Online Courses

What is Canvas?
Canvas is an online course delivery platform. If you are new to Canvas, check out the Welcome Tour to get acquainted. You also have access to free 24/7 help within Canvas.

When can I access my class?
Your class(es) are listed on your Canvas dashboard and will open on the first day of the semester. You must log on and begin class prior to the conclusion of the first week of the semester. If you do not begin your online class(es) by the end of the first week of the semester - which includes completing the first specified activity - you may be dropped as a "No Show."

What technology do I need to take an online class?
You will need a few things:

• A computer and consistent internet access. If you don't have your own device and internet access, you can use the computers in the library.
• A Canvas-compatible web browser like Chrome or Firefox. Microsoft Edge is not recommended.
• Office 365. All students have free access to Office 365 through the College.
• Some courses may have extra requirements. Read the course requirements before you register - they are listed in the registration system.

Where do I get the books for my online course?
Required textbooks and other materials are available for purchase at all SJR State campus bookstores. Please see the Bookstore's Web page for more information.

How will I receive my syllabus for an online course?
The syllabus is posted in Canvas.

How often will I have to go to campus for an online course?
Online courses usually don't require you to be on campus. However, some online classes do require on-campus testing and/or labs - read the course requirements before registering and check the syllabus.

How are assignments submitted for an online course?
Assignments for an online course are submitted via the tools within Canvas.

What should I do if I have questions about my course?
Always talk to your instructor. Their contact information is provided on the syllabus and you can email them directly through Canvas. Many instructors also provide online office hours.

Do online classes have an attendance policy like SJR State's other classes do?
Although in distance learning classes students do not "attend" class in the traditional sense, these courses do have an attendance policy, and students may be dropped for non-attendance. During a traditional-length semester, three instructional hours of attendance equals one week's missed work. If a student misses a week's worth of work in a distance learning course, he/she may receive a warning for non-attendance, and if the student misses more than one week's work in a distance learning course, he/she may be dropped from the course due to non-attendance.

However, it is ultimately your responsibility to drop a class if you no longer wish to be enrolled in it. Do not assume that just because you stop completing assignments that the instructor will drop you from the course. Please see the SJR State Academic Calendar or read the syllabus for withdrawal deadlines.

How and where do I take tests for an online class?
Testing for most of SJR State's online classes is done online. Some online classes, however, do have some on-campus exams and/or labs throughout the term - read the syllabus for details.

What if I live outside of the SJR State area and want to take an online course?
You may still be able to enroll in one of SJR State's online courses if you can purchase your books online. If the online course you are taking requires on-campus testing, you will need to arrange to have your testing administered at a local community college or university which may involve some out-of-pocket costs for you. Some of SJR State's online science classes require on-campus labs that would require students' presence on campus and may exclude you from taking the course. Please read the course requirements in the registration system, check the master course syllabus, and talk to your Advisor before registering for an online course.