Online Campus

Who can take an online course from United Tribes Techical College?

Online courses are for credit and are open to anyone. Individual courses sometimes have specific enrollment requirements, but those will be indicated in the course catalog.

How do online courses work?

You must have access to the Internet and a computer. You will access your class via your web browser during times that are convenient to you. Classes are designed to be taken asynchronously at your convenience. That means that you don't need to be online at the same time as the instructor. You will still need to follow weekly deadlines for coursework and discussions, however. You will do your reading, coursework, take tests, and interact with your instructor and classmates via web pages, electronic mail, discussion groups, and, in some cases, chat rooms.

How much do I need to know about computers to take an online course?

If you have accessed the Internet before you should have no trouble. Each course is designed around a simple and standardized interface. Each course includes instructions from your instructor about general course information as well as a link to a basic tutorial on using the course interface. Since every course at UTTC Online is designed around the same interface, you will find that it is very easy to go from one UTTC Online course to another. You will need to know how to create and format papers for course assignments and you should understand how to send attachments via email.

Do I have to have my own computer to take an online class?

No, you do not need to own your own computer, however, you must have easy access to one that meets the minumum requirements. Many people taking online courses find that they do most of their assignments at home in the evenings after their chores are finished and their children are asleep. UTTC may be able to help you apply financial aid toward the purchase of a computer and Internet Service Provider.

What type of computer equipment do I need?

If you can access the Internet and and send email you probably meet the minimum requirements, check our Technical page for more details. Some courses may require specific software as part of the coursework. If that is the case the course catalog will specify what is needed and who (the student or UTTC) is responsible for providing it.

What makes online courses different from traditional courses or correspondence courses?

UTTC Online courses have a high level of interaction between students and the instructor, as well as between the students themselves. Many students feel that they are able to contribute more to a discussion in online courses and that the depth of coverage in online discussions yields much more knowledge. No longer do you have one or two students monopolizing the discussions – in UTTC Online courses. everyone has the chance to contribute and be heard! In fact, it is required.

Can I take online courses if I use adaptive equipment or software to access the internet?

Some students with disabilities may require adaptive software or hardware which is needed to access the Internet. These adaptive tools are the responsibility of the student since they are to be used at home. UTTC Online courses are compatible with nearly all adaptive devices. If you are using an adaptive device and can view this page you should not have any problems viewing course pages.

Are online courses for me?

Successful online students seem to have the following characteristics:

They have reliable access to a computer, a modem and an Internet connection.
They are at ease navigating the World Wide Web and using E-mail
They communicate well in writing.
They like to read.
They are self-motivated and self-disciplined.
They are able to commit from 9 to 16 hours per week per course.
They are willing to use critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process.
They are willing to participate in the course discussion room 5 to 7 days a week.
They work collaboratively with classmates on projects.
They complete assignments on time.
They learn and feel engaged in an online learning environment.

How do I enroll?

To enroll you must complete the admissions application which can be downloaded from the Admissions Information page.

How much does it cost to take an online course?

Tuition is $87.50 per credit. There is an additional $47.50 per credit online access fee (total $135.00 per credit). Financial Aid is available. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 701-255-3285 ext. 1209 or email Financial Aid for more information.

Can I drop a class once I've started it?

Yes, you may drop a class provided you do it by a certain date after the class has begun. Cutoff dates for dropping classes is provided in the UTTC Calendar. Your advisor is the best resource for this kind of information.

When do online courses start?

Online courses generally start the same time as campus classes. You will not be able to access course material until the beginning date of each course. Most courses will also have a specific ending date by which time all coursework must have been submitted.

Do I have to access my course at the same time everyday?

No, but you will have to access your class several times a week at times that are convenient to you. Some courses may have specific online events that require everyone to be online at a specific time but these events, if they occur at all, will be rare.

Will I be required to come to campus?

Generally not. Some courses may be part online, part campus based and so will require students to come to campus for certain portions of the course. Some courses may include specific events that require students to come to campus, though such events, if they occur at all, will be rare. If students will be required to come to campus for a course for any reason it will be clearly stated in the course catalog.

Do online course have actual instructors?

Yes, each and every online course has an instructor. He or she develops the curriculum, conducts the class, gives the assignments, answers questions, leads discussions, and assigns grades.

How do I contact my instructor?

They are many ways to contact your instructor. The most basic way to contact your instructor is email, but you will also interact with your instructor via the online course discussion board. Also you will be able to contact instructors during their office hours by phone if you wish.

How do I receive course materials and text books?

Most course materials and textbooks will be mailed to students after registering. Online Learner Support Services will work with you to get your textbooks out to you. Rarely some material might be required that is the responsibility of the student to provide, in such a case it will be clearly stated in the course catalog.

How do I submit work for an online course?

Online coursework will generally be submitted in one of two ways, either through the actual course web page itself, using online forms, discussion board, chat rooms, etc. or through the use of email attatchments. You may, depending on the course, also have the option of faxing or mailing certain coursework in if you wish.

Will I get a grade?

Yes. Instructors determine the grading policy and strcuture for their courses. Online courses, just like campus-based courses, are graded according to the criteria set in the syllabus.

How much time do I get to complete a course?

Each course has a start date and an end date. The schedule of coursework, assignments and due dates are determined by each instructor. You will find this information in the syllabus or, if that specific course has one, a course calendar.

Can I get a degree online?

Yes. You can earn one of 5 degrees online through UTTC. UTTC is accredited to offer Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Information Technology, Injury Prevention, and Nutrition and Food Service Associate of Applied Science Degrees entirely online. No residency is required for any of these degree programs. Contact the following to discuss your educational plans:

Early Childhood Education.........................	Lisa Azure
Elementary Education...................................	Lisa Azure
Health Information Technology....................	Karla Baxter
Injury Prevention.............................................	Larry Carlson
Nutrition and Food Service...........................	Susan Thorson

Are online course tranferable?

Online classes are transferable. However, the decision to accept a course is up to the receiving institution. That decision, however, should not be affected by wether you took the course online or on campus.

How many students will be in an online course?

Enrollment limits vary from course to course just as in campus based courses, however it is our goal to keep class sizes small enough to allow one-on-one attention from the course instrcutor. Typically, a class will not go over 20 students.

Will I be able to communicate with other students?

Many people assume that they'll feel isolated in an online course. As a matter of fact, well designed courses provide a high degree of personal contact. Not only will you and your instructor communicate directly via e-mail, everyone in the class will be involved in many group and individual discussions using e-mail, bulletin board and chat communication tools. All the classes offered by UTTC Online require students to interact with one another as a part of the coursework itself.

Is technical support available?

Many forms of support, including technical support, is available to online students. Technical support, from the level of this FAQ all the way up to direct contact with our technical staff is provided to ensure that students can concentrate on their coursework without being distracted by technical problems.

© Copyright 2003, United Tribes Technical College, all rights reserved.
United Tribes Technical College is a nonprofit corporation owned and operated by the five tribes located wholly or in part in North Dakota. Tribal owners: Three Affiliated Tribes of Ft. Berthold, Spirit Lake Tribe, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, and Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.