SPD Online

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it take to be an online student ?

What are the technical requirements?

When do classes begin?

How do I register?

How do I use the automatic waitlist?

I've already registered. Now what do I do?

Where do I go if I have more questions?

What does it take to be an online student?

Online learning requires a unique combination of skills to succeed academically:

1. An online student must be willing to commit a minimum of 10 to 15 hours a week to each online class. Students taking an SPD Online course are required to log on at least three separate times a week. In addition to required course readings and assignments, a student needs to budget time to read and respond to the postings of their classmates.

2. Online students must feel comfortable expressing themselves in writing, as classes consist solely of the written word. Students respond to questions posed by the instructor, as well as other students, through postings which are written; they submit homework assignments, papers and exams that are written; they chat with each other in "lounge" areas, making connections and exchanging ideas.

3. An online student must be extremely motivated and disciplined. Students must seek out information on the SPD website as to start and end dates of a classes and how to register, add/drop or withdraw from a course. Students must seek assistance from SPD Online if they are feeling overwhelmed or having technical difficulties -- they cannot wait even a few days as that is time lost not learning. Technical and administrative assistance is available on the course site and via email or telephone.

4. Online students must be comfortable with their computers. They must have knowledge of word processing software and email, know how to download a program from the web and install it, and in some courses, know how to upload items from the PC to the web and have other technical expertise. Course descriptions will note if students are required to have a high-level of computer ability. Please see Technical Requirements for detailed information.

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What are the technical requirements?

The following list details a minimum recommended computer set-up:

• PC with Windows XP or Macintosh with OS 10 or later
• 516 MB RAM
• Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer 6; Mac users are encouraged to use Safari or Firefix
• E-mail account that allows for attachments (students must set their spam filters to receive e-mails from "stonybrook.edu" and "sunysb.edu" domains)
• Cable modem, DSL or 56.6 Kbps modem
• Internet Service Provider (such as AOL) or DSL or cable modem connection
• Printer
• Word processing software (Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, WordPad, etc.)
• Speakers (either internal or external) or headphones
• Ability to download and install free software applications and plug-ins (such as RealPlayer or Adobe Acrobat)

The SPD Online office is available to provide technical support with issues relating to the course software and user accounts only. If you are having problems with your home computer or Internet Service Provider, you are responsible for finding a solution.

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When do classes begin?

Spring 2008 courses begin on January 28 and end on March 30.

Summer 2008 courses begin on June 2 and end on August 3.

Fall 2008 courses begin on September 2 and end on November 3.

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How do I ENROLL?
If you are currently a matriculated SPD student or have submitted a non-matriculated graduate student application, you can register for SPD Online courses as you would any face-to-face course (through the SOLAR System). There are no special forms or permission required. As these courses are in high demand, early registration is recommended.

Please note that because the workload is condensed into nine weeks for most SPD Online courses, there are recommended limits as to the number of online courses a student may take per semester. They are as follows:

• New SPD Online students are encouragd to enroll in only one online course per term
• Returning SPD Online students are encouraged to limit their enrollment to two courses per term

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How do I USE THE automatic waitlist?
If an online course is closed, students have the option of placing themselves on a waitlist for the course (if there is space available). Students who enroll in the waitlist will automatically be enrolled in the course as new vacancies arise and their accounts will be charged accordingly. Students who are enrolled from the waitlist will receive an e-mail from SOLAR. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the University has a single, valid e-mail address that can be used for contact purposes. The student should also ensure that he or she can receive messages from "stonybrook.edu" and "sunysb.edu." If a message from the University is blocked by a spam filter, the student is still responsible for that information.

Students can check on their waitlist status at any time by logging into SOLAR.

For instructions and policy information, please be sure to read the guidelines for using the waitlist (on the SOLAR website) before you enroll.

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I’ve already registered. Now what do I do?

Check your student records (under "My Portfolio") on the SOLAR System to make sure that the University has a single, valid e-mail address for you (go to http://www.stonybrook.edu/solarsystem). Also, make sure this e-mail account is set to accept e-mails from "stonybrook.edu" and "sunysb.edu." If your spam filter blocks a message that was sent by the University, you are still responsible for the information that was sent.

About two weeks prior to the start of class, SPD will notify you via e-mail that your course is available in Blackboard. If this e-mail is not received by a week before the start of class, email the SPD Online office at eep@notes.cc.sunysb.edu to report the problem. This e-mail will contain your user ID (NetID) and a URL (web address) for your course(s). It is up to the student to set his or her NetID password in SOLAR.

If you register for a course after the week preceding the semester, you will receive your notice somewhat later. To speed the process, send us an e-mail to inform us of your new registration. Please note: It takes one business day for newly enrolled students to be placed into their Blackboard courses.

As soon as you get the letter, you must log on to the website to test your password and read your syllabus. Do not wait until the first day of class.

Once you log on to the web address, you’ll see your course(s) as well as a link to the "SPD Online Support " Be sure to visit this "course," as it contains all the information you need to get started, as well as specific academic policies and procedures for SPD Online students that differ somewhat from those that apply to face-to-face students.

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You can e-mail the SPD Online office or call 631.632.9484.

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