Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Distance Learning classes accredited?
2. Do I have to be admitted to MCC to take DL classes?
3. How do I gain admission to MCC?
4. How do I obtain my books and course materials?
5. How do I know what is expected of me in a particular class?
6. Do I need to contact my instructor?
7. As a student, am I bound by copyright law?
8. Will I be expected to come to campus?
9. How long does it take to study for a DL class?
10. What technical skills and equipment do I need?
11. How much do the DL classes cost?
12. Is an orientation session available for DL students?
13. Is financial aid available for DL students?
14. Do I need an advisor to take DL classes?
15. What is the procedure for drop/add/withdrawal?
16. When do my online classes begin and end?
17. Do DL students have access to the Library?
18. Where do I go for more information?
19. Trouble with your class log in or password?

Answers:

1.  Are distance education classes accredited?
Yes. Mitchell Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

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2.  Do I have to be admitted to MCC to take DL classes?
Yes. You must be admitted to MCC before you may register for classes offered through Distance Education.

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3.  How do I gain admission to MCC?
To be admitted follow the 5 steps to enroll.

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4.  How do I obtain my books and course materials?
The MCC Campus Bookstore is located on the first floor of the Montgomery Building.  Students may purchase books and supplies at the Campus Bookstore including new and used books, school and office supplies, clothing and gifts, and study guides.

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5.  How do I know what is expected of me in a particular class?
As in traditional classes, your instructor will provide you with a syllabus outlining the assignments for the class. Your instructor will also provide you with any additional information you will need to successfully complete the class. Be sure to keep in contact with your instructor to ensure that you keep on top of any assignments.

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6.  Do I need to contact my instructor?
Students should use the curriculum schedule and follow directions for attendance at a required orientation, or follow directions for sending an email for enrollment.

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7.  As a student, am I bound by copyright law?
Yes.  If you must use copyrighted material to complete your coursework, you are responsible for making sure you use that material in acceptable ways under the Copyright Law of the United States.

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8.  Will I be expected to come to campus?
Some classes have required online orientation and testing, others have required on-campus orientation and testing is on line. Check the college schedule for orientation requirements and check with the course instructor for your individual class campus requirements.

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9.  How long does it take to study for a DL course?
Prior to taking a Distance Education course, many students assume this format is easier.  However, depending upon various factors, the initial time demand can be greater than traditional classroom delivery methods.  You will need to organize your materials (textbooks, notebooks, floppy disks) and find a comfortable and quiet place to study.  Assignments and projects are compatible with distance learning teaching methodology, so you will be submitting your work through email. The class time, then, largely depends on your current course document status, your motivation level and your familiarity with computers.

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10.  What technical skills and equipment do I need?
For online classes, only minimal to moderate level skills are needed; necessary ones are as follows:

• Basic knowledge of computer software and tools.

• Capable of using a word processor, email, an Internet browser, search engines, copy and paste tools, and switching between window and applications.

• Ability to download and install software and plug-ins if necessary.

Equipment required is minimal. Specifications for using Blackboard can be found on our System Requirements page. 

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11.  How much do the DL classes cost?
MCC tuition rates apply to all classes offered through Distance Learning. 

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12.  Is an orientation session available for DL students?
Yes. Each Distance Learning class has either on-campus, or email orientation sessions. Check the course schedule for orientation requirements.

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13.  Is financial aid available for DL students?
You may apply for Financial Aid for distance classes as you would for traditional classes. Students who qualify to receive education benefits from Veteran Affairs and Financial Aid are required to attend the orientation session and communicate with their instructors at least once a week. The Distance Learning instructor's signature is required on the Veteran Attendance Sheet which is turned in to the Assistant Financial Aid Director every three weeks. 

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14.  Do I need an advisor to take DL classes?
Yes, you must have an advisor’s or counselors approval before you can register. For advisement on courses or programs, contact the course instructor, the department through which the course if offered, a campus counselor, or the advisor assigned to you upon admission.

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15.  What is the procedure for drop/add/withdrawal?
The procedure follows the same guidelines as traditional classes.

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16.  When do my classes begin and end?
All Distance Education courses, including Online Courses, follow the traditional Academic Calendar. Students will not be able to access courses until the first day of class according to the College Calendar (these dates are also indicated in our list of Online Courses). Once your account is activated, you should be able to access your course. If you are able to login to Blackboard, but do not see your course listed, please contact your instructor first to see if they have made the course available for students viewing. Read the information below regarding activation of your Blackboard account:

• For a student who registers during any registration before the first day of classes and completes tution payment for a Blackboard supported course, his or her account will be active on the first day of class.

• For a student who registers on the first day of class or after, his or her account should be active no later than the third business day after their tuition payment has been received.

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17.  Do DL students have access to the Library?
Yes. Distance Learning students have access to all of the Library's services and resources.  If you have more questions, please contact the Library at (704) 878-3271. 

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18.  Where do I go for more information?
Review the College website for a list of information on topics for all Distance Learning students and faculty.

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19.  Trouble with your log in or password?
Send an email to Dl-Information@mitchellcc.edu

Log in ID's and passwords are re-set each semester. Your instructor at Face to Face orientation will give you your ID and password. For on line orientation classes send an email to the instructor address listed on the schedule or send to the address displayed above.