Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Cincinnati accredited?
Will my degree earned via distance learning be the same?
Is online learning (e-learning) for me?
How do I apply to a particular distance learning program?
How do I register for distance learning classes?
Can distance learning classes apply to my degree?
Who should I contact for academic advising?
How does a typical online course work?
What are the technical requirements?
How do I get a Blackboard account?
How do I obtain textbooks?
Will I be required to attend any on-campus class meetings?
What are the current tuition and fees?
How do I pay tuition and fees?
How do I activate my UConnect email account?
Q: Is the University of Cincinnati accredited?
A: Yes, UC has regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, UC programs are accredited by various national and special accrediting bodies. See: http://www.uc.edu/about/accreditation.html.
Q: Will my degree earned via distance learning be the same?
A: Yes, programs are of the same high-quality, accredited education expected at UC. Distance courses are as rigorous and content rich as those offered in traditional classroom settings.
Q: Is online learning (e-learning) for me?
A: If you can commit time and discipline, are self motivated and have access to the Internet, then e-learning puts high quality courses at your command. If you are interested in learning more about e-learning, The Ohio Learning Network (OLN) provides a free self-paced orientation to e-learning called E4Me (Note: E4Me is undergoing modification and will available in the near future).
Q: How do I apply to a particular distance learning program?
A: Applications for admissions vary by degree and program/college. Therefore, prospective students are encouraged to visit the college’s specific distance learning program website for information regarding admission criteria, application timelines and how to apply online. General admissions information is given at http://www.uc.edu/future/.
Q: How do I register for distance learning classes?
A: Registration procedures depend on your student status (degree or non-degree seeking student; new or continuing student.) Non-degree (non-matriculated) students register through the Transfer and Lifelong Learning Center (TLLC). Select the registration link provided to the left for complete details and direct links to the necessary instructions and forms. Degree (matriculated) students register for distance learning courses following their respective college/program procedures. Additional information is available via your program/college coordinator.
Q: Can distance learning classes apply to my degree?
A: Courses offered through distance learning options are graded the same as other credit courses. At the end of the semester, you receive a grade that appears on your transcript and credit that can apply towards a degree, where applicable, or may be transferred to other programs (depending on college and major.)
Q: Who should I contact for academic advising?
A: If you are a non-degree seeking student, academic advising questions can be directed to the Transfer and Lifelong Learning Center via email to: transfer@uc.edu or by calling 513-556-2247. Degree seeking distance learners should contact their respective college/ program advisor for assistance. If you need direction to the appropriate college advisor, please email the distance learning office at ce@uc.edu or call 513-556-9154.
Q: How does a typical online course work?
A: Coursework usually includes reading lectures and/or supplemental material/required texts, completing homework assignments, taking exams, submitting assignments, and interacting with the instructor and other students online. Often times, the majority of coursework is conducted through posting messages online, commonly referred to as “discussion boards.” Some courses may also include real-time chat sessions, however, most of the coursework is conducted asynchronously, which means it is not done in real-time. Once the course begins, students usually log on at least every other day to see if any new messages have been sent to their mailbox or posted to their virtual classroom. Students can access coursework 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additional details regarding requirements and activities are provided in course confirmation and orientation materials. Also, you may want to review the respective distance learning program web site or contact the program coordinator for additional information.
Q: How do I get my assignments and contact my instructor?
A: Your course syllabus, assignments, supplemental materials and contact with your instructor are provided through an online class management system called Blackboard. Your instructor may also use Blackboard to deliver quizzes and exams as well as announcements and notices.
Q: An online course I am interested in has a day/time noted in the online schedule of classes. What does this mean?
A: Courses offered via the Internet generally do not require on-campus visits. However, some online classes require minimal on-campus visits. In this case, meeting days and times are noted in the University’s online schedule of classes.
Q: What are the technical requirements?
A: To participate in online programs students will need a computer system with current specifications. Students are encouraged to visit their distance learning program information/website for recommended system requirements as hardware and software requirements vary by program. The Blackboard Support website at http://blackboard.uc.edu/support/ also provides additional assistance regarding system requirements.
In general, technical requirements include the following:
Minimum Hardware (PC)
- 400 MHz Pentium III Processor computer
- 128 MB RAM
- 2 GB free hard drive space
- 10X CD-ROM drive
- Internet access (56 Kbps modem)
- Color monitor
- Sound card with speakers
Q: How do I get a Blackboard account?
A: Students registering for at least one course in the current semester are automatically eligible for a Blackboard account. To activate your Blackboard account, go to http://blackboard.uc.edu and click the "Activate Account" link. The Blackboard Help Center includes troubleshooting tips if difficulties are experienced. In addition, the Blackboard Support Team is available at: blackboard@uc.edu or 513-556-1602 to provide further assistance if needed.
Q: How do I obtain textbooks?
A: UC distance learning programs utilize a number of vendors to provide convenient online textbook service. See your respective distance learning program website (or the Blackboard syllabus) for resources and instructions. In addition, textbooks for distance learning courses (not part of a distance learning degree program) are available for purchase online and by mail order from the UC Bookstores at www.uc.edu/bookstore/bktextbks.asp.
Q: Will I be required to attend any on-campus class meetings?
A: This depends on the type of distance learning class or program that you elect. Online courses generally have no on-campus requirement, however, some may require minimal on-campus meetings. Video Conference classes generally require a visit to a video site; and telecourses usually are designed with a few on-campus meetings. Meeting days and times will be noted in the online schedule of classes.
Q: What are the current tuition and fees?
A: Part-time UC students are assessed on a per-credit-hour basis for less than 12 hours. Full-time fees normally cover 12 to 18 hours per semester (10 to 18 for graduate students). Credit hours exceeding 18 are assessed at the part-time credit hour rate. Other fees are assessed when appropriate. The University’s current fee schedule provides information regarding part-time, full-time and special fee programs - including Distance Learning programs. Fees vary by program and degree. For additional information you are encouraged to visit the respective program website or contact the program coordinator.
Q: How do I pay tuition and fees?
A: Students receive their bills electronically, often called e-bills, through their Bearcat-Online email account (BOL). Every student is assigned a BOL email account and bills are issued by email. Payment should be made to UC with a copy of this bill or online via One Stop online Student Services Center. As a general practice, student bills are available within 24 hours of registration. Additional information regarding the billing process is available at the One Stop Center; select "My Bill" from the menu.
Q: How do I activate my UConnect email account?
A: Students may retrieve and activate their UConnect email account directly through http://mail.uc.edu/.
Q: What is the refund policy for dropping a course?
A: All registrants must officially drop classes by the end of the eighth calendar day or appropriate Session date as designated by the distance learning program to remove their tuition-related charges and to receive a 100% refund of tuition billed for the semester. No refund is given if after a class is dropped the student remains full-time. Part-time students and full-time students dropping to part-time will receive credit on their account of instructional fees, general fees, ITIE fees, and non-resident surcharges based upon the date of the drop, according to the published schedule. The amount refunded is based on credit balances and (if applicable) the amount and type of financial aid the student has received.
Q: How do I obtain grade reports?
A: Grades are obtained online via the One Stop Services site. Go to the One Stop Student Services at: www.onestop.uc.edu, select "My Classes" from the menu of options, then "Check by grades", and follow directions to log in using your student ID and PIN. (Initially, your PIN is equal to your month and day of birth (mmdd).