Common Questions
1. Are Distance Education courses REAL college courses?
Yes, they carry the same college credit as other college courses, and you register for a Distance Education course just as you would for any other college-credit campus course.
Best of all, Distance Education courses are fully accredited and they look the same on your transcript as other college-credit classes. A college instructor grades your assignments and exams and is available should you need any help. And the college credits you earn can be applied to graduation requirements and to earning a degree.
2. What's different about Distance Education courses?
The only difference between Distance Education courses and other college-credit classes is the way you learn. Traditional courses require you to attend lectures or seminars at the campus. In a Distance Education course, you learn interacting with your teacher and fellow students via computer. You still must understand the concepts, read a textbook, turn in assignments, and take exams; however, most students agree that Distance Education courses are much more convenient because they give you more schedule flexibility.
3. How often do I have to come to campus?
You may have to go to campus to attend an orientation session, buy your textbooks and take exams. Some courses require NO attendance on campus. See the course "Preview Pages" for course requirements (clickTerm/Session, then course name).
4. When can I start?
Like regular college-credit courses, Distance Education courses are usually offered on asemester basis. Most start in late August or September, January, and May. Be sure to register early; Distance Education courses can fill up just like traditional courses.
5. How do I get my textbooks and other course materials?
You may purchase your books at the campus bookstore, or you can order your books by mail or fax and the bookstore will send them directly to you. See the course Preview Pages for course requirements (click Term/Session, then course name).
6. Is there an instructor for the Telecourse?
RVCC assigns a faculty member to design and guide the courses. He or she grades your assignments and exams and can answer any questions you may have through phone calls, voice mail, e-mail, letters, fax, or face-to-face meetings.
7. How many Distance Education courses can I take?
That depends on many factors. You should contact an RVCC advisor for assistance.
8. With Telecourses, can I really study at home, at my ownpace?
Yes! Telecourses give you the flexibility to decide when and how you'll study. But this kind of independent learning also requires a lot of self-discipline. Are you the type of person who can plan and organize your time wisely? Are you self-motivated? Do you have good reading and writing skills? You can take a quick self-quiz to see if Distance Education courses are for you.
Remember, Distance Education provides a different and more convenient way of learning, but not necessarily an easier way.
9. How much does a Distance Education course cost?
The current cost per-credit of RVCC online courses is posted here
www.raritanval.edu/registration/tuition.html. There are no additional fees associated with them.
10. Will I have the same campus privileges as other students?
Yes. All Distance Education students are welcome to use the college library and other campus resources.
11. Can I get financial aid?
Perhaps. For more information, contact RVCC's Financial Aid Office at (908) 526-1200,extension 8268, as early as possible. Financial aid deadlines are often much earlier than registration deadlines.
12. Can I take Distance Education courses and on-campus courses at the same time?
Yes! In fact, many students find that Distance Education courses allow them to accelerate the progress they make toward earning their degrees by enrolling in a combination of Distance Education courses.
13. Will there be an advisor available to help me?
Certainly! If you are working toward a degree, you'll want to talk to an advisor.
For more information, contact RVCC's Counseling Office at: (908) 526-1200, extension 8336.
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