Congratulations you have taken the first step to becoming an independent learner. There are several things you must know before beginning this class. This class, as all online courses, varies greatly from a traditional in the classroom course.

 First, you must have computer competency.  It is essential you have a working computer, internet access and knowledge of how to use both.  Also it is necessary that you know how to navigate Web Vista.  Below are some suggestions and directions.  Please read them carefully.  There is technical help available for ITDL. The phone number is 317-6923.  Someone is available for your assistance weekdays from 8:00am to 8pm.

Secondly, this course requires much work from you; it is not a “do-nothing” class. You have several assignments to do each and every week with out fail. It is your responsibility to log on daily to check due dates and announcements. You MUST adhere to the time deadlines. Contrary to popular belief, you can not turn in assignments whenever you wish.  You have to complete and turn in work in advance of the due date and time.  Late work has point deductions.  For example, if you have an assignment due by midnight, but your work is received at 4:00 the next afternoon, points will be subtracted from your grade.  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for meeting the deadlines. Manage your time wisely!

Thirdly, Engl 099 students must come on campus to complete four requirements.   (1)The Departmental Exit Composition Essay must be taken on campus.  It is schedule for April 11. (2)Also, all students must be able to write their 5 practice DECE essays under testing conditions, which mean you have to come the Darton Writing Lab located in F building, Room 202 to complete this requirement.  Topics will be provided and essays will be timed.  The environment is as similar to the DECE testing as possible.  These essays will be completed weekly and in advance of the DECE.  (3)Additionally, students must fulfill the lab requirements on campus.  Course lab requirements are a minimum of lab 14 hours which averages one hour per week.  Eleven must be completed prior to the DECE and the remaining 3 must be completed before the final.  (4)The final is another time students must come on campus.  All Eng 099 students have to take their final, the COMPASS test, on campus.  There are no exceptions; there no alternatives to the testing process.

Finally, read and respond to the following documents:

1)      Student information sheet

2)      Comprehensive Course Guide

3)      Learning Support Statement of Understanding

4)      Learning Support Probation Policies

5)      Eberhardt’s Engl 099 syllabus.