On-line Orientation
Congratulations on your choice to enroll at Southern Polytechnic
State University in the distance learning program! Here, you’ll study
technology in a unique, practical manner and use what you learn to
solve real-world problems. You’ll be using technology to learn about
technology!
Your professors are experienced, dedicated faculty members who share
their industry experience with their students and go the extra mile
to help you earn a certificate or degree on your schedule.
At Southern Poly, we realize that distance learning is a unique
educational experience and not suited for all types of learners.
Therefore, if you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to take
the Distance learning Self-assessment before
you begin orientation. This quiz is designed to help you decide if
distance learning is
right for you. Only you will see your results.
To help you get the most out of your distance education, we’d like
to take a few minutes to orient you to SPSU and the opportunities
your education offers. By reading through the orientation material
below, you’ll become familiar with student services, technical assistance,
and other support available to you through the University. If you
would like more specific information about any of the areas covered,
please click on the links provided. You can also contact Southern
Poly’s Office of Distance Learning at 678-915-3713 or call toll
free 1-800-635-3204 for help.
Again, Welcome to distance learning at Southern Polytechnic!
Orientation Questions
1) How do I register for classes?
2) How do I apply for financial aid and scholarships?
3) What equipment will I need in order to take an on-line course?
4) What is WebCT? Do I have to buy it? How hard is it
to use?
5) What technical help is available to me?
6) How do I buy books and other course materials?
7) What student services are available to me and how do I access
these services?
8) How do I use the Library?
9) How do I check my schedule or get a transcript?
10) As a distance learning student, what fees do I pay?
11) If / When I come to campus for any reason, how do I obtain a
parking pass?
1. How do I register for classes?
Students can register for distance learning courses
by logging into the BANNER
student information system during their scheduled registration time.
If you have questions or difficulties with the registration process,
please contact the Registrar’s Office or the department in which
you are registering for classes. Click here
for contact information for specific departments. If you wish to
register for E-core classes, please call Extended University at
678-915-3714.
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2. How do I apply for financial aid and/or scholarships?
Financial
aid and scholarship application forms are available online in printable
versions on the Financial Aid website at http://www.spsu.edu/finaid/
. This page offers much information about types of financial aid,
steps to receive financial, and links to other resources. To access
financial aid forms, click on “Financial Aid Forms” in the menu
at the left side of the page. Scholarships may also be available
through individual departments. Check with your major department.
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3. What equipment will I need in order to take an on-line course?
All of our on-line and most of our traditional courses require daily
access to the internet and a computer capable of running both current
versions of web browsers, as well as standard productivity applications
(Microsoft Word, etc…). The majority of our distance learning courses
use the web to deliver courses at a distance. These courses use WebCT,
a web-based course management system that is accessible through a
web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Mozilla). WebCT
requires specific versions of web browsers and the installation of
the Sun Java run-time environment. Please visit http://www.webct.com/tuneup to
determine if your browser needs to be upgraded to work with WebCT.
Your primary means of communication with your professor and class
members will be email, so you will need an email application and
an active email address.
You will also need word processing software (such as Microsoft Word) to complete
your assignments. Other software requirements, such as Excel, may vary with
each course. Your professor will make you aware of any additional software
requirements.
If you have questions regarding equipment or email requirements
for on-line courses, please contact the department in which you
are taking or plan to take the course. Click
here for contact information for specific departments.
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4. What is WebCT? Do I have to buy it? How hard is it to
use?
WebCT (Web Course Tools) was one of the first companies to develop software for teaching over the Internet. Each WebCT course has its own built-in tools like Chat rooms, Discussion boards, E-mail, and Quizzing so the instructor doesn't have to recreate them for each class. WebCT is also a password protected environment so that all your course work is protected from outsiders. Students and faculty do not need to purchase anything to use WebCT. WebCT works through your regular Internet browser, such as Netscape, Internet Explorer and AOL. How hard is WebCT to use? Not hard at all. Students who use e-mail and can browse the Internet will have no problem using WebCT. SPSU provides excellent support both on campus and off for its WebCT users.
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5. What technical help is available to me?
Password problems: eCore students, WebBSIT students, and SPSU distance students can all go to the Online Support Center (OSC) for password resets. During regular business hours, SPSU students only may also call the SPSU HELPDESK 678-915-4357
All Vista support will now go through the statewide Online Support Center(OSC): as of July 1st, 2006 a new help center is available through the University System of Georgia which will be a 24/7/365 service.
