California University Online Distance elearning Simplified Student Handbook. CONTENTS I. Introduction Welcome Mission Statement

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1 California University Online Distance elearning Simplified Student Handbook CONTENTS I. Introduction Welcome Mission Statement II. Open Distance elearning Program Overview Open Distance elearning Defined Open Distance elearning Faculty Testing Open Distance elearning Orientation Cost of Distance courses III. Open Distance elearning FaQ S IV. Policies and Procedures Registering for credit Class attendance Withdrawal policy Dropping classes Incompletes Student rights and responsibilities Virtual classroom conduct- netiquette Academic honesty Student appeals V. Student Services Counseling services Degree planning Personal counseling Disability services Tutoring services Coursesite Support Financial aid Library resources Social networking Text alerts Graduation VI. Course Information Class structure Bookstore Exams VII. Online Learning Tech Support

2 I. INTRODUCTION Welcome Students! Welcome to the California University FCE IDEAL Center Open Distance elearning program. We are excited you have chosen to learn with us, and we look forward to helping you achieve your educational goals. Open Distance elearning is a convenient way to access the learning environment, and if you are new to distance learning at our virtual university, we understand that you may have many questions. Open Distance e-learning allows you to study at your own pace and gives the opportunity to obtain an education while working. To be a successful distance learner it requires self-motivation and self-discipline. Open Distance e-learning students demonstrate the following: Focused, independent, accountable and driven Committed to staying on schedule Organizational and time management skills Prepared for a challenge Although this type of learning requires determination and dedication, please remember you are not alone. We are here to assist you. Also, this handbook is designed to provide Open Distance elearning learners with specific information about California University FCE IDEAL Center student services, technical support, tutoring, and policies. Please do not hesitate to take advantage of this tool. We wish you all the success in your studies and hope you enjoy your course. As we want to provide you with the knowledge and skills to successfully navigate in the modern world! Mission Statement Our mission is to deliver Quality Education through Partnership with Institutions and Individuals for the advancement of knowledge. II. OPEN DISTANCE ELEARNING PROGRAM OVERVIEW OPEN DISTANCE ELEARNING DEFINED Open Distance elearning Course a course in which a majority (more than 50 percent) of the instruction occurs when the student(s) and Program Facilitator (ProF)(s) are not in the same place. Two categories of Open Distance elearning courses are defined as: Blended elearning (BeL) Course a course which may have mandatory face-to-face sessions totaling no more than 15 percent of the instructional time. Examples of face-to-face sessions include orientation, laboratory, exam review, or an in-person test.

3 Distance elearning (Del) Course a course in which a majority (more than 50 percent but less than 85 percent), of the planned instruction occurs when the students and Program Facilitator (ProF)(s) are not in the same place. Classes may be offered in a variety of lengths throughout the semester. During the long semester classes will be offered in 16-week, 12- week, and 8-week sessions. During the summer semester classes may be offered in 10 week or 5 week sessions. courses will be offered online through the virtual university s learning Management System (LMS). For the most current Open Distance elearning Course listing, login into the virtual university, class schedule web page. The Open Distance elearning courses will be listed in the back of the schedule. OPEN DISTANCE ELEARNING FACULTY California University FCE IDEAL Center Open Distance elearning faculty develop and teach the courses they create and have had extensive training for Online Distance elearning. TESTING Testing is conducted in a variety of ways through Online Distance elearning, depending on your Program Facilitator (ProF). Exams may be given online through the LMS, or on-campus. It is important to communicate with the Program Facilitator (ProF) and read the syllabus for testing schedules and locations. California University FCE IDEAL Center has a testing center where Online Distance elearning students may be required to take examinations. OPEN DISTANCE ELEARNING COURSE ORIENTATION Orientations are mandatory for all ODel courses and may be BeL or DeL, depending on the Program Facilitator (ProF). Open Distance elearning students must contact Program Facilitator (ProF)s for orientation times and locations. During orientation Program Facilitator (ProF)s will give a brief introduction of themselves, provide any relevant course information. In addition to the required orientation, students are encouraged to login to and take the virtual university s Open Distance elearning orientation: Open Distance elearning Orientation COST OF OPEN DISTANCE ELEARNING COURSES us at registration@californiauonline.com for details. III. OPEN DISTANCE ELEARNING FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Online courses are often the answer for students who are very busy, have difficulty driving to the virtual university, or who live far away. With a different format from the traditional learning environment, students should consider a number of factors to determine their chances for success. The FaQ s below may help you determine your readiness to successfully complete such courses.

