| Question | Answer |
|---|
| How can I set up an e-mail account? | There are a number of free Internet based e-mail services offered "out there" on the web. However, Palomar does not specifically recommend any of them. |
| I want to take an online class, and I was wondering how long the courses last? | Typically an online class will meet for the same length of time as an on-campus class. If there are any out-of-the-ordinary meeting times they should be listed in the class schedule. |
| I want to take an online class to avoid going onto campus. Are there required on-campus meeting times for online classes? | Many online classes do have an orientation meeting at the start of the semester. Check the online class schedule for details of if, when, and where the class orientations take place. |
| Is there a required term paper in this class? | It depends on what specific class you are taking. Some classes (such as English Composition) most definitely do require you to write papers. For details you should contact your instructor. |
| How will I receive my lessons, handouts, assignments and quizzes? | The primary communication method between you, your instructor, and your classmates will probably be email. Other communication methods might be a web-based forum, a chat room, or by posting documents on an FTP server. |
| I am concerned about the transferability of an online class. Are the grades in online classes the same as other classes? | Yes! There is no difference on your transcripts or in any other way between an online class and an on-campus class. If a class is transferable if taken on-campus, rest assured it will be transferable if taken online. |
| When is the first meeting of my online class? (day, time) When are the sessions going to be held? | Unfortunately there are no absolute consistencies between the online classes. Some have initial meeting times, others do not. To find out if your class has a meeting for you to attend, either look in the class schedule or contact your instructor. |
| How do I know what my username and password are for my online class? | On the online class server (http://pconline.palomar.edu/) your username is your nine-digit Palomar student ID number. Your password is whatever you have set it to in eServices. |
| Is it possible to change one's username for PCOnline. I would personally prefer to be able to use something else, as opposed to my student id number... Just curious... Thanks. :) | Unfortunately no, you cannot change your user name on PCOnline. Each user's name must be unique, and use of student names for usernames in the past led to too many conflicts and to confusion. Since students are already identified by a distinct nine-digit student ID number, this is also the identifier for the PCOnline server. |
| I am currently enrolled in an online class. I am moving out of the area but would like to complete the course. Will I be able to complete the course without physically reporting to the campus? | Some of Palomar's online classes do require your presence on-campus for testing, others never require your physical presence at all. You will have to contact your instructor for details specific to your class. |
| I know some college classes can be offered to students who are currently seniors in High School. I was wondering if Online classes can work the same way? An online class would be ideal with a full high school load and a part-time job. | Yes, online classes can be taken by high school students. (Assuming that all the other requirements for a high school student are met, that is.) At Palomar, the online classes are considered to be absolutely equivalent to the on-campus classes. |
| Do I need a high speed Internet connection to enroll in an online college class? | Although having a high speed connection to the Internet is nice, it is certainly not required when you take an online class. |
| This is my first time signing up for internet classes and I was wondering where I get a user ID to log onto the site with. Is the user ID just your college ID number? | Your username on the pconline.palomar.edu server is your nine-digit Palomar student ID number. |
| How do I edit/verify homework files submitted to my instructor for my online course and submitted via drop box? | If you are using the digital drop box in the Blackboard system, when you upload the file you will receive a confirmation page. After that, when you view your drop box page, you will see files you have previously sent to your instructor. |
| How do I "crash" a closed class? | To "crash" a closed class, you must go to the first day of class and request a permission code from the instructor. For an online class, email the instructor and request the permission code. |
| I want to take online classes but some of the classes I need are only offered traditionally. Can I enroll for both with one application? | Yes, you only need to complete one application for any credit classes taken in the semester. Once your application is processed, you may register in all your credit classes (online or on-campus) in the eServices system. |
| I tried to register for an online class and it was closed. How can an online class be closed, and how do they determine how many students can be enrolled in a class? | Online classes do have enrollment limits, not imposed by the size of the room, but by agreement of the instructor and the department. If the class you want is marked as closed, you may want to contact the instructor to see if crashing is an option. |
| I want to enroll in classes, but I'm probably going to have to take online classes. Do online classes still qualify me as a full time student or do I have to take the regular in class courses? I need to maintain full time student status to keep my health insurance. | Online classes do count the same as traditional classes for the purposes of classifying you for full time enrollment. |
| When I try to log in to the Blackboard system, I get an ugly red error message! What does that error message mean? | If you are getting a red error message when you try to log in to Blackboard, click here for information. |
| I had to pay a Health Services fee. What do I get for that fee? | Health Services is set up like a small doctor’s office. If you feel sick your health fee covers your office visit with a nurse or doctor. The doctor and nurse practitioner provide prescriptions, lab tests, skin checks, physical exams, birth control, and pap tests. Other services include first aid, immunizations, TB tests, screenings for hearing, vision, and blood pressure, over-the-counter medications, and blood tests. For more information, visit the Health Services web site at http://www.palomar.edu/healthservices or call (760)744-1150 ext.2380. |
