First Time Online Students—the Essentials

  1. Set up a study space—an area dedicated just for coursework.
  2. Make sure your accounts (, , and ) are activated.
  3. Check that your computer meets the .
  4. and using its tools.
  5. Review the Office of Information Technology (OIT) .

Essentials for All Online Students

Before the Semester Begins

  1. Check out our Tips for Success Online.
  2. Review the if needed.
  3. Familiarize yourself with the Resources and Support available to you as a 51ԹϺ student.

As Soon as Your Online Classroom is Available*

  1. Log in to .
  2. Read the “Getting Started**” section of your course.
  3. Review the course syllabus thoroughly.
  • Make note of:
    • important dates and deadlines.
    • your instructor’s availability, office hours, and preferred method of contact.
    • how to get questions answered.
    • other requirements for your program, such as advisor meetings and assessment tools.
  • .
*Students are able to access their online classroom 1 week (7 days) before the class is scheduled to start for most classes. Some instructors may elect to make their course section unavailable until they are ready for students to access the materials.
**This may also be named “Let’s Get Started” in your online class.

Throughout the Semester

  1. Log in to your class on a regular basis (at least once a day).
  2. Promptly read the announcements and other communications from your instructor.
  3. Connect with your classmates.
  4. Manage your time, set schedules, and meet your course deadlines.
  5. Participate in the class discussions.

At the End of the Semester

Let us know what worked well and what could be improved.

  1. Complete the course evaluation form(s) to provide constructive feedback about the course.
  2. Help us improve this checklist. now that the course is over.

Consider how you approached learning online.

  1. Note what worked best for you and what you would do differently next semester.