Searching for a legitimate education opportunity through online learning can be an incredibly daunting task. Institutions are jumping online in record numbers.
An estimated 2.2 million learners will enroll in online programs this year, an increase of 48% from last year. How will you determine an opportunity from a trap?
Following the steps below will insure a productive search, and provide you with an enjoyable experience.
| Q. |
Is online learning for me? |
| A. |
It's a waste of time to search for something that you either aren't prepared for or won't enjoy. While online learning is convenient, it's challenging, less interactive than traditional study, and more frustrating due to technology's occasional lack of cooperation. Make sure you investigate and accept the program's methods prior to enrollment. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What do I look for in a school? |
| A. |
- Accreditation/Certification: RSU's programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. If you're taking courses for credit, be sure your courses are recognized by the US Dept of Post-secondary Education.
- Academic integrity; good reputation: Many schools have longstanding reputations as academic leaders in their region. Be sure that your program is offered by an institution with a reputation for quality in distance learning. While good traditional programs seldom mean good distance programs, your chances are much better with schools that are established in online learning.
- Strong full-time faculty base: How many online faculty teach from the campus? How many teach abroad (adjunct faculty)? Campus faculty teaches 90% of RSU's courses. This means strong communication and a consistent learning method, which will insure your success as you migrate through your program.
- Course and program flexibility: Does the program allow for flexible course selection, or am I stuck with a "schedule"? At RSU, most courses are available every semester to insure student flexibility.
- "Asynchronous" format: The purpose of offering online courses is to insure that any student can access needed information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "Asynchronous", or anytime learning doesn't require students to be online at a specific time.
- Availability to meet your long-term goals: What do you want? Don't jump in headfirst without knowing where you're diving! If your goal is an MBA, find out the requirements and find the best way to arrive to your degree. RSU provides associate and bachelor degree opportunities.
- Career placement assistance: What will you do with your degree? What does the job market offer me as a graduate? This is very important to know before you pursue a degree. Career information, resume help and interview preparation is available to our students through the Online Career Placement Office.
- Informative, responsive: How long does it take to respond to your inquiries? Your application? As a rule, allow 48 hours for an inquiry, a week for application response and other information via "snail mail", and two weeks for a complimentary degree review. If they take to long responding to your request, they may take even longer to respond in the classroom.
- Personal: When you inquire, are your responses automated or personal? The more you hear from real people, the more an institution is prepared to support your goals.
- Affordability: Is the program worth the price of admission, given the above consideration? Does the prospective school offer a balance between convenience and quality? At RSU, we approach our students as learners and consumers.
|
| |
|
| Q. |
How do I apply and enroll? |
| A. |
The application process is easy. Visit the Admissions section at the Hillcat Hub (the link to the Hillcat Hub can be found at RSU's website) and select "Apply for Admission." We will review your application within a week of receipt and confirm acceptance, or request any additional documentation to complete your admission. Once requirements have been met, you will then be able to enroll at the Hillcat Hub. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Am I eligible for financial aid when I take an online course? |
| A. |
Financial aid is awarded for online students in the same manner as traditional students. Online students are also eligible for Veteran, GI Bill, Scholarship and grant assistance. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Are the courses for credit? |
| A. |
All RSU Online courses are for credit. Rogers State University uses the tri-semester calendar (fall, spring and summer semesters). |
| |
|
| Q. |
Are RSU Online programs open to anyone who wants to take them? |
| A. |
Courses are offered to selective high school juniors and seniors, but are available to any high school graduate or GED recipient. Developmental courses are available online in math and English areas. Testing may be required for program entrance. Click here for specific admissions information. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Can I get a degree through RSU Online? |
| A. |
From start to finish, you can complete your entire degree without ever setting foot on our campuses. There is no residency requirement for our degrees. Degree options are available from our website. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How do I transfer credits? |
| A. |
