Online & Distance Student Information

The information below is written as it affects online and distance learning students. General information and policies for all students attending Colorado State Continuing Education can be found in the General Information section.

• Assignments & Exams
• Faculty Interaction (office hours)
• International Students
• Materials
• Open Entry (and Extensions)
• Postage
• Proctors
• Technical Problems

Assignments and Exams

Distance students are enrolled in the same courses as offered on-campus, are responsible for the same homework, and generally take the same exams.

Since instructors evaluate distance courses in addition to their on-campus obligations, it typically takes two to four weeks for you to receive graded assignments and exams. At certain times of the year, such as final examination periods and semester breaks, you are cautioned to expect more elapsed time.

Your instructor will provide their preferred method of communication along with other course-related information in the syllabus.

Assignments

Distance students are required to complete homework assignments and submit them directly to their instructors or through our offices by FAX, mail or email. We recommend that students keep a copy of all mailed assignments.

When faxing assignments, be sure your Instructor's name, address, and telephone number are on the cover sheet.

Exams

Most courses (except online) require proctored examinations. Proctors are individuals who agree to administer the examination to the student following the guidelines provided by Colorado State. Exams are mailed directly to your proctor, so please contact your proctor prior to your examination.

Online courses offered through RamCT may offer slightly different exams to each student in order to maintain the integrity of the examination process. Online exams are typically graded minutes after the exam is completed.

Faculty Interaction (office hours)

Interaction with the departments and instructors is made possible through email, mail, telephone and FAX. Instructors teaching distance courses anticipate the needs of students and are prepared to respond quickly to questions. Contact information for your instructors is listed in your course syllabus or in the University's online directory.

Your instructor will provide their preferred method of communication along with other course related information in the syllabus.

As with on-campus courses, instructors hold office hours during which students may contact them with questions. These times are usually listed in your course syllabus.

International Students

At this time, you may take only online courses and participate in online degree programs unless you live in an area where videotapes can be shipped: United States, Canada, and U.S. Military addresses (FPO and APO).

Distance degree programs require you to have minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 213 (computer-based) and 550 (paper-based). Official scores taken within two years prior to admission must be submitted directly from the Educational Testing Service.

If you are an international students currently in the U.S., you will need to provide a copy of immigration documents such as I-20, Visa, and passport expiration. Students requesting immigration documents from Colorado State must maintain full-time enrollment. For more information, contact the Office of International Programs at (970) 491-5917.

Materials

Course materials such as handouts and the course syllabus are provided by the academic department, the Colorado State University Bookstore, or shipped with videotapes. It is your responsibility to order required materials, textbooks and videotape sets, from the bookstore.

Open Entry

Some distance courses are termed "open entry" courses and provide you with a window of time to complete the course. These courses are open to registration year-round and you do not have to be admitted to register or receive academic credit for these courses.

Open entry credit courses are predominantly correspondence, videotape, and televised courses that require you to complete the course within six months of the day of enrollment. If you are enrolled in a correspondence, videotape, or televised course you may apply for one six-month extension. Effective Fall 2007, open entry courses conducted online will not be eligible for a course extension. The enrollment is placed on your University transcript at the time of registration. If your course work is not finished by the end of the semester, an "Incomplete" ("I") is posted. Upon course completion your earned grade is recorded. Failure to complete a course or withdraw in writing results in an "F" grade on your transcript.

Early Completion

Distance education courses carry the same credits as regular on-campus courses; therefore, the same amount of time and effort is required to achieve a satisfactory grade. You may complete the course before the given deadline. The minimum suggested time for course completion of an academic open entry course is eight weeks from the date of enrollment; noncredit courses vary. This is sufficient time only if you can work very quickly and if there is no delay in getting graded materials back from your instructor. Since instructor commitments include on-campus and distance learning courses, there is no guarantee of early completion.

Extensions

Students enrolled in correspondence, videotape, or televised open entry credit courses may apply for one six-month extension per course. Extensions are granted by Continuing Education by submitting a Request for Extension Form. Effective Fall 2007, open entry courses conducted online will not be eligible for a course extension.

Postage

You must pay the postage on all correspondence with our offices. We provide postage-paid reply envelopes for proctors when returning exams to be graded.

Proctors

A proctor is someone who ensures academic integrity by administering your exams. You must select someone to act as your proctor. Every semester, you must notify us of your chosen proctor by submitting the Proctor Agreement Form before the first day of class (the College of Business does not require a new agreement if you intend to use the same proctor every semester). You will not be able to take exams without a proctor agreement form on file.

Colorado State reserves the right to verify a proctor's identity, require additional proof of eligibility, or require the selection of a different proctor. The proctor agreement may be terminated at will by the proctor, student, or Colorado State by providing written notification to all parties involved.

Our offices at Spruce Hall and the Denver Center can act as proctors for your exam. Please contact us ahead of time to schedule an appointment.

Technical Problems

If you encounter technical problems with any videotape, DVD, or VCD, please contact the department or college offering the course.

You are not required to return purchased videotapes but you may donate them to a school or library.