FAQs

How do I get started?

Purchase your textbook from the bookstore.  Bookstore hours are:  Monday and Tuesday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Wednesday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (order books online at http://shop.efollett.com/htmlroot/storehome/campusbookstoreatlima220.html)

Handbooks

Some (not all) telecourses (Section 95), and self-directed (Section 15) courses have special information packets prepared by your instructor for sale in the bookstore; others may have a study guide especially prepared by the textbook publisher.  Ask bookstore personnel for assistance in picking out your materials.  Some self-directed courses have handbooks for sale in the bookstore; some handbooks have been placed online for students' convenience and access.  If you do not find a self-directed handbook for your course in the bookstore, please check with the instructor on duty in the Center for Distance Education or call 419-995-8493 to see if your handbook is online.

Some faculty prefer to mail an information packet to you at home along with your syllabus regarding test and assignment dates.  Review the course information packet to see if there are any additional materials which you need from the bookstore, such as extra computer disks, dictionary, etc.

Internet Courses

Some Internet, online(Section 90 or 91), courses now require use of WebCT for access and some self-directed courses have their handbooks put online.  You must use WebCT in order to view the handbook or to access your online course.  WebCT guidelines are available off of the Center for Distance Education homepage.  Technical support regarding access to WebCT courses is available at the helpdesk(419-995-8069), 419-995-8874 or 419-995-8870.

Telecourse Videotapes

If you are taking a telecourse, you will need to pick up video tapes or other media from the Center located in TL-138.  If you live outside a 60 mile radius of Lima, you may request that the videotapes be mailed to you.  Contact the Chair of Distance Education at powell.g@rhodesstate.edu for further information.

Student To Do List

Review and fill out the To Do checklist and then contact your instructor either in person, by phone, or by email to introduce yourself.  You can find the list of current distance learning instructors with their office and phone listing off of the Center for Distance Education homepage.  You should contact your instructor either in person, by phone, or e-mail at least by the second day of the quarter to introduce yourself.  Your telecourse instructor will also send a welcome letter to you by mail three to five days before the new quarter begins (unless you registered late).  Your instructor will also send along additional information that you need in order to begin the quarter.  If you do not receive a welcome letter from your instructor, please telephone him or her at Rhodes State at the number listed on the Web page.

Syllabus

Where is my syllabus?  Some courses have the syllabus in the information packet or handbook which you purchase at the bookstore; other instructors prefer to mail the syllabus to the students.  If you did not receive an informational letter from your instructor or if you have additional questions regarding the instruction content of your course, please contact your instructor.

Weather

If there is bad weather, listen to your local radio station for announcements regarding delays or closures.  A list of the radio stations can be found on the Rhodes State Web site.  A recorded message will also be placed on the Rhodes State telephone system.  

What will I learn in my distance education course?

Your syllabus and handbook are your roadmap to help you successfully complete your course.  Either your instructor will mail your syllabus to you prior to the beginning of the quarter, or the syllabus may be in your course information packet.  On the syllabus you will find your instructor's name, office hours, telephone number, course objectives, testing information, and other related material.

How long do I have to complete my course?

You will be expected to complete your course in one quarter and during the quarter of registration.  You will be expected to make sure assignments are in on time and take tests on scheduled dates.

How much time each week will it take to complete my course?

If you are taking a 5-credit course, plan on spending 12-15 hours per week studying and preparing assignments.  This number of hours is equal to a traditionally structured class where 1 hour of lecture will result in 2 hours of homework.  Alternative format classes are not necessarily easier than traditional classes, just more flexible.  You will spend the same amount of time to complete an alternative format class as you would if attending a traditionally-structured class.  Use the following table to determine the amount of time needed to complete your classes:

What is the difference between a telecourse, online course, and a self-directed course?

Students taking online courses or telecourses are usually working off campus and contact their instructors in their offices on an as-needed basis and when they are scheduled to take exams.  On the other hand, self-directed course students have access to instructors during regularly scheduled lab hours when students know an instructor will be available to answer questions, assist with assignments, and give tests.  Students taking online courses, telecourses, and self-directed courses are considered CDE students because these courses deliver instruction in an alternative format as compared to traditionally taught courses.  Courses taught in alternative formats offer students greater flexibility and access to courses, but for successful completion these courses do require more self-discipline and self-motivation on the part of the student.

How does a distance education course differ from a traditionally taught course?

Distance education courses meet all of the requirements of a traditionally-taught course.  Registration, financial aid, expectations of student achievement, course requirements, grading, text assignments and credit earned are the same as traditionally taught courses.  The only difference between a distance education course and a traditionally taught course is the method of instructional delivery. (Note:  Some additional course fees may apply)

Who should I contact about academic advising?

Academic advising at Rhodes State is split between professional advisors and faculty advisors.  If you have less than 45 quarter hours or have not yet been invited into your clinical course work (Health Division), you are advised by the professional advisors in the Student Advising and Development Center, Public Service Building, Room 148.

Please Visit The Student Advising Site.

*If you have more than 45 quarter hours OR are not a Health General Prep student, please contact the chair or coordinator of your academic major for academic advising.