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ONLINE FAQ
Below are the most common questions that online students ask. If the questions or concerns that you have are not covered below, please contact the School's Director of Outreach & Extended Learning, Susan Palmer at spalmer@uamail.albany.edu.
What is an online class like?
What technology do I need?
Is online study right for me?
How do I enroll for classes? How do I drop or add a class?
How do I get to my online classes?
When do I start my online classes?
Do I have to submit a Confidential Health and Physician's Certificate?
How and when do I pay my tuition bill?
Can I get Financial Aid?
What about Parking?
What is my student I.D.?
How do I get my books?
How do I use the library?
1. What is an online class like?
The University at Albany faculty create the online classes. You will interact with your professor and classmates through the SUNY Learning Network (SLN). The SUNY Learning Network gives you the opportunity to take courses at your convenience - at any time and from any place you have Internet access.
There is not much difference between a traditional, classroom-based course and an online course. Both types of classes run for about 15 weeks. You will do many of the same activities online that you would do in a traditional class - read texts, take notes, answer questions, write papers, and have discussions. Depending on the class, you may also do field observations, watch videos, or use computer software.
The significant difference between the two types of classes is that, instead of meeting in a classroom at a specific time each week throughout the semester, you, your classmates and your professor will be connected by SLN's Asynchronous Learning Network of servers and personal computers communicating through the Internet. "Asynchronous" means "not at the same time." In an asynchronous environment like SLN, conversations are posted, one item at a time, so that each person sees what all the previous participants have written. This differs from the "synchronous" environment of the traditional class session, a live video-conference, or even a live "chat" room.
Therefore, you will not have to "go" to your online class at a scheduled, specific time each week, but you will have to meet scheduled deadlines throughout the semester. Asynchronous learning is not self-paced learning, but it is self-managed. Progress through each section (called "modules" in SLN) of the online course is scheduled throughout the semester. You will have to finish each module on time. Although you can complete your assignments at any time of the day, you must complete them by specific dates during the semester.
It is very important that you understand that you can't skip an online class. Because the classes are asynchronous, the classes wait for you to attend. On the same note, you have to participate in every module; you can't "sit in the back of the room and zone out." Again, the class waits for you to participate. If you don't participate regularly, you hold up your progress of the coursework as well as the progress of every other student in the class. Your instructors will evaluate you on class participation, which is part of your final course grade.
Each online course and online instructor will be different. Please be sure to read the Course Map carefully and plan your time accordingly. In general, plan on spending at least 12-15 hours a week on each of your online classes. You may prefer "going to class" early in the morning or after dinner. You may even find yourself going online at different times each week. As long as you participate regularly and progress through each module on time, it doesn't matter when you go to your class during the week.
To learn more about the SUNY Learning Network, please visit their website at http://sln.suny.edu and use the "Prospective Students" link.
2. This is my first online course with SLN. What technology do I need?
Your computer should have the minimum equivalent of a Pentium II processor with Windows 95 or higher operating system, or a Macintosh G3 processor with System 8 or higher operating system. The computer should also have at least 64 MB RAM and a 56K baud modem.
You will also need:
- A connection to the Internet/WWW. Internet access may be provided by a dial up or cable modem Internet service, or obtained through a network connection (i.e. college or business LAN
- Graphical web browser software - Windows users: Internet Explorer 5.5 and higher, or Netscape 6.2 and higher. Macintosh users: Internet Explorer 5.1 and higher, or Netscape 6.2 and higher. You should not use a beta/preview version or different type of web browser software. The web browser must allow at least session cookies from the suny.edu domain.
- Valid, working email address that accepts mail from the SUNY Learning Network. Periodic maintenance of your mail account may be necessary if your provider limits the amount of messages you can keep in your mailbox. For example, Hotmail and Yahoo web mail services have a quota that when exceeded will prevent you from receiving new mail messages. If you use a spam block or have a bulk mail area in your account, make sure you allow messages from the suny.edu domain into your account's Inbox. You want to receive and find messages from the SUNY Learning Network system, which may include mail your professor sends to you during the semester.
- Word processing software that has the capability to save files in the Microsoft Word 6.0 or RTF file format.
