Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q. Are online courses the same price as regular courses?

A. Yes, tuition for online courses is same as on-campus courses.  Please check our website for information on tuition:   http://learn.uvm.edu/?Page=financial_information.html

Q. Do I need a high-speed Internet connection to take an online course?

A. Yes, you would need a high-speed Internet connection.   

Q. What are computer hardware requirements?

A. Please check the website:  http://learn.uvm.edu/online/?Page=online_support.html

Q.  How does an online course work?

A. UVM's platform is Blackboard.  You will attend class when it is convenient for you.  Professionals and stay at home parents seem to prefer online courses for their convenience.  

Q. Do all students in an online course need to be online at the same time?

A. No. UVM online courses are asynchronous, which means that students do not have to log onto the course at the same time.  However, you will have to send in your assignment as well as take tests and exams at designated times. 

Q. How will I interact with other students in an online course? What about the professor?

A. You will interact with classmates through discussions and group activities.  Your instructor will post his/her office hours when he/she will be interacting with the class as a whole or may interact with you one-on-one. 

Q. Will there be any times when our class has to meet in person? 

A. In most online courses, you do not meet your classmates or instructor.  If the course is a hybrid, online classes may meet in person sometimes.  Please check your syllabus for any scheduled meeting times.

Q. How many hours will I need to be online? 

A. A three-credit online course will require approximately 9 to 12 hours a week.  However, summer courses are much more compressed, and require more time.

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LOGGING ONTO THE ONLINE COURSE

Q. Which username & password do I use to log in? 

A. Use your UVM NetID and password.  If you have not activated your UVM NetID, please go to: http://www.uvm.edu/account/ and activate your UVM NetID.

Q. Is there a specific time of day I need to log on? 

A. Unless otherwise specified, you will log onto your course when it is most convenient for you.  In order to complete an assignment, group project (if there is any) or take a test, you will have to log on at a specified time.


Q. The online course I enrolled in already started.  But I can't log onto the course.  What do I do?

A. Go to:  https://bb.uvm.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp

Even before you log onto the Blackboard with your NetID, you will see a help button on the Blackboard page.  Click it, and you will be able to send your question to a technical support person through Live Chat.

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WHEN A COURSE IS FULL

Q. The course I am interested is currently full.  How can I get into this course?
 
A. If a course you attempt to enroll in is full, you will be prompted to add your name and email address under the course.  The online advisor will be able to notify you when the course has spaces.  You may be able to contact the instructor and ask for an electronic override.

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HOW TO DROP AN ONLINE CLASS

Q. How do I drop or withdraw from a course?  What is the refund policy?

A. Add/drop/withdrawal dates FOR ONLINE COURSES are the same as for on-campus courses.  Please go to http://registrar.uvm.edu/ , click on Important Dates and then Academic Calendar.  The same refund policy for on-campus courses apply to on-line courses.  If you are requesting a refund, you need to check with your dean's office.  For summer add/drop/withdrawal dates, please contact Continuing Education 802-656-2085, 800-639-3210.