Simply submit an official transcript of your previous college work. Up to 45 credits are accepted for credit towards an associate degree. For a free evaluation of your previous work, contact your online advisor. CLEP and DANTES credit is also accepted. Please contact your advisor regarding course eligibility and transfer processes. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Do I need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to take online classes? |
| A. |
You need Internet access and an email account, as well as specific system components. A list of technical requirements are available online. You may wish to run a browser and system test to verify your computer's compatibility with our online program. |
| |
|
| Q. |
I live outside of Oklahoma? Can I take classes through RSU Online? |
| A. |
We encourage all students to participate in Rogers State University's distance program. Join students as distant as Singapore and Japan! The web brings everyone close. Of course, early preparation insures a good experience. The further away you are, the earlier you will need to begin the enrollment process. |
| |
|
| Q. |
I may have to travel during the semester. Is that a problem? |
| A. |
As long as you have Internet access you will be able to get through your course. Make sure your testing schedule is arranged properly before leaving your proctor or testing center, or have a secondary proctor where you plan to be. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Is there a schedule available online? |
| A. |
Yes. See the Class Schedules. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What if an illness or personal issue prevents me from finishing the course? |
| A. |
While we set up our program to be flexible and convenient, it is our hope that you proceed through the course efficiently. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, you will either work with your professor to complete the course or withdrawal from the course. If the need ever arises, please discuss your options with your instructor immediately. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How does online learning work? |
| A. |
Simply put, Rogers State created a "virtual university." Like a traditional student would go to class, online students go to the university site, login, and retrieve their course work form the web. Courses are delivered through lecture notes, video/audio, threaded discussions, emails and document sharing. Students are encouraged by more frequent interaction than they would receive in a traditional setting, and are challenged by the technological format which gives them experience with systems that utilize the latest in educational software. Textbooks and videos often support the course materials on the web. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Are the courses in real time? |
| A. |
RSU's courses are asynchronous, meaning students can access course work "at any time" during the day or night. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Are there textbooks with the courses? |
| A. |
Yes. Textbooks and occasional video and software material accompany your courses to maximize your opportunity for success. All books and course materials are in addition to your course cost. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Are exams required in all classes? How are they given? |
| A. |
Exams are administered two ways; by proctor or online. Online exams are given online in a timed format. Proctored exams are handled through an approved test provider if you live outside the 45-mile radius of RSU's campuses. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How long do you have to complete the course? |
| A. |
Our courses go with the semester calendar. Each course is 16 weeks during the fall and spring semesters, and eight weeks during the summer term. While there are some exceptions, courses follow unit weeks, requiring weekly completion of course material. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How many hours per week will I have to dedicate to my class? |
| A. |
You can safely figure three to four hours per week for each course in which you are enrolled. Students with 40-hour workweeks are encouraged to six credit hours or less per semester. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How will the courses be taught? How do I receive lecture and materials? |
| A. |
Courses are taught online, but many professors will send you a "welcome packet" via regular mail or email, containing syllabi and policy & procedure information. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What is a "proctor"? How do I get one? |
| A. |
Proctors administer exams for RSU faculty at a time and place convenient for you. Course professors have proctor information available your first week of class. Proctors must be approved by the course instructor before the first testing date. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What kind of grade report will I receive? |
| A. |
Grades are sent out two weeks after course completion with our traditional student reports. The courses will not be recorded differently than campus sections (i.e., "distance" or "online course").
|
| |
|
| Q. |
How is RSU Online affiliated with WebCT? |
| A. |
WebCT provides the system, or framework our courses are delivered in. The online fee you pay goes directly towards the delivery and support of this technology.
|
| |
|
| Q. |
Who else can I contact regarding online courses? |
| A. |
Chelley Nelson,
Online Counselor, Office of Enrollment Management
Rogers State University
1701 W. Will Rogers Blvd.
Claremore, OK 74017
918-343-7726
918-343-7595 fax
mnelson@rsu.edu
|
