Online Student Orientation

Transcription

1 Welcome Congratulations on being admitted to Park University! Now that you have been admitted, your next step is to complete this online student orientation. The following pages will provide you with useful information as you begin your journey at Park University. This orientation will cover topics such as your student portal (MyPark), degree requirements, registration, financial aid and additional frequently asked questions.

2 MyPark What is MyPark? MyPark is a web portal that allows students access to their account information such as , course schedules, billing statements, financial aid, transcripts, etc. It is what you will use to register for classes, view your degree audit and more. MyPark is completely web-based and accessible from anywhere. You can access MyPark from the main park.edu webpage. Simply use your student ID number and password (same as what you use to access your Park Google ) to login. Google Apps What is Google Apps? Every Park student has a Park University Google Apps account accessible through MyPark. Although it s mainly used for , there are multiple tools available to students through Google Apps including chat, calendar, online documents and more. Google Apps delivers the advanced technology college students need to communicate and collaborate. Important Note All official communication from Park University will go to your Park Google Apps . You will need to check it regularly or forward the account to your personal to ensure you do not miss important information. In addition, all official requests that you make must come from your Park Google and must include your full name and student ID number in order for requests to be completed. More Information We highly recommend that you go through the Google Apps Training that has been provided by Google.

3 Transcripts Online Student Orientation Submit Your Transcripts For degree-seeking students, official transcripts are required from each of your previous educational institutions, as well as any official military transcripts and official scores from CLEP, DSST etc. exams if applicable. Why? Submitting your transcripts meets our admissions requirements, allows you to get a personalized degree audit and helps you determine which classes to take. Missing transcripts can impact financial aid and prevent you from registering for classes. Official transcripts should be sent to: Park University Office of the Registrar, Box NW River Park Drive Parkville, MO Visiting students can submit unofficial transcripts via to advising@park.edu or fax to Important Note The transcript evaluation process takes approximately 14 days after all official transcripts are received. Results can be seen on your Degree Audit in MyPark. Financial Aid Apply for Aid If you would like to apply for financial assistance, you may do so online. All financial aid applicants will need to complete the following on the Financial Services webpage: 1. RFA -Submit your online Request for Financial Aid 2. FAFSA -Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Please NOTE: To complete the FAFSA you will need your completed Federal 1040 tax return.

4 3. MPN -All first time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note. 4. Entrance Interview -All first time borrowers at Park must complete entrance counseling. 5. ACH Financial Aid Refund -Submit an authorization form to have your financial aid refund deposited onto a Stored Value Card or into a Bank account. More Information A great deal of information can be found on the Park Financial Services webpage, particularly Frequently Asked Questions. You can also contact Student Financial Services via at finaid@park.edu or phone at , option #3.

5 Advising Online Student Orientation Who is My Adviser? As an online student, you will work with Enrollment Services for your advising needs. Instead of one adviser, you will have access to ten advisors via phone and . If you are located in the Kansas City area, you are, also, welcome to make an appointment to see an advisor in person. If you are located near one of our campus centers, you can contact the campus center staff for assistance. How do I contact Enrollment Services? Please feel free to contact our teams with any questions you have; you can advising@park.edu with your questions or call toll free at (877) and choose the option that best meets your needs. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00am 6:00pm CST and Friday 8:00am 4:30pm CST. How can Enrollment Services help you? In regard to advising, we can assist you with choosing classes, walk you through your degree audit and help with any questions you have about your enrollment with us.

6 Choosing Classes How do I know what classes to take? The classes you should take will depend on which courses you have already taken, your current skill level, and your academic program. If you are seeking a degree, you can see a list of your required courses on your degree audit in MyPark. How do I read the degree audit? View this helpful walkthrough or call Enrollment Services at , option #2 for assistance. How many classes should I choose? Please note that six hours, or two courses per term, is considered full-time in the Online program. After you have completed at least six hours and earned a 3.25 cumulative grade point average at Park University, you are eligible to request a course overload for a maximum of nine hours per term. This overload is granted on a per term basis. Contact the Enrollment Services for more information. How do I know what the classes are about? You can view course descriptions in the current catalog. You can also use the class schedule search to view course descriptions and past syllabi. What is a prerequisite? A prerequisite is a course or other requirement that must be completed before you can take the more advanced course in question. The course description in the catalog will list if a prerequisite course applies. What if I want to change my major? If you would like to change your major, please contact Enrollment Services. The degrees offered online are listed on our website. Enrollment Services will have you complete a Declaration of Major (DOM) form via . The change of major may be subject to a $25 processing fee.

