Frequently Asked Questions about Online Learning
Lifelong Learning online courses are run concurrently in Spring, Summer, Fall, and/or Winter 8-week sessions. Please check our Web pages for the next set of online offerings.
How many learners are enrolled in a seminar or workshop?
Workshops and seminars will generally have less than 10-12 learners. You will not only receive very individual attention from your faculty mentor, but you will have the opportunity to interact with your peers.
What computer capabilities are necessary to take the online courses through Lifelong Learning?
There are some minimum computer requirements.
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Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon XP 1400 (minimum K7 800 mhz) (MACs are acceptable, but Lifelong Learning does not provide technical support for MACs)
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512 megabytes of RAM (minimum, 128)
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40 gigabyte or greater hard drive (minimum, 20)
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CD ROM drive
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56 Kb modem
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Windows XP home edition (minimum, Windows 98)
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Microsoft Office 2003 Professional or Student version (minimum, Office XP Suite)
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Anti-virus software
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Internet Explorer 5 or above (cookies and Java enabled)
Some courses require PowerPoint slide presentation software or other specialized programs that you can download from the Internet.
How much time should I plan to devote each week to my online studies?
Learners generally find they need to devote about 5-8 hours per week. You can work online at any time you choose; there are no set class requirements, however, it is still important to be able to devote regular attention to your course. Although everything is presented online, you can print out material to read and work on off-line. Missing a few days is not a problem unless you have already fallen behind. Those who are traveling can access the course anywhere there is Internet access. Individuals who are working full-time and have other commitments have been able to successfully complete the course. You can do it, too!
I have never taken a seminar or course online. How do I know if I can do it?
We are committed to making your learning experience online work. If you haven’t already done so, you may want to take our survey which will help you determine if you have the skills and technology to take an online course. If you do not have the basic computer knowledge and equipment you will need, the survey will guide you to resources so that you can become prepared. The survey can be found at http://faculty.tui.edu/it/survey/
How does online learning work?
Lifelong Learning online courses are delivered through eCollege, an electronic learning platform. This is basically your “virtual” classroom. It is here that you access the course syllabus, read postings from the instructor or other learners, make comments, and submit work. Each instructor uses the tools in eCollege slightly differently to best accommodate their own teaching style and the course requirements. In most cases you are engaged in “asynchronous” learning – you are online when it suits you, and others in the course are following their own schedules for logging in. Some faculty may work with students to find a time for “synchronous chat” when everyone can be online together.
You generally spend a certain amount of time each week in your virtual classroom space in eCollege, and some time reading and doing homework, most likely off-line.
When you enroll in one of our offerings, you are automatically enrolled in a self-paced, online orientation module which starts a week before the course begins. We estimate that the orientation will take approximately 5 hours to work on, but it will thoroughly teach you how to work on the Web and with the software we use. The “Welcome” message you receive a week before class starts will provide you with the contact information for 24 hour technical support and for the instructional technologist who is supporting your course.
Is financial assistance available?
Federal financial assistance may be available for degree-seeking learners who are taking courses as part of their program requirements. If you are a current UI&U learner check with our financial aid office for assistance in determining if and how you can use aid eligibility for online courses. The financial aid office can be reached at FinAidRep@tui.edu
Some states have minimal assistance for non-degree learners. Check with your state’s student assistance office for specific information.
Private loan funds may be available for non-degree students. More information on SLM Financial, one private loan source, may be found at www.slmfinancial.com
Can I work toward an undergraduate or graduate degree through Lifelong Learning?
Lifelong Learning is designed to provide part-time options to learners. Undergraduate credits earned through Lifelong Learning may be applied to our undergraduate B.A. or B.S. in Liberal Studies. It is best to check with your academic advisor or program coordinator if you are currently enrolled in a degree program. If you are planning to enroll in one of our degree programs, discuss your plans for taking a Lifelong Learning course with your enrollment counselor. Our MFA programs do not accept transfer credit. Other graduate programs may have limitations on credits or types of courses so check before enrolling. In terms of other schools, acceptance of credit is always at the discretion of the receiving institution. If you hope to transfer credit to another school it is always best to receive pre-approval from the receiving school.
If you’d like more information about any of our degree programs please let us know and we can put you in touch with an enrollment counselor. Admissions can be reached at admissions@tui.edu or you may visit the UI&U Prospective Learner page for more information.
How are grades awarded?
We use letter grades (no + or -) for credit-bearing courses. You will receive a grade report from the Registrar once you have completed the course and the instructor has submitted grades. If you need to obtain an official transcript you will need to request one from the Registrar. Requests for transcripts must be in writing. You may access a transcript request form online.
How do I get the books and materials?
You can order books through online or local bookstores. Once you have registered, you’ll receive an e-mail message from your instructor with how to locate required and recommended books and materials.
To Register
To register, complete an enrollment form and fax it to (802) 257-8923 (see form for mailing address). When the enrollment form and payment have been received, we will email a registration confirmation. Please provide a valid email address on the enrollment form as this will be the primary means of communication regarding course orientation and other logistics.
We reserve the right to adhere to a minimum number of students to run a particular course, and all online courses have a maximum enrollment and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have any questions regarding this course or the registration process, call us at (802) 257-9411 x8907 or x8901 or email cristy.sugarman@tui.edu or dawn.chattin@tui.edu.
What other options does UI&U offer for non-degree students?
Lifelong Learning may be able to facilitate arrangement of an independent study course of 1-6 credits. More information regarding this option can be found on the Lifelong Learning Independent Study page.