by mail or fax by completing the Distance Education Admissions Application/Registration Form.
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Who do I contact for enrollment or registration questions?
The Distance Education department does not admit or register students. Please contact the following offices with any questions pertaining to enrollment or registration of courses:
- Admissions Office - (908) 709-7123 or 7596
- Records and Registration - (908) 709-7135 or 7596
- Student Counseling Center - (908) 709-7525
What is the cost of an online course?
The tuition for a course is the same whether the course is taught in the classroom or online. There is an additional fee for online courses and the cost for textbooks and course materials will vary depending upon the course selected.
What credits are given for an online course?
All distance education courses are the equivalent of their traditional on-campus counterparts. They have the same prerequisites and subject matter; they carry the same course credit and are taught by highly qualified UCC faculty. See the list of online courses by semester.
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What if I need to contact my instructor?
The instructor will indicate somewhere in the course (usually the syllabus) the best way to contact him or her during the semester. In most cases, instructors may be contacted using course Email, electronic Office Hours, US Mail, telephone, or on-campus appointments.
What if I need technical help with an online course?
Most questions that you have can be answered by reading through this Distance Education website including the Online Student Starter Kit. This website is available 24/7.
Course Content help?
Need help locating an assignment, taking a test, determining your grade? Contact your instructor.
Need help using the Course Tools?
User documentation is available online. See ANGEL at UCC Online for searchable help information, guides and tutorials found in UCC Resources.
Username or Password help?
Your logon account is comprised of your username (your CWID) and password ( your 6 digit date of birth in this format: mmddyy.) For example, a March 1, 1991 birth date would be entered as 030191.
Technical issues?
Make sure you are using the correct logon for your account and the correct browser, and that classes have actually begun. Then, if you can’t logon, access your online course, or some other function is not working properly, please complete a Support Request Form. Provide as much information about your problem as you can in the space allotted and complete each form field for a prompt response.
Your request will be answered as soon as possible Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. After 4 PM, you may anticipate a response the following business day. As a small department, there may be times when no one is in the office to respond or the college may be closed. In this case, your request may take more than one day for you to receive an answer.
One Support Request Form or one phone call is all that is necessary to receive a response to your technical issue. Multiple requests about the same issue fill up voice mail or email inboxes causing response delays.