- Successful completion of the SLN "Test Your System" tests. These tests require that you know how to transfer text between two applications using copy/paste commands and how to upload/submit a file attachment.
- Optional: A printer will allow you to print out documents, such as the syllabus, course schedule, or assignments.
- Course specific software/hardware: Check with your professor or campus to determine whether course assignments may require you to use additional software and hardware. (i.e., MS Office, scanner for graphic arts course, spreadsheet software for a business course).
Although you may be able to access the SLN web site using a computer system not meeting the minimum requirements listed above, students who chose not to comply with the technical requirements may encounter limitations to their participation in the SLN courses.
Technical Support
The SLN Helpdesk staff is available to answer all of your technical questions every day and most evenings throughout the semester. You can contact the HelpDesk by phone, email, and a link from your online class site.
Fall & Spring SLN Help Desk Hours (EST):
Summer Session & Winter Break Hours:
For non-emergencies, there is an online "HelpDesk" available from a link on most course pages and from the Student Commons. There, you can post questions and get answers by phone or email.
3. Is online study right for me?
Students who have been successful in online study share some important characteristics. The following self-test will help you to judge how you match up with these characteristics. Answer True or False to each of the statements and decide for yourself if this is a style of learning that matches your needs.
1. I am self-motivated. True ___ False___
2. I work well independently. True ___ False ___
3. I have a history of reaching my goals. True ___ False ___
4. I actively pursue help when I need it. True ___ False ___
5. I have good organizational skills. True ___ False ___
6. I am a good "time manager." True ___ False ___
7. I have access to a computer and to the Internet. True ___ False ___
8. I am comfortable expressing my opinion in writing. True ___ False ___
9. I have honestly evaluated the necessary changes in my lifestyle to successfully complete an on-line course. True ___ False ___
10. I am flexible in new environments. True ___ False ___
If you have answered True to 8 of 10 of the statements above, you are probably ready for on-line study. If you have answered True to less than 8 of the above statements, perhaps you should consider more carefully your decision to study on line. You might consider talking to other students who have online experience and to an advisor who can review your academic history before you make a commitment to on-line learning.
4. How do I enroll for my classes?
If you are not yet a student at the University, and need more information about Undergraduate, Graduate, and Continuing Education Admissions, please visit our website at http://www.albany.edu/.
After you are admitted to the University as a non-matriculated or a matriculated student and if you already have permission to take an online class, you will enroll (register) for your classes online at MyUAlbany the student services web site. www.albany.edu/myualbany
At MyUAlbany you can:
· obtain important University information
· view your academic records
· check your financial aid and billing information
· check for "holds"
· update your personal information
· and ENROLL for classes!
How do I drop or add a course?
There is a program adjustment period at the beginning of every semester. If you must drop a class, in order to get a full refund of your tuition, you must go to MyUAlbany and drop your class within the first week of the semester.
· For specific refund dates and deadlines please see the Office of Student Accounts Refund Deadline Schedule
· For more important semester dates and deadlines, see the University Academic Calendar
Online Enrollment Instructions
The instructions below will walk you through the steps associated with enrolling for classes online. To learn more about MyUAlbany, please visit www.albany.edu/myualbany to access a PowerPoint tutorial of the MyUAlbany enrollment features and functions, a list of Frequently Asked Questions and a comprehensive Glossary of Terms used for the new website.
Getting started
STEP #1: Initializing your MyUAlbany Account
1. Before using MyUAlbany for the first time, your account must be initialized.
2. Go to www.albany.edu/myualbany
3. Click on Password Set/Rset.
4. Click on MyUlbany.
5. Supply the required information (Albany ID or Social Security Number and your PIN). You will be asked to select a MyUAlbany password and to type it twice. Your Net ID will be displayed for you after you have successfully initialized your account.
6. If you forget your MyUAlbany password, follow the same steps to reset your password.
STEP #2: Logging onto MyUAlbany
1. Using your Internet browser, go to www.albany.edu/myualbany
2. Click LOG ON.
3. Enter your Net ID and MyUAlbany password and click Sign In.
Getting Ready to ENROLL (Register) in courses
STEP #3: Determine your enrollment appointment
1. Click When can I enroll?
2. Click the appropriate term and your enrollment appointment will appear.
STEP #4: Class search- plan your courses and alternates (prior to enrollment)
Important Notice: Be sure to search the schedule of classes in advance of your enrollment appointment at: http://www.albany.edu/schedule_of_classes/ (or click on Search Class Schedules from the main MyUAlbany page). Record class numbers for all of the classes for which you would like to enroll. Select alternate class numbers in case some of your first choices are closed.