The URL is: http://help.view.usg.edu.
The OSC offers four methods for receiving technical help: For more information and tips on how to use the online support center, view this Introduction Guide.
-
Search: Go to the web site above and search the Knowledge Base topics for your problem. Most problems will be found using this method along with the action you should take to correct the issue.
- Submit a ticket: if you cannot find what you need after one or two searches, then, submit a ticket.
- Chat: there is a live chat link to communicate with a technologist. If your preliminary search of the Knowledge Base didn’t solve your problem, try this live alternative.
- Call: the OSC provides a toll-free number on the OSC web site. This should never be your first choice for assistance.
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6. How do I buy books and other course materials?
All the materials you will need for your courses at SPSU are available
for purchase from the campus Bookstore. From the Bookstore’s
homepage, you can reserve your textbooks on-line
for in-store pickup or arrange for your books and materials to
be delivered to your doorstep.
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7. What student services are available to me and how do
I access these services?
Southern Poly provides the following student services for distance
learners. You can access any of these services by clicking on the
link provided or contacting the department directly. Simply let them
know that you are a student in the distance learning program, and
they will make the appropriate accommodations to assist you.
- Career
Services – Many resources are offered on the Career Services website,
including tips on resume writing, resume posting, and links to
job search engines.
For more detailed information, click on the Career Services link
or contact their office at 678-915-7391.
- Financial Aid – Contact the Financial Aid office at 678-915-7290 or by email
at financial_aid@spsu.edu.
You can also view up-to-date financial aid and scholarship
information by clicking on the above link to the Financial Aid
website.
- Library –
Resources available at SPSU’s Johnson Library are outlined and
can be
accessed through the Library’s “Resources
for Distance Learners”
web page. More detailed information about using the Library
is discussed in question #8.
- Counseling –
Resources are available to distance learning students on the counseling
website, which can be accessed by clicking
on the link provided.
Please note that individual counseling sessions WILL NOT
be conducted via telephone or email. If you would like
more information
about
the Counseling Center or need assistance locating a counselor
in your area, you may contact the Counseling Center via
email or at
678-915-7391.
- Academic Advising – Advising takes place within your major department
and is conducted by faculty in that area. Please contact your
individual department for advising. Click
here for contact information for specific departments.
- Technical Support – Assistance
is available through the University
System of Georgia’s helpdesk
or by contacting SPSU’s
helpdesk.
Please refer to question #4 for more detailed information
regarding
technical support for students.
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8. How do I use the Library?
The services provided by Johnson Library are described on the “Resources
for Distance Learners”
web page. This page is maintained by library staff and contains
links to instructions on how to use the basic online resources,
including GIL, the library’s online catalog, GALILEO and other
electronic databases provided by the University System of Georgia
and SPSU, online journal and other online resources. These pages
also provide links to email addresses of library contacts. Electronic
Reserves may be requested by the professor for student access by
contacting the Systems Librarian at 678-915-7467. For assistance
with other services or to ask questions, contact the Head of Reference
at 678-915-7471.
The Library also provides registered students with the Hornet Connect web site, which allows students to access the many library databases from off campus. To access Hornet Connect, go to http://connect.spsu.edu and follow the instructions for login.
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9. How do I check my schedule or get a transcript?
An unofficial transcript can be obtained on-line from the BANNER
student information system. Official transcripts must be requested
from the Registrar’s Office in writing. You can
either stop by the Registrar’s Office and fill out a Transcript Request
From or send a letter with your name, social security number, name
and address of the person and/or company which will be receiving
the transcript, and your signature to:
Office of Student Records
Transcript Request
1100 South Marietta Parkway
Marietta, GA 30060
OR fax your transcript request to (678) 915-7292, attention Bennie
Houck. Transcript are issued free of charge.
To check your schedule, contact your department or view your schedule
on BANNER.
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10. How do I find out what tuition and fees I pay?
Please refer to our online
catalog
for a description of fees and tuition rates. If you have specific
questions regarding fees or tuition, please contact the Registrar’s
office at (678) 915-4188 or call toll free 1-800-635-3204 and ask
to speak to the Registrar’s office.
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11. If / When I come to campus for any reason, how do I
obtain a parking pass?
If you need or want to come to campus at any time, you may contact
your department and request that a parking pass be mailed to you.
This process will take 1-2 days plus the shipping time. If you don’t
have time to wait for a pass, simply park in one of the “Visitor”
lots located throughout campus.
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