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FAQ

Use this page to search for all UNCG *online courses offered for fall 2004, summer 2004, spring 2005, and summer 2005.

What type of computer will I need for online learning?
To participate in any online course, students must have access to one of the following system set-ups:
MAC
Mac OS 9 or better
128 MB RAM
G3 processor or better
At least 56Kbps modem connection (although Broadband / fast access is preferred)

PC
Windows 98 SE or better
128 MB RAM
Pentium III or better (or at least a processor running 333 Mhz or better)
At least 56Kbps modem connection (although Broadband / fast access is preferred)

For detailed information, visit this page http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/requirement.asp

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What type and version of browser will I need for online classes?
We recommend using Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher for Windows or Safari for Mac. To configure your Web browser, please visit http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/browser.asp . Netscape is not supported by UNCG.

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Can I use dial-up to take online classes?
While we recommend using high speed Internet such as DSL or RoadRunner, dial-up will still work. Please note that some multimedia functions will take longer to load on dial-up such as video or long audio lectures, or might not work at all.

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What if I have AOL or CompuServe as my ISP?
If you have these providers, log into them as normal. Then minimize your AOL or CompuServe and double-click on Internet Explorer . Now you can go to your class home page.

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What type of plug-ins do UNCG online classes require? How can I get these plug-ins ?
In addition to a working Internet connection and browser, you will need some plug-ins. Some of the typical plug-ins needed for working with online classes include Macromedia's Flash plug-in (Flash Player 7), which is included with most Internet browsers, QuickTime, the Real Media Player, and Adobe Acrobat reader. All of these plug-ins are available as free downloads. Visit http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/plug-in.asp to get a list of plug-ins and where to download them for free.

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What screen resolution should I have my computer set on? How do I change resolution on my computer?
Screen Resolution: We recommend that you use at minimum 800x600 resolution. Ideally 1024x768 or 1280x1024. Please note that some computers will not support the higher resolutions.

If you're using a Windows-compatible PC, right-click on your desktop and choose Properties. Next, select Display, then Settings. In the middle of the dialogue box, you will see a slider that allows you to change your monitor resolution.

If you are using a Macintosh running an older OS, use your monitor Control Panel to change resolutions. Macintosh computers running OS X must use the new System Preferences application to change monitor resolution.

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I cannot hear any sound. What can I do?
Check to make sure that your speakers and/or headphones are plugged in and the volume is turned up. For PC users make sure that your mute box is unchecked. You can adjust the volume by dragging the volume slide bar. For Mac users, you can adjust the volume by hitting the volume keys on the keyboard.

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I cannot watch videos. What can I do?
First of all, find out what kind of video you are being asked to watch. Is it Flash? Real Media? Perhaps you need the newest version of the player to see the movies.

Make sure that your browser meets our minimum requirements (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher for PC, Safari 1.2 for Mac).

Make sure that you downloaded the right version of plug-in for the Operating System (e.g., Windows 2000 or XP) you are running.

If you download the installer onto your hard drive, make sure that you run the installer program. You can do this by double clicking the installer icon. If you do not complete the installation process, your plug-in will not work.

Most of our videos provide two options. One is for high speed Internet users labeled “High Bandwidth Version ” and the other is for dial-up users labeled “low Bandwidth Version. ” In this case, make sure to choose the right version. For very slow dial-up users (28.8k connection or less), some videos will not work.

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What computing accounts at UNCG do I need to take online courses?
You need the following four accounts to take online courses.
1. UNCGenie - Allows you to get administrative services such as registering for courses, adding/dropping courses, viewing academic records, changing personal information, changing your PIN number, and more. To get more information on UNCGenie, visit http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/uncgenie.asp .
2. Novell Netware - Permits usage of computers in UNCG computer labs and access to the Blackboard learning platform and esparton email. To get more information on Novell Netware, visit http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/novell.asp. For email information, visit http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/email.asp
3. Unix Account - Provides access to Unix Web hosting space.
4. Campus Pipeline Account - Allows you to check your UNCG email over the Web, connect to course information and transact business with the University. To get more information on Campus Pipeline, visit http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/pipeline.asp .
For default user name and password for each account, go visit http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/activate.asp

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What email should I use? Can I use my own email account?
You must use your UNCG email with your online classes, because all students are enrolled into Blackboard with UNCG email addresses. It is vital that you have access to your UNCG email because many professors will communicate with you through that email address. To access e-Spartan email, go to http://e-spartan.uncg.edu.