Knowing your class numbers in advance means you will not waste time looking them up while you are enrolling. In addition, searching for classes from within the enrollment module has a slower response time than doing it in advance from the main page.
1. From the main MyUAlbany page, click Search Class Schedules.
2. Enter the appropriate information in the designated fields. The more information you provide the narrower your search results will be.
3. Click the Submit button.
4. Record the Class Numbers of the classes for which you would like to enroll. You will need to enter the class numbers to enroll during your enrollment appointment.
5. Make note of the Seats Remaining in your desired classes and check back prior to your enrollment appointment for availability. Make sure you select alternate classes in case your first choices are closed.
6. Carefully read all Comments to make sure you are eligible to enroll in a given class. Go to the department if permission is required.
Steps to Enroll (Register)
STEP #5 Enter your Advisor Verification Number (AVN). See Glossary of Terms below for a definition of Advisor Verification Number (AVN).
A new AVN is assigned to you each semester. You get this number from your advisor when you meet each term to discuss your academic plans. Your AVN will give you access to the enrollment portions of the system. (Note: You should meet with your advisor proir to your enrollment appointment)
1. Click Enter MY AVN, then enter your AVN in the designated field and click Save. (You only have to enter your AVN once per term.)
STEP #6 Enroll or Add Class
1. Click Enroll, Add OR Drop Classes , this will bring you to the enrollment term page. If you have not yet entered your AVN, you must do so in order to access the enrollment functions.
2. Click on the appropriate term and your current schedule will appear. You are only able to add classes in terms for which you are eligible to enroll.
3. Click Add Classes (at the bottom of the page).
4. In the Class NBR field, type the desired class number and hit the Tab key. This will load the relevant course information into the appropriate fields.
5. If you're unsure of the class number, click the Lookup button, which will bring you to the class search page (see section titled "Class Search (During Enrollment)" for more information). The indicates an enrollment section. These are the only classes available for enrollment. Click the checked box icon for the desired class and it will carry over to the Add Classes page.
6. If you wish to add additional classes, type the class numbers in the boxes provided.
7. If you have received a permission number, enter it in the Class Permission NBR field. If the permission number page does not automatically appear, click on the Subject/Catalog number of the designated class and enter the Class Permission NBR into the appropriate field.
8. If you are enrolling for classes with related components (e.g. lecture and lab/lecture and discussion, etc.), the lab or discussion is the Enrollment Section. Enter the class number for the enrollment section (the lab or discussion) and then select the RELATED COMPONENT when prompted to do so (by using the Lookup button) before hitting submit. You will not be able to enroll in the lecture until you have enrolled in the lab or discussion.
9. When you've entered all of your desired class numbers, click the SUBMIT button.
10. If you have successfully enrolled, SUCCESS will appear in the ADD STATUS column. Be sure to click SUBMIT and see the SUCCESS message Before Exiting or you will NOT be enrolled in the course.
11. If you encounter errors, ERRORS FOUND will appear in red in the ADD STATUS column. Click ERRORS FOUND for more information.
12. Click VIEW MY SCHEDULE to view your updated schedule.
Other Enrollment Activities
TO DROP CLASSES*
1. Click ENROLL, ADD OR DROP CLASSES.
2. Click on the appropriate term. Your current schedule will appear.
3. Click DROP/UPDATE CLASSES (at the bottom of the page).
4. Select the DROP action next to the course you wish to drop & click the SUBMIT button.
5. Check the UPDATE STATUS column to see if your drop was successful.
6. Click VIEW MY SCHEDULE to view your updated schedule. Dropped courses will still appear on your schedule, they will be noted as "dropped" in the status column.
*Depending on the date classes are dropped, students may be subject to tuition liability and/or a "W" recorded on their transcript. Refer to the academic calendar for more information about important deadlines.
