Frequently Asked Questions

How does an online course work?
You access your “virtual classroom” in cyberspace through your computer’s connection to the Internet. After you have registered for your online course, your account will be created and accessible at the start of the semester.

The computer desktop will have a collection of links to such documents as the syllabus, assignments, Web links. You “post” your weekly assignments to other links. You will use e-mail and chat rooms as your primary means of communication within your course.

How and when do I get started?
Know which class you are in: Math, Chemistry or other online course(s). SMCC courses start on the first day of the semester. Go into your course on the first day of the semester and see when instruction begins. Read all the information and complete the "Student Orientation-Blackboard 101".

Do I have to attend my online classes during a specific time of day?
No. Online courses enable you to learn anytime from anywhere. Assignments have deadlines and you are expected to participate 5 out of 7 days a week, but you may log on at 3 a.m. if that is the best time for you. Note: Online courses are not self-paced; because there are deadlines, you cannot save up your work for the weekend or specific days during the week.

Your interaction with your classmates and instructor is mainly asynchronous, which means you are not interacting in real time. Chat rooms are synchronous interaction, requiring you to be online at a specific time, but your instructor will make adjustments to fit students’ schedules.

Are there any on-campus meetings?
Depends. You attend classes virtually, through your computer connection to the Internet. Some courses may require a proctored exam (e.g., MATH), but you will be able to make arrangements with your instructor to take the exam at SMCC. The schedule for Testing Services can be found here. CLICK HERE

How are online courses graded?
As an online student, you will spend approximately 12-15 hours a week (perhaps more) on your course reading, thinking, writing, and discussing your ideas with others. Depending upon the course, your grade may be based on your written discussion, commentaries, exercises, papers, projects, essays, research, collaborative assignments, quizzes, exams, and journal writing.

How does my instructor know that I am “attending” class?
Your attendance is measured automatically within Blackboard. The system records the amount of time you spend online, and the date and time of each entry (posting), whether it's a completed assignment or discussion comment. If you procrastinate and fail to log in for more than a few days, you will fall behind in coursework. Most people who drop out or fail online courses do so because they did not develop the habit of logging in daily to keep in touch.

What if I’m behind in my course work?
Contact your instructor! When you experience difficulties with the course or your computer, contact your instructor ASAP to make arrangements for getting back on schedule. If appropriate, contact a campus advisor to help work through your problem. As a last resort, if both you and your instructor agree that it is not possible for you to catch up, contact Registration about withdrawing from the course. Remember, dropping a class or changing to audit may affect financial aid eligibility even if you are not receiving financial aid the quarter you withdraw. Don’t wait until it’s too late! See the SMCC academic calendar for important deadlines.

What about disability accommodations?
Students with disabilities who need special services to access SMCC programs or who wish to seek programmatic accommodations based on their disability should contact Mark Krogman, the ADA Services Coordinator, at (207) 741-5629.

Where do I get my textbooks?
Purchase your books ASAP. The SMCC bookstore carries the textbooks.

May I use financial aid to purchase the books for my online course?
You are responsible for purchasing your own books and supplies until financial aid checks are available. It is very important for you to have these books in order to succeed in your course work. If waiting for your financial aid check will cause you a hardship, please contact the Financial Aid office at least two weeks prior to the start of your course in order to discuss other options.

What do I do if my class has started and I don’t have my books yet?
NEVER wait to begin your course until your books arrive. At the beginning of the quarter, some of your assignments may not even require a book. Participation is CRITICAL to your grade. If you do not join your class at the beginning, you will get behind very quickly and may never catch up. Use e-mail to communicate with your instructor whenever you have any questions or problems.

Do I need to purchase all the books listed for my course?
Yes, unless the book title is followed by the word “recommended” or “ optional.”

Quick Browser Test
Do you wonder if your Internet browser will work with the online courseware? Go to Check Browser Page .