7 Registration Online Student Orientation How do I register? Once you have been fully admitted, you will be able to register yourself in MyPark. Registration is usually open a year in advance, which gives you the opportunity to plan your entire school year. A registration walkthrough is available for more information. If you ever have trouble registering or would like someone to walk you through it, feel free to contact the Enrollment Services for assistance. Online classes are offered in five 8-week terms per year. There are two online terms in the Fall, two in the Spring, and one in the Summer. An Academic Calendar is available for specific dates. You can, also, take classes in face-to-face terms at one of our campus centers across the U.S., if the class you need is available. If you'd like to register for a face-to-face class, please contact Enrollment Services for assistance. After Registration What do I do after I register? After successfully registering for the classes you want to take, you will need to confirm your classes. Confirmation is the final step in the enrollment process. Each student at Park University must confirm his/her registration each term by either paying tuition in full or by making other financial arrangements (ex. federal financial aid acceptance, tuition assistance, veteran benefits, etc.). The confirmation deadline is always one week before the term begins. If you are not confirmed by the deadline, you will be dropped from your classes. You may, then, have the opportunity to re-register. However, you are not guaranteed the same classes and you must confirm at the time of re-registration. What if I need to add a class, or drop or withdraw from my classes? Open registration is available until the Thursday before the term begins. During open registration, you may change your registration in MyPark at any time with no charge or penalty. After registration is closed, you will need to contact the Enrollment Services via or in person to make any adjustment to your class schedule. The first eight calendar days of a term constitutes the Enrollment Adjustment Period. During Enrollment Adjustment, you can exchange courses for the same number of total hours at no charge. However, if you need to simply drop a class during this time, ten percent of the tuition will still be due. A dropped course will not appear on your transcript, nor will it be calculated into your grade point average. After

8 the first eight days, removing a class from your schedule is considered a withdrawal and will be recorded on your transcripts, but will not be calculated into your grade point average. Course withdrawals receive a tuition refund by the following schedule: Week 1 90% Week 2 60% Week 3 40% Week 4 20% Week 5 0% How do I order my books? You can see a list of books required and have the opportunity to order them through our online bookstore. Most books will be traditional textbooks; however, some books are available in an ebook format. In some cases, textbook rentals may also be available. Students who live in the Kansas City area can choose instead to come to the Barnes and Noble bookstore located on our HOME campus in Parkville, Missouri.

9 ecollege Online Classroom What will online classes be like? Park University s online courses are instructor-led, with term start and end dates and due dates for assignments and tests that are assigned at the beginning of the course. Online classes take as much or more time as a class you might take on campus. You will be expected to log into and contribute to discussions several times a week. That, also, means reading messages every week from the instructor and other students. How do I access my online classroom? Once you are registered and confirmed, you will have access to your online classroom starting two weeks before the term begins. You can log into your online classroom through MyPark. Be sure to review all course requirements at the beginning of each term, and contact your instructor and/or the ecollege helpdesk for assistance. Is there anything I have to do in-person? When taking an online course, you do not have to go to a campus for the class. However, you will need to make arrangements to take a proctored final exam for each course in the last week of the term. Proctored exams may be taken at any one of Park University's campus centers, if you live near one. Otherwise, students may, also, make arrangements with local colleges or universities or public libraries. More information about the proctored exams can be found on our website.

10 Other Helpful Departments Student Financial Services Many students will find themselves in need of financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition and fees. Student Financial Services is dedicated to helping prospective and current Park University students obtain that assistance through the financial aid process. Career Development Center The Career Development Center (CDC) provides services for all stages of career development to ensure a lifetime of career success. Their services include but are not limited to personal counseling, resume and cover letter construction, job search strategies and interviewing techniques. Library Park University's McAfee Memorial Library is physically located at our HOME campus in Parkville, Missouri. However, online students will find the library to be an excellent resource as it provides access to multiple electronic databases and ebooks. International Student Services Park serves as an education institution for hundreds of students from over 112 countries. International Student Services is available to assist both prospective and current international students. Academic Support Center The Academic Support Center offers several services to help students with their academic progress. Those in need of disability accommodations can contact the Academic Support Center for assistance with setting up those accommodations. ITS Helpdesk The ITS Helpdesk can assist students with a variety of issues. If you need assistance with your password, MyPark, Google Apps or other general computer problems, you can call or the Helpdesk. ecollege Helpdesk The ecollege Helpdesk assists students with any problems they have in the online classroom. You can contact the ecollege Helpdesk through your online classroom, by ing helpdesk@parkonline.org or by calling

11 Orientation Complete Thank you for taking the time to review our online orientation. If you would like to speak with an Enrollment Counselor, please contact Enrollment Services and we would be more than happy to assist you with any questions you have. Enrollment Services Phone: Fax: Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm CST Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm CST