Class Search(During Enrollment)
While enrolling for classes, it may be necessary to do a class search. You are strongly encouraged to do this in advance of your enrollment appointment (follow instructions in Step 4) as searching for classes during enrollment is likely to be slow and time consuming.
1. On the Add CLasses page, click the Lookup button (next to the Class Nbr entry box).
2. You must select at least 2 criteria for the class search. Subject Area, Course Component and Career are suggested. Or you may want to be more specific with other criteria. For example, search for a class using subject and catalog number (e.g. Mathematics 100). If you wish to search for both open and closed classes, you must remove the check mark in the "Open Classes Only" field.
3. Click the SEARCH button.
4. This checked box icon indicates an enrollment section. These are the only classes available for enrollment. Click the checked box icon for the desired class and it will carry over to the ADD CLASSES page for you to submit. For classes with related components (lecture & lab/lecture & discussion), the lab/discussion is the enrollment section. You must enroll in the lab/discussion FIRST. Then, you will be prompted to select the lecture.
Note: Due to the large number of classes offered at the University, class searches may be lengthy. Please be patient. Do not quit out of your browser or resubmit during the search as this will simply add to the number of requests the system attempts to handle.
To search for a catalog description
You also have the option to look up course descriptions before selecting a course.
To do so:
1. Click SEARCH COURSE CATALOGS. Select UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY in the Institution field.
2. Select the SUBJECT AREA that you want to find a course for (e.g. Mathematics). To narrow your search, enter the course catalog number (e.g. 100) in the CATALOG NBR field.
3. Click the SEARCH button.
Personal Portfolio
Within your Personal Portfolio, you'll be able to maintain your personal addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. Click on the appropriate heading to update your information.
It is imperative that students keep their personal information up to date. Students should maintain the following information:
· Permanent address: Official University notifications to students are sent to their permanent address. Students are responsible for ensuring that their permanent address is kept up to date.
· Local Off-campus address: The University will use this address to mail various announcements about on-campus events, changes in schedules, etc.
· Campus Email address: Students may not change this email address. The University will assign a UAlbany e-mail account to you for the purpose of official University communications. Students are responsible for activating their account and checking it on a regular basis. To activate your account go to www.albany.edu/myualbany, click on the Password Set/Reset button and follow the instructions for the ITS Unix cluster. Your e-mail address will be returned to you after you have successfully initialized your account.
· Student Email address: You may add a personal email address to this directory.
Glossary OF MyUAlbany Terms
For a comprehensive glossary, log on to www.albany.edu/myualbany.
· Academic Career: The type of "career" the student is pursuing (e.g., undergraduate, graduate).
· Albany ID Number: The 9-digit system-generated number that is unique for each student. This student ID number replaces the social security number for students who have been enrolled at Albany in prior semesters. If you do not know your Albany ID number, you may find it in My Personal Portfolio under My Demographic Information.
· Academic Program and Plan: These two items are always linked. The Academic Program describes the unit in which a student enrolls (e.g., College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business if an undergraduate, or Department and Degree if a graduate). Academic plan refers to an area of study - major, minor or specialization within an academic program.
· Advisor Verification Number (AVN): A 5-digit random number given to students each semester by their advisor which allows them to enroll in classes. See Step #5.
· Class Number: ("Class Nbr"): A 4 or 5-digit number used to enroll in a specific class section. Class numbers identify each section of a course offered by the University.
· Course Component: Indicates the section type of the class (e.g., lab, lecture, discussion, etc.).
· Enroll: Register.
· Enrollment Appointment: The time at which a student becomes eligible to enroll for classes.
· Enrollment Section: The component for which students must enroll in a related-component course. If there is a course made up of a lecture and lab/discussion, the lab/discussion is the enrollment section. Students must enroll in the lab/discussion and then will be prompted to select the lecture.
· Net ID: A unique identifier that students use to access network services such as MyUAlbany and the ITS Unix cluster for webmail.
· Permission: If a course requires instructor or administrative permission to enroll, students must contact the department for a permission number and enter it in the appropriate field when enrolling. Each permission number will work only once, and cannot be used for another course.
· PIN Number: If you have previously registered using the Touch-tone Voice Registration system (TTVR) the 4-digit TTVR Pin is the Pin you will use. If you are new to campus, your PIN is a random 6-digit PIN that has been assigned to you.
