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A community college sponsored by Niagara County

© 2019 SUNY Niagara | All rights reserved.

Online Learning

SUNY Niagara offers a variety of flexible learning options including online, hybrid, blended, and hyflex courses. We also offer online programs and certificates.

Online Learning FAQs

Can I use a computer on campus to take a test that requires a Respondus Lockdown Browser?

Yes, Respondus has been installed in multiple locations for students on-campus use:

  • ACE Center
  • E-Commons
  • D-108
  • D-109
  • D-303

Can I use financial aid to pay for Online Learning courses?

Yes, you can use financial aid to pay for Online Learning courses and programs. Visit the Financial AidWeb page for more information.

Do I need to come to campus to take an online course?

Overall, online classes are taken from the convenience of any location you have access to a computer with an Internet connection. Internet/WiFi

There are companies offering free or low-cost Internet, SUNY has posted of providers and further information. Please be aware that some online courses do require a proctored exam. It is important to read the course requirements to see if you are taking a course that requires a .

How do I access my course(s)?

All online, hybrid, blended, and Hyflex courses are accessed through our campus Digital Learning Environment, Brightspace. You will have access to your courses in Brightspace 5 days before the course start date for winter, spring, summer, and fall terms. Check your for course start dates. If you’ve registered for a course after the start date, you will have access within 24 hours. To get started, please view this information.

How do I get an Enrollment Verification letter?

Current students can request an enrollment verification letter by going to “Banner Web”, enter the secure area, and click on “Student and Financial Aid”. Verifications are available 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year via this website. You may also complete an enrollment verification request available in the Registration & Records Office (A-105) or fax a letter of request to 716-614-6821.

How do I get help with Brightspace, Online Learning, and Academic Support?

Online Learning Support & Brightspace Assistance

Hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Phone: 716-614-6488
Email: gfox@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: D-106D Suite Learning Commons
Zoom/ In-person/ Phone Options:
Ask a Question:

Brightspace Assistance

Visit: Brightspace Student Training
Contact: SUNY Online HelpDesk at 1-844-673-6786
Visit: Night and weekend hours offered!

Academic Support

Academic Center for Excellence
Phone:
716-614-6724
Email: ace@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location:
D-201 (within the Lewis Library)
Tutoring Availability: Schedule an Appointment
Ask a Questions:
Submit Form


Main office:
716-614-6780
Circulation Desk: 716-614-6783
Reference Desk: 716-614-6786
Email: refdesk@niagaracc.suny.edu
Hours:
Ask a Librarian: Available 24/7

Student Success Center
Phone:
716-614-6290
Email: ssc@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: D-102

Technology Support

SUNY Niagara Office of Information Technology Help Desk
TWolves username/ password assistance
Phone: 716-215-2505
Location: D-102A
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:30am – 4:30pm
Email: twolvesassistance@niagaracc.suny.edu

How do I register for a course?

To register for a class follow the instructions on theregistration page or contact the Registration & Records Office at 716-614-6250.

How do I take a test using Respondus Lockdown Browser?

You will need to download the required LockDown Brower software before logging in to take the test in Brightspace. The following link gives you a video on how to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser (LDB) and how to download the software needed to use the LDB.

NOTE: This software will not work on a Chromebook.

How much do Online, Hybrid, Blended, or Hyflex courses cost?

Tuition and feeswill vary depending on a number of factors such as whether you are a matriculated student enrolled in an online degree program, take some on-campus courses, or simply take a course online. Financial aid and scholarship awards should also be considered. When you are planning how you will pay for your education, don’t forget that textbooks and other materials may be required at an additional cost.

How much time per week does it take to complete an online course?

Online courses follow the same credit hour time frame as on campuses courses. For each 3 credit hour- 15 week course, you can expect it to take about 9-12 hours per week. View our Online LearningTime Management Calculator to get an estimate of how much time your online course(s) should take you to succeed in this mode of instruction. Most classes are highly interactive and will require your active participation.

I didn't find the course I need, what can I do?

SUNY Online lists online courses for SUNY institutions. To get started:

Go to the SUNY Online website at:

Select the “ONLINE COURSES” link from the navigation menu located on the top of the web page. Choose “FIND A COURSE” and select “Course Catalog” or “Find an Online Course” link to search course options

If you need assistance on the SUNY Online website, contact the SUNY Online help desk at 1-844-673-6786

If you are matriculated at SUNY Niagara and are interested in registering for a SUNY Online course offered by another SUNY campus, please be aware that you are responsible for the following:

Adhering to the SUNY Niagara policy regarding transfer credit approval.

Contacting the Financial Aid Office at SUNY Niagara regarding satisfactory academic progress and financial aid eligibility.

Informing the SUNY Niagara Registration and Records Office about the credits taken at another institution as part of your semester workload.

Acquiring academic approval should a SUNY Online course cause academic overload.
Requesting the other SUNY campus