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What is Blackboard? How can I access it?
Blackboard is an online course management system, which offers students a robust set of tools, functions, and features for learning. To access Blackboard, go to http://blackboard.uncg.edu.

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How can I change my Blackboard password? How can I change my email password?
The Self-Service Password Resetting utility (SSPR) is designed to allow current UNCG affiliates to reset their Novell / Netware passwords and/or Unix passwords. You do NOT need to know your current password to reset your new passwords.

You typically do not want to change your UNIX password but must change your Novell Netware / Blackboard / Email password every 90 days.

Password change process is simple: go to http://reset.uncg.edu , fill out the personal information, choose which account's password you want to change, and submit the form.

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What types of online tests are used in online courses? How can I take online tests?
Your instructor can test you in a variety of ways. He or she may ask you to complete a paper, project, or other special assignment in lieu of traditional tests. The instructor may also set up exams on Blackboard that may be multiple choices, short answer, match, or essay, or a combination of all. Please note that online tests are usually set up to be offered on certain days and to be timed. This means that once you open a test and begin it, you must finish it at that time. You may not open the exam more than once. Please read all instructions carefully before you begin.

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What do I need to know before taking online tests?

General Instructions for Blackboard tests are:

Make sure that your Internet Browser meets the minimum requirement for Web browser. We recommend that you always have an up-to-date version installed in your computer.

Disengage call waiting if you are on dial-up.

Make sure your ISP time-out settings are set to the maximum allowed time.

After entering the test area, NEVER use the back button on your browser or resize the window. Blackboard will take these actions as a submission. Please be careful.

For details, go visit http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/bbtest.asp

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What happens if my test messes up in Blackboard?
Please contact your tech support directly. They can reset your access to the assessment if that is their policy.
Who can help me if have technical problems?
You can contact online support by email, telephone, web, or Instant Message.

For quickest response: telephone: (336) 256-CALL or (336) 334-5414
IM: iHelpUNCG

For non-urgent requests, email at onlinehelp@uncg.edu or submit an online form at http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/techsupport/tech_form.asp

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How do I apply for enrollment in an online degree program?
You will go through the same application process as for non-online degrees.

To apply for the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) online degree program, click here . (link to http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/web/mals/credit_mls_admission.asp )

To apply for the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BLS) online degree program, click here. (link to http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/web/bls/credit_bls_admission.asp )

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How do I transfer credits to UNCG?
The Registrar's Office officially is responsible for making that determination. However, you can visit the University Adult and Student Transfer services Website http://web.uncg.edu/adm/transfer/default.htm to get an idea about which of your credits will transfer.

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Are they any entrance examinations for online degrees?
No. BLS students accepted into the program will need to have completed at least 60 transferable college credit hours. For MALS students, in lieu of an entrance exam, we request an essay. (see “Admissions and Tuition ”)

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Can I “test-drive ” a course without being formally admitted to the program?
Yes. You may contact the Division of Continual Learning to register for a course. Keep in mind that any grades earned at UNCG will appear on your UNCG transcript.

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How much does the program cost?
Visit http://web.uncg.edu/dcl/icampus/registration/tuition.asp for the current tuition structure. Books and other supplies are extra.

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Will I ever have to come to campus?
No. There are deadlines and assignments due dates to meet. But when you log on is completely up to you.

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What kind of contact with professors and other online students will I have?
Virtual office hours are usually outlined at the beginning of the each course. There are email and phone call options for contact as well.

In online classes, you can interact with others through email, discussion boards, instant messaging, and phone. You and fellow students may choose to meet face-to-face, although this is not required. Learn more about how to pick the best type of interaction for different purposes by visiting this page.

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Can I apply for financial aid?
Yes, as long as you are enrolled for at least 6 hours. Some scholarships are designated for adult students age 24 years and older. Loans and grants are also available by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/fafsa.jsp .

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How can I contact my advisor?
For questions concerning admission, registration, or the degree evaluation for the BLS program, contact Jay Parr, BLS program manager. You can reach him at 336-334-4977 or jcparr@uncg.edu. He is available to meet with you Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm .

For questions concerning admission, registration, or the degree evaluation for the MALS program, contact Julee Johnson in the Division of Continual Learning. You can reach her at 336-334-4597 or jcjohnso@uncg.edu. For further contact information, please visit "Getting Advising" at help directory page.

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