· Service Indicators/Holds: System blocks, usually financial holds, which may prevent certain enrollment transactions or issuance of diplomas and transcripts.
· Session: A class scheduling/enrollment control time period within an academic term (e.g. semester, quarter).
· Subject & Catalog Number: Subject refers to the academic program (e.g. A = Arts & Sciences) and department (e.g. SOC = Sociology). Catalog numbers identify a specific course and its level (e.g. ASOC115M = Arts and Sciences, Sociology, Lower Level).
· Term: An administrative time period, like a semester, in which sessions are defined and students are billed. The Term is a 4-digit number. The first digit represents the century, the next two digits represent the last two digits of the year. The last digit represents the term. 3 = Spring, 6 = Summer, 9 = Fall. (e.g. 2033 = Spring 2003).
· To Do's: List of items that the student needs to act upon. These are assigned by administrative offices.
Browser Requirements for MyUAlbany
· Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 on Windows 98, NT, 2000 and XP.
· Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 and 5.5 on Windows 9x, NT, and 2000.
· Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 on Mac OS 7.5 and above
· Netscape Navigator 6.1 on Windows 9x, NT and 2000
· Netscape Communicator 4.7 on Windows 9x, NT and 2000.
· Netscape Communicator 4.72 on Linux, MacOS 7.6.1 and above and Unix.
***Additional browsers may also be compatible, but MyUAlbany performs most reliably with Internet Explorer.
Tips for Enrollment (Registeration) Success
· Log-on to www.albany.edu/myualbany and initialize your MyUAlbany account so you will have the correct login information (Net ID and MyUAlbany password). Make sure you understand how the system works. Seek assistance at the Student Help Desk (LC 27, (518) 442-3700) if you have questions.
· Check your MyUAlbany account to make sure all of your holds (negative service indicators) are taken care of well in advance of your enrollment appointment. If you have a hold, you will NOT be able to enroll.
· Undergraduates, before meeting with your advisor, obtain a copy of your Degree Audit (click VIEW MY DEGREE AUDIT from records self-service menu) to make sure you select courses that fulfill requirements for graduation.
· Meet with your academic advisor to get assistance in course selection and to obtain your Advisor Verification Number (AVN).
· Before your enrollment appointment, research all of the classes you would like to take by going to http://www.albany.edu/schedule_of_classes/ and writing down their corresponding class numbers. Select alternate class numbers in case some of your first choices are closed. Knowing your class numbers in advance means you will not waste time looking them up while you are enrolling.
· Carefully review the schedule of classes and look for any special permissions needed to enroll in particular courses. Contact the department to obtain permission prior to your enrollment appointment.
· Identify the one class for which you are most interested in enrolling. Enroll in (SUBMIT) this class first. Once you are enrolled, add more classes to your schedule.
· You must click on SUBMIT to enroll for a class. If you do not see SUCCESS in the ADD STATUS column, you are not enrolled.
For Further Assistance with MyUAlbany:
| If your question is related to |
Call: |
| Net ID, Pin Number or Password |
ITS Help Desk (518) 442-3700 |
| Technical difficulty registering |
ITS Help Desk (518) 442-3700 |
| Your registration status or eligibility to register |
Registrar's Office (518) 442-5540 |
| AVN or course selection |
Your academic advisor |
| Closed courses |
The department offering the course |
5. How do I get into my online classes?
· Getting to your SLN class is a three-step process.
· Step 1 - Get admitted as a University at Albany student.
· Step 2 - Register for your class at MyUAlbany.
· Step 3 - Go to your class at the SUNY Learning Network.
The SUNY Learning Network web site address is http://SLN.suny.edu. The SLN password request process for your semester of enrollment is available about a week before your course is scheduled to start. The first time you go the SLN web site, click on the "Registered Students" link to reach the SLN Welcome page. Then use the link "New students need to request a SLN password" and follow the instructions to submit a password request form. After you have your password, you will login to the SLN Commons to complete the Student Orientation and to find access to your online course.
6. When do I start my online classes?
We expect you to begin your online class on the first day of classes. (To view the University Academic Calendar, go to Academic Affairs.)
