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Distance Learning > Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I have to be a Cornell student to take a distance learning course offered by Cornell's School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions (SCE)?

No, SCE has an open-admissions policy for all courses offered during the summer and winter sessions, including our distance learning courses.

Will the credits I earn count toward my degree requirements?

If you're a Cornell undergraduate, check with your college before submitting the course-enrollment form to make sure that credit for the distance learning class will count toward your degree.

If you're a candidate for a graduate or undergraduate degree elsewhere, consult the appropriate official in your college or university to make sure that the credit you earn at Cornell will count toward your degree.

What kind of student does well with distance learning?

Students who excel in distance learning classes are generally organized, motivated, independent, and have good time-management skills.

How do I register?

To register for a distance learning course offered during Summer Session, go to the Summer Session enrollment page. To register for a distance learning course offered during Winter Session, go to the Winter Session enrollment page. For all other distance learning courses, consult the department offering the course.

I have registered for a distance learning course. What happens next?

If this is the first time you enrolled in a class at Cornell University, you will be assigned a NetID. You will need a NetID to participate in your class, gain easier access to your transcript, obtain your grades through Just the Facts, access library services and Blackboard, use Cornell's network services, including e-mail, set up mail forwarding, complete online evaluations, and more.

A NetID usually comprises your initials followed by the next available sequential number for those initials. You will be notified via postal mail of your NetID and given directions on how to set a password. Your NetID will be active only for the length of your class. However, your NetID is permanently assigned to you, and any time you enroll at Cornell, your NetID will be reactivated for your use.

All students enrolling in a distance learning course are encouraged to contact the instructor before the course begins. Instructors typically have information to share with students prior to the start of class and may want to confirm that all students have an adequate connection to the distance learning site.

How will I be graded?

The criteria for grading will be established by the faculty and outlined on the class syllabus. Distance learning is very similar to an on-campus class experience; in this case the classroom is virtual.

What do I do if I have questions about an assignment?

Distance learning is a virtual classroom, but the skills used to succeed in it are very similar to those needed for an on-campus class. Questions about assignments or any part of the class should be directed to the faculty or teaching assistant by e-mail or phone, or through the instructional software, Blackboard.

What are the technical requirements for a distance learning course?

Most distance learning courses are offered through Cornell's Blackboard. See the Cornell Blackboard Technical Requirements page for information about hardware and software requirements.

What do I do if I need technical assistance?

If you are having technical problems your first contact should be the CIT (Cornell Information Technology) Help Desk. In most cases they will be able to resolve your questions. The CIT Help Desk will also be able to direct you to the right resource if you need additional support.