• Access and navigate the internet, including downloading and reading files from websites
• Access and navigate Illinois State’s learning management system, Canvas
• Access and navigate the Milner Library website, downloading and reading files from library reserves and databases
• Use their campus email, including attaching and downloading files from emails
• Create, save and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats (.doc, .docx, .rtf)
• Copy and paste text and other content on a computer
• Download and install software

• Computer that you can use for extended periods of time
• Reliable broadband internet access (cable modem, DSL, or other high speed)
• Activated ULID account
• A campus email account, checked regularly
• Consistently updated browser (Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Explorer)
• Up-to-date Flash and Java plug-ins
• Permissions and ability to install additional plug-in or class software, as needed

To help guide online interactions, ISU requires both students and faculty demonstrate appropriate netiquette, i.e. internet etiquette. That is, interacting in a positive, cooperative and supportive manner, displaying respect for the privacy and rights of others. This policy is inclusive of, but not limited to the following guidelines:

• Keep your questions and comments relevant to the discussion topic. If another participant posts a comment or a question that is off topic, do not reply. The instructor will reply in private to the participant.
• Be courteous and treat co-learners with respect, modeling the same standards of behavior online you would follow in a face-to-face discussion.
• Be respectful and open to opinions and ideas that differ from yours. Being deliberately hostile and insulting online, i.e. flaming, is not appropriate under any circumstance. When responding to messages or posts made by others, address the ideas not the person.
• All course communication should be conducted in Standard American English to ensure understanding among diverse participants.

Note – Instructors reserve the right to remove posts that are not collegial or fail to meet netiquette guidelines.

Effective time management is critical to the successful completion of your classes. Online courses are unique in that they allow so much flexibility and place responsibility of when to attend on students.

The key to success in managing your time while enrolled in an online course is to set aside time each day to review materials and complete activities. Below is a chart that details the number of hours you should devote each week or day, given the length of the course in which you are enrolled. The numbers listed are for a 3-credit hour class.

According to Illinois State’s Credit Hour Policy, “A credit hour shall be the unit of University academic credit representing approximately three hours of work per week by a student throughout a 15 week (fall, spring) semester (exclusive of final examination period) or its equivalent in total work for short courses...” To highlight further, below is a chart of the number of hours you should expect to devote towards the successful completion of your classes, whether they are traditional, blended or fully online.

Expected Hours of Work for a 3-Credit Hour Class

	Hours per Week	Hours per Day (7-day week)	Hours per Day (5-day week)
16-week Class	6 - 9	1 - 1.5	1.5 - 2
8-week Class	12 - 18	1.5 - 2.5	2 - 3.5
6-week Class	16 - 24	2.5 - 3.5	3 - 5
4-week Class	24 - 36	3.5 - 5	5 - 7
3-week Class	32 - 48	4.5 - 7	6 - 10

Technology Support Center

Having computer problems? Call the Technology Support Center at 309-438-HELP! We’re here seven days a week. Our dedicated staff will be happy to assist you in whatever way we can.

Student Access and Accommodation Services provide approved accommodation services for students and guests with disabilities. Student Access obtains and maintains documentation of disability, certifies eligibility for services, determines reasonable accommodations, and develops plans for providing such accommodations. This is accomplished in a confidential manner to ensure equal opportunity for participation in all courses, programs, and activities offered by Illinois State.

Academic Support

Illinois State University is committed to the ongoing success of students. As such it offers programs and professional staff dedicated to assisting students in making the most of their academic experience.

Redbird Sprit Shop

Rent, buy or sell textbooks. 

Milner Library

Milner Library is an active partner in the teaching, learning, research, and service activities of Illinois State University. Milner librarians provide research assistance and library instruction customized to meet the needs of students and faculty. Reference collections include general, as well as subject-specific, print and electronic research tools including indexes, handbooks, dictionaries, bibliographies, directories, and bibliographic and full text databases.

Tutoring

The Julia N. Visor Academic Center is a division of University College that provides services and programs designed to assist students in their pursuit of academic excellence at Illinois State University. These services and programs have been developed to impact student retention:

• one-on-one writing assistance
• a computer lab that provides a quiet and supportive environment for study
• workshops designed to enhance student study techniques and academic skills
• group tutoring in general education courses
• one-on-one academic coaching
• and more…

All of the Visor Center’s programs and services further University College’s goal to help students succeed, from transition to college through graduation.

Advising

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Academic advisors are here to help you navigate your intended academic path while at Illinois State University. We are a great resource that can help you plan a course schedule and choose a major, and we also provide referrals to other resources and services on campus.

Student Counseling Services

If you are like most people you will encounter a number of life events while at ISU that will leave you confused, anxious, angry or sad. While life situations often work themselves out, sometimes they linger and require assistance. The staff at SCS is well trained to help you with issues ranging from homesickness and relationship difficulties to concerns such as depression and anxiety. For these reasons and many, many more, you can turn to Student Counseling Services.