The SUNY Learning Network, however, will open the Student Gateway and Student Commons at least two weeks before the beginning of each semester. As soon as the Student Gateway is open you can go to the SLN Gateway to Test Your System, Request a SLN Password for the semester, and Get a List of Your Course Materials. Although you are not required to start your online class until the first day of the semester, SLN will open access to the online classes one week before the beginning of the semester. This week of early access is a good time to be come familiar with the course and the instructor's expectations - before you have to start participating on the first day of the semester.
7. Do I have to submit a confidential health and physician's certificate?
The Confidential Health and Physician's Certificate serves two purposes. It provides proof of immunity against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella as well as provided Health Services with a record of your medical history, information our medial staff would need if you ever seek medical treatment at out campus health facilities. Every student studying on campus must complete this Certificate.
If you are planning on taking only online classes and you know that you are never going to be attending classes on campus, the University Health Center will consider waiving the Health Certificate requirement on a semester-by-semester basis. If you want this requirement waived, you must submit a written statement to the Extended Learning Coordinator Joy Ewing (jewing@uamail.albany.edu) confirming that you have no intention of coming to campus during the semester in question.
Only after the Health Center receives confirmation from the Extended Learning Coordinator will they review and decide on your request. If the Health Center does not approve your request, you must submit the Confidential Health and Physician's Certificate. If you do not, the Health Center will place a hold on your student record and you will not be able to register for any additional classes until you do submit the Confidential Health and Physician's Certificate.
8. How and when do I pay my tuition bill?
After you register at MyUAlbany, the Office of Student Accounts will send you an invoice for the semester tuition and fees. You will be responsible for submitting payment by the date indicated on the invoice. If you have questions about your semester invoice, please contact the Office of Students Accounts (518) 442-3202 or visit Office of Students Accounts web site.
9. Can I get financial aid?
There are several factors that determine your eligibility for financial aid - your student status, your credit-load for the semester, etc. There are also several types of financial aid - TAP, student loans and private scholarships. To find out if you are eligible for financial aid, visit the University's Financial Aid web page.
10. What about parking?
That's the best part about online education: you don't have to worry about campus parking stickers or remote student parking lots.
If, however, you do come to the Albany campus, you must have a valid car sticker to park in the student parking lots. As a registered student you can get a parking sticker at Parking Management. For more information about parking visit the Parking Management web site.
11. What is my student i.d.?
Your Albany ID will be assigned to upon admission to the University. Your PIN will arrive in a letter from The Office of Information Technology Services. You need your Albany ID and your PIN to initialize your MyUAlbany account.
As a student studying online and living far away from campus, you may not have much use for your SUNYCard. The SUNYCard, however, serves as your University library card and you will need your SUNYCard barcode to access many of the online resources available to you through our University Libraries.
To request a student i.d. card, contact the Extended Learning Coordinator Joy Ewing at jewing@uamail.albany.edu.
12. How do I buy my books?
You can access a list of your course books and materials weeks before your classes begin at the SUNY Learning Network (See Question #5, How do I get to my online classes?) You will need to know the 4-or 5-digit class number to look up your book lists. Once you have your list of books and materials, you can buy your books wherever you like. You might prefer to shop at a bookstore near home or at your favorite online bookseller.
You can buy your books and course materials at the University at Albany Bookstore. Call the University Bookstore at (518) 442-5690 and order your books by phone. Be prepared to give them the class number or call number for each of your classes. There will be a shipping fee of $4.95 plus 95 cents per book.
13. How do I use the library?
The University at Albany Libraries offer an excellent selection of online services and resources accessible from their award-winning web page, http://library.albany.edu/. The page serves as a gateway for all your information needs, including the libraries' catalog, article databases, full-text information sources, and a great selection of reference tools. The library now offers an electronic reserve system that allows you to access any reserved course materials from the Web. You can also find several Internet resource guides mounted on the Web at http://library.albany.edu/internet/searchnet.html.
The library also offers a site dedicated to helping online and distance students: http://library.albany.edu/services/distance/. Barbara Via at the University Library will assist you with book loan and photocopies for your research. You can reach her at distance@albany.edu or (518) 442-3689.
To use many of our databases and services, you must have a valid University at Albany student i.d. card barcode. To request a student i.d. card, contact the Extended Learning Coordinator Joy Ewing at jewing@uamail.albany.edu.
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