Distance Learning Overview

Our staff strives to provide you with all the tools needed to enhance your learning as an on-line student.  It is important that you review the information on these pages to decide if distance learning is right for you. Please email the Distance Learning Coordinator if you have any questions.

Is distance learning right for me?
Do I have the necessary computer skills?
How do I take exams?
How do I know what courses are available?
I want to take a DL course.. What do I do now?
Tuition and fees
Drops/Withdrawals and Refunds
Academic Resourses
College Policies/Academic Honesty

Is distance learning right for me?
You are the only one that can decide if distance learning is right for you. Most students choose online classes for convenience. Personal factors such as your family and job commitments, and your location can make it challenging for you to take on-campus courses. While convenience is clearly a benefit, it is only one factor you need to consider.

Online courses are no easier than on-campus courses, and they require the same amount of time to complete. Other factors you must consider are your learning style preferences and motivation, time management, computer and Internet skills, and access to equipment and computers. Successful distance learners are self-disciplined, self-motivated, and do not require regular reminders from the instructor or classmates to meet deadlines.

Returning Garrett College students must have a minimum of 2.0 GPA to enroll in distance learning courses.

Do I have the necessary computer skills?
If you currently use word processing software, can copy and paste material, e-mail an attached document, and search for information on the Internet, you have the skills necessary for participating in a distance learning course. While not all distance learning courses may require these skills, they will make communicating with the school and professor more timely and convenient.

How do I take the exams?
Students are required to schedule their exam with the testing center 48 hours prior to the exam. Most distance learning courses require proctored exams. The Testing Center provides proctored testing for distance learning courses. Exam appointments are scheduled on a first come, first-served basis. Exams are given between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, in the Testing Center. Please bring a form of identification when you come to take an exam. To schedule the day and time that works best for you, please contact the Testing Center, well in advance (1-2 weeks) of your appointment.

Testing Center is open
Monday - Friday, 8:30 -4:30
301-387-3155 or testingcenter@garrettcollege.edu

How do I know what's available?
Distance Learning classes are listed in the Schedule of Credit Classes.

What do I do now?

Step 1
Meet with your advisor to select the course (or courses) you want to take via distance learning. After verifying that each course meets degree requirements, your advisor will list the courses on your registration form. Like traditional courses, you must register for a DL course in the Office of Records & Registration.

Step 2
Take the registration form, signed by your advisor, to the Office of Records & Registration in the Student Center (Room 410 in Student Services). The Registrar will ask you to fill out an Internet Course Information sheet. The information you list includes the email address that you will use throughout the course. Registration hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Step 3
The Distance Learning Coordinator will contact you via email to confirm enrollment in the course (or courses). You will receive log on and password information for the BlackBoard system (if a new student), information about your distance learning course(s); how it will be delivered, who will contact you, how to purchase books, etc.

If for some reason you do not fill out the Internet Course Information sheet, you must email the Distance Learning Coordinator the following information:

• The on-line course(s) you have registered to take.
• Your contact information including telephone number

In turn, we will notify you of your instructor’s email address and your Blackboard login information. You cannot access the course without your login information.

Returning Garrett College students must have a minimum of 2.0 GPA to enroll in distance learning courses.

Tuition & Fees
Fees are assessed on a per-credit-hour basis. An additional per-credit fee will be charged for online classes that are not taught by Garrett College.

Financial aid will support distance courses as long as the federal guidelines are being met. Our staff will work with the Financial Aid Office to ensure the reporting of correct information. It is your responsibility, however, to be sure your aid is available and to pay your fees and tuition by the due date to avoid cancellation and a subsequent late fee.

Drop/Withdrawals& Refunds
You are subject to Garrett College drop and withdrawal policies. All drops must be processed through the Office of Records & Registration to assure proper completion. Improper withdrawal could affect your fees and grades.

A 100 percent refund may be granted when a course is dropped before the start date. Prorated refunds are issued after the start date. Refer to the academic calendar for important refund and drop dates.

Academic Resourses
Garrett College offers various resources to help you succeed in you courses.

Learning Resource Center
The Learning Resource Center offers a vast variety of research information including online databases. Visit the Garrett College Learning Resource Center.

Computer Labs
The McHenry campus has open lab hours for those in need of computer use. Visit the Garrett College Computer Lab.

Bookstore
If your course originates from Garrett, you may purchase your books here on campus. If your course originates from another campus, you have another option of special ordering you books from the Garrett Book Store.

Tutoring Center | Math Lab | Writing Lab
Garrett offers a Tutoring Center, Writing Center, and Math Lab, all FREE to our students.

College Policies & Academic Honesty
The code of student conduct, including academic honesty, extends to Garrett College students enrolled in distance learning courses. A full disclosure of the policies can be found here or in the college catalog.

Garrett College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution.