Distance Learning courses are offered to improve access to coursework and provide increased flexibility in scheduling. These courses may include telecourses, teleweb courses, online courses, or courses via Interactive Television (ITV). BRCC strives to ensure that the quality and content of these courses are the same as for traditional classroom courses. A qualified, competent instructor serves as facilitator for each course offered through one of these methods of delivery. The  guidelines below will govern delivery of these courses:

• Admission policies are the same as for traditional classroom courses.

• BRCC academic policies and Student Conduct policies are applicable.

• Credit hours granted for distance education courses are consistent with those described in the college catalog .

• Beginning and ending dates for distance education courses are aligned with the college calendar. See the Registration Dates web page, and also listed in the current college catalog (General Information around page 4).

• BRCC guidelines for tuition and materials will apply.

• The student must meet prerequisite requirements for distance education courses unless a Waiver of Prerequisites form is completed with the consent of the advisor and the instructor of the course. (See Tutorial Search for Courses )

• BRCC faculty teaching distance education courses will attempt to contact students enrolling in online courses via the student's ASSIGNED and REQUIRED BRCC e-mail. However, as soon as the students completes their account set-ups, it is strongly suggested that the student contact the instructor at that time to provide necessary information (e.g., current mailing address, email address, or phone number). Ultimate responsibility for contact rests with the student.

• The student is required to have access to the appropriate technology (including software and hardware) for the distance education courses for which he/she registers.  If no syllabus is available before the course begins, it would be a good idea for the student to contact their instructor to ask about special software as suggested above.

• The student is required to attend any scheduled orientation sessions or review sessions and possibly on campus proctored exams.  The instructor should give students any information regarding on campus attendance in the course syllabus or via e-mail.  Students living at a distance from campus will be given instructions for securing a proctor in their area by their instructor if proctored testing is required.

• The student must communicate with the instructor weekly unless more communication is necessary to meet course requirements. A student who fails to maintain this communication may be dropped from the course for nonattendance.

• Materials will be faxed or mailed when necessary and feasible. This may be more an issue with ITV courses than online ones.

• In cases of student grievance, where it is impractical for a distance education student to appear in person to be heard, to afford the student due process and the expedient resolve of issues, special accommodation may be made to include: written statements, telephone conferences, electronic mail, videotape, live video, or similar means of communication.

Before registering for a distance education course the student should access the distance learning page from the college Web site at http://www.blueridge.edu. This site provides a self-assessment to assist the student in determining whether this mode of learning is consistent with personal study habits and learning styles. Links are also provided to technology requirements, general information about distance education at BRCC, and a listing of distance education courses offered by the college.

The student enrolled in distance education courses may access the BRCC Library and online resources through links provided on the BRCC Web site at http://library.blueridge.edu. This Web page has links to Web sites that provide access to other libraries, resources, and services such as NC LIVE. Use of some resources requires a BRCC library card which may be obtained by contacting the college librarian.  Please see the BRCC Library page containing support for Distance Learning students. (Click BACK arrow to return here.)