4 1. Is a Open Distance elearning (ODeL) or Online class easier than a traditional class? No. actually, Open Distance elearning classes may be more difficult due to the amount of self discipline, motivation and time that is required to successfully complete an ODeL class. While they do offer flexibility and convenience for people with already busy schedules, the motivation for completing the assignments, taking the tests and all other requirements falls to the student. The student must log in everyday to the course to check for announcements, updates, new postings, etc and take the appropriate actions. Most ODeL courses are not self-paced and do have deadlines set for turning in assignments and taking the tests just like a traditional class would have. 2. How do you know if Open Distance elearning classes are a good fit? Open Distance elearning classes are definitely not for everyone. In a typical ODeL class, the student will be working independently and in an asynchronous environment. This means there is not much real-time interaction between the students and the Program Facilitator (ProF). In addition to good typing, reading, and communication skills, there are a number of general computer skills needed, too. You need to be able to attach documents, upload and download files, and post discussions. The successful ODeL student is self motivated, has good time management skills, self discipline, and is independent. 3. Are Open Distance elearning courses accessible from anywhere? Yes it is available anywhere that has high-speed internet access. If you have internet access, you should be able to access your courses. People considering ODeL courses need to consider what type of internet service they have access to. If the internet service in your area is not ideal, check out other resources in your area that might be better, such as the public library. 4. Will I be required to come to campus during the semester if I am taking an ODeL course? It is a possibility: Some Program Facilitator (ProF)s do require that students come to campus to take their exams. Depending on the course, students might also be required to come to campus for activities related to course work. 5. How much time is required for an ODeL class? An ODeL class is typically going to require significantly more time than a traditional one. Students should understand that each hour of class credit requires three hours per week: one hour in lecture and two hours personal study/homework. Thus, a three hour course requires nine hours per week: three in class and six on your own. It is the student s responsibility to login and check for announcements, s, new discussion postings, assignments or assessments that have been released and complete the work. Also,

5 students should not wait until the last minute to submit assignments or take assessments. Technical glitches are a very real possibility. If something does happen while taking an assessment or trying to submit assignments, students should notify the Program Facilitator (ProF) immediately. 6. Since the Open Distance elearning class is online, does that mean it is self-paced or can the student complete it whenever? No. The majority of ODeL classes will have assignments and assessments that have due dates associated with them. If a student fails to complete them on time, the assignment/assessments will show as missed, the student will not be able to access and submit them. Students need to contact their Program Facilitator (ProF)s immediately if they are having technical? Trouble with assignments/assessments. Again it is important complete work in advance, and not to try to complete course material immediately before the deadline. 7. What portal does California University FCE IDEAL Center use? Every Program Facilitator (ProF) uses Coursesites/Blackboard, for their ODeL classes along with the Fedora system. 8. What is Coursesites/Blackboard? Blackboard is a company that develops Learning Management Systems. Coursesites is a product that falls under Blackboard. It is a self-contained place to present material to students. The advantage of using such a system is that it is self-contained and therefore sensitive information is not accessible to unauthorized users. 9. Is there a test that I can take to measure my readiness for Open Distance e-learning courses? Yes! California University FCE IDEAL Center would like every student to be successful. All incoming students are required to take the readiness test which can be taken anywhere there is internet access. It has a secure data base that can be accessed by our counselors after the test has been completed. 10. Do I need to own a computer or any gadget? Yes. ODeL courses are designed for the student who, for various reasons, wants to study at a different location from the school and Program Facilitator (ProF), but has access to high-speed internet. 11. What are the basic computer requirements? To be successful in an online course, students who use their personal computers or any gadget that have high speed internet access. IV. POLICY AND PROCEDURES Steps to register: complete the registration process, in person or online at If required, complete testing assessment at any California U Study Center.

6 New students must attend orientation and meet with a counselor or advisor. Students can then register online or in person (online account information is provided at time of admission). Once registered, payment deadlines must be met either with full or partial payment or financial aid awards. Any holds for documents or information needed to complete an admission file, or for any funds or items owed to the virtual university must be cleared prior to registration. Once students have completed the registration process they may begin registering for classes through their accounts. For a list of Open Distance elearning courses go to the ODeL Web page. Class Attendance Regular virtual attendance in online classes is expected of all students at California University FCE IDEAL. Students are responsible for requesting and completing any class work that is missed or late. Unless there is an extenuating circumstance, students must be present: during each week of the 8-week term during any intensive course Students registered for an 8-week course must be active the first week of class. Activity in class includes any submission to Blackboard, any required submission outside of Blackboard, or initiating any communication with the ProF regarding an academic subject. Students who fail to attend or submit an assignment during the first week of an 8-week session will be administratively removed from the class roster. The course will be dropped from the student s schedule. The student will not be charged for the course, and will need to register again at a later time. Students in ODeL courses must log-in to their LMS or they will be counted as absent. Students who have been absent from class for three hours or three sessions may be dropped by the Program Facilitator (ProF) for nonattendance, with grades of F or W2. Online students are required to follow the same policy. Program Facilitator (ProF)s may, however, develop individual policies regarding absences. Withdrawal Policy To avoid withdrawal from classes, contact your Program Facilitator (ProF) about your academic performance. You may also want to contact a counselor to learn about California University FCE IDEAL Center resources (child care, financial aid, tutoring, job placement, etc.) Dropping Classes Students are responsible for dropping classes. There are mandated refund policies, and last days to drop before class records appear on transcripts (this is the census date of a term or session). Students need permission from Program Facilitator (ProF)s to drop courses after the 3/4 point in a semester or session. Incompletes

