FAQs
- What are Distance Learning courses?
--Distance learning courses offer students an opportunity to earn college credit through a variety of non-classroom oriented courses. Instead of attending on-campus classes, students participate in an orientation session and utilize textbooks and instructional technologies to complete coursework independently. Tests are taken at SJCD Testing Centers, other designated testing facilities, or online. Distance Learning students can expect to spend as much time and cover the same material as they would in a classroom course. Each course has an instructor for students to contact when they need assistance.
- Are Distance Learning courses the same as self-paced, correspondence courses?
--San Jacinto does not offer correspondence courses. Distance Learning courses are not self-paced; they have deadlines for finishing tests and turning in assignments. All coursework must be completed by the end of the session in which you registered. You may be allowed to turn in your work early and finish the course before the end of the semester; however your final grades will still be posted at the end of the session.
- Can anyone take a Distance Learning course?
--The Admissions and Registration procedures are the same for all SJCD credit courses. Students do not need to seek prior approval from the Distance Learning administrative office or from the instructor to register for a course, unless it is specifically noted in the Credit Course Schedule. Distance Learning students have all the same rights, privileges, and obligations as classroom students.
- Do I get the same credit? Will it transfer?
--Distance Learning courses are fully accredited. Course content and transferability are the same as for courses offered on-campus. Check with the Counseling Center for transferability of specific courses. On SJCD's transcripts, courses taken through Distance Learning are not designated any differently than classroom courses. There are no limits on the total number of credits that may be earned by Distance Learning courses.
- Do Distance Learning courses cost more?
--Tuition and fees are the same as for classroom courses. Prices are determined by the student's residency information and the number of course credits for which the student registers. There is also a distance learning fee that is processed for distance learning courses. Payment procedures and deadlines are the same as for all SJCD credit courses.
- Do Distance Learning courses have class limits?
--Like all SJCD classes, Distance Learning courses have class limits, and they will fill and close. The procedure for trying to get into a closed class is the same for all SJCD credit courses; the student must wait until the Add/Drop session to appeal to the Dean or Department Chair of the academic department, and request a class limit overload. Neither the course instructor nor Distance Learning administrators have the ability to add a student over the class limit.
- What is a Distance Learning orientation?
--Students may be required to participate in an orientation for each Distance Learning course in which they have registered. The orientation provides the student with an opportunity to meet the instructor, receive the course syllabus and deadlines, and obtain other course-related information. Orientations may be online or in-person. If you are unable to attend an orientation, contact your instructor immediately.
- How do I obtain my 9-digit SJCD student ID number?
--SJCD student ID numbers can be found on your SJCD student ID card, your fee receipt, and your printed schedule. Student ID cards can be picked up in the Library on the campus you registered. A paid fee slip must be presented to receive your ID card. If you are registered only for Distance Learning courses, your ID card will also be located in the Library on the campus you registered. If you need your ID number prior to receiving your ID card, you can obtain a copy of your fee receipt in the Cashier's Office at any campus, or you can have a copy of your schedule printed in the Admissions office. Your instructor will also have your ID number on the official class roster.
- How do I login to Blackboard?
--First, go to SJCD's Blackboard web site and click the Login button. You will be prompted to enter a User ID and Password to log into your courses.
If you have taken a distance learning course previously, or have used Blackboard in the past, you will not need to recreate your login information.
To access Blackboard, you will need your SJCD Student ID number. If you do not know your Student ID, you can locate your Student ID number on your student ID card, a paid fee slip, or your semester schedule.
If you are new Blackboard User, click the Create Account button on the SJCD Blackboard Website to create your account information. You will enter your first name, last name, and email address. Your Username must be your Student ID number and your password can be your date of birth. Please be aware that accounts will be deleted that do not have the Student ID number as the Username.
Please note: All student User IDs and Passwords follow this format beginning in the Summer 2004 semester. If you have used Blackboard for SJCD courses in the past, you can no longer log into Blackboard using your previous Usernames and Passwords. - How do I take tests for my Distance Learning course?
--Testing for Distance Learning courses may be conducted in the SJCD Academic Testing Centers, located at on all three campuses. Students should check with the specific testing center to determine hours of operation. Students must present a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, and a current SJCD ID card or fee receipt in order to use the testing facilities. Testing may also be conducted online, depending on the instructor's course design.
Out-of-District Testing: Students who will be outside of the SJCD service area during the session must get approval from their instructor to test at a location other than an SJCD Testing Center. The student will locate an official testing facility and make arrangements for testing. Once the testing institution agrees, the student will request that the institution's representative send a letter, on official letterhead, to the Distance Learning administrative office confirming that they will provide testing services for the student. The student will determine the testing facility's hours of operation, availability of a proctor for the session, payment of testing/proctoring fees, and any special requirements specified by the testing institution. The student will also pay postage to return the completed exams to the SJCD instructor.