7 Policy for incompletes: a grade of I indicates incomplete work resulting from illness or other unavoidable circumstances. To be eligible to receive an I students must have completed at least 75 percent of the work required for the course in question during the original term of enrollment. To receive an I a student must enter into a contract with the Program Facilitator (ProF) of the course regarding the work that is to be completed and the grade that the student will receive in the event that the work is not completed. The remaining work must normally be completed within one calendar year unless the student and Program Facilitator (ProF) have agreed to a longer period for completion. Program Facilitator (ProF)s have the right to submit any grade at any time to replace an I grade, including a grade of F. Student Rights and Responsibilities Just like students in face-to-face classes all students are responsible for their rights and responsibilities. Students are responsible for: Knowing the requirements for the degree they seek. Enrolling in courses that fit into degree programs. Taking courses in proper sequence to ensure orderly progression of work. Knowing and abiding by the virtual university regulations regarding the standard of work required to continue in the virtual university, as well as those dealing with scholastic probation, academic integrity, and enforced withdrawal. Virtual Classroom Conduct Netiquette As with all California University FCE IDEAL Center face-to-face courses, all students are to follow California University FCE IDEAL Center Policy and Procedures. Students who choose to violate these policies are subject to disciplinary action which could include denial of access to courses. Academic Honesty Academic honesty is essential to the maintenance of an environment where teaching and learning take place. It is also the foundation upon which students build personal integrity and establish standards of personal behavior. California University FCE IDEAL Center expects and encourages all students to contribute to such an environment by observing the principles of academic honesty. Student Appeals To maintain an environment that promotes teaching and learning, California University FCE IDEAL Center has developed policies that outline instructional and behavioral expectations in individual course syllabi/outlines and policy regarding student conduct, academic honesty, and sexual harassment. V. STUDENT SERVICES Counseling Services California University FCE IDEAL Center employs a staff of professional counselors and advisors whose primary responsibilities include helping students select courses in which they can succeed and which lead to the realization of their educational goals. Other services include academic advising, career counseling and exploration, and offering personal counseling in a confidential manner. California University FCE IDEAL Center is dedicated to providing quality instruction and services to all of the students it enrolls.

8 Students who are having difficulty with classes, with other students, or are considering withdrawing from the virtual university for other reasons are urged to speak with a counselor or advisor before dropping a class or failing to attend classes on a regular basis. Personal Counseling California University FCE IDEAL Center has qualified counselors available to assist with students with personal counseling needs for no cost. Students may seek personal help for the depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, crisis intervention, etc. counselors and students will work together to determine if the needs can be satisfied through California University FCE IDEAL Center. Disability Services The purpose of the Disability Services Office at California University FCE IDEAL Center is to assist individuals with disabilities with accommodations and services that will promote their success and integration into virtual university and virtual university related activities. The counselor for Students with Disabilities works with students, faculty, and staff to ensure equal opportunity to all programs. For credit courses, continuing education, and community events, individuals will be provided equal access. Library Resources Our website provides access to a plethora of resources for you: electronic books, newspaper, magazine, and journal articles are all available from the library s site. not sure how to do research? There are tutorials there, too. Want a person to talk with? Phone, , or chat with us; contact info is on the website, too. We re here to help you succeed! Social Networking Social networking is an online community that lets you meet your friends friends. Social networking sites such as FaceBook allow you to create a private community where you can share photos, journals and interests with your growing network of mutual friends! According to the latest study on social networking, social websites have grown by leaps and bounds during the last year. The true power of social networking sites lies in the ability both to make connections and to exploit the potential of the knowledge pool created. California University FCE IDEAL Center is a member of several social networking sites which can be found on Text Alerts We are pleased to announce that California University FCE IDEAL Center now has a state-of-the-art notification system that is capable of sending notifications instantly and simultaneously to you. You may choose to receive notifications on your: mobile phone (text message) address California University FCE IDEAL Center web site To register need to fill out the form on the web and have your cell phone turned on to complete the process. Graduation

9 Certificates and degrees are not awarded automatically. For information you may VI. COURSE INFORMATION Class Structure In an ODeL course, students complete assignments, take tests, and do other coursework as they would in an on-campus class. They do this mostly within their course website. However, please note that some classes may require students to meet on-campus for orientations, labs, and/or exams. It is important that students read the course syllabus and course outline thoroughly to anticipate assignments and exams and to complete them on time. However in some courses student may be required to meet on-campus for orientation, exams, labs, etc. Bookstore Textbooks and other supplies needed by California University FCE IDEAL Center students are available in the university bookstore, which is may be purchased online at In addition, the bookstore stocks a variety of stationery, clothing, and personal items. Exams It is the responsibility of the student to be familiar with the course syllabus and know where the course exams will be administered. During Open Distance elearning courses Exams may be taken 3 ways: 1. At California University FCE IDEAL Center - study center 2. On campus in a classroom designated by the Program Facilitator (ProF) 3. Within the virtual university s LMS. VII. ONLINE LEARNING SUPPORT a wide variety of online services are available to students via the California University FCE IDEAL Center web site. Students must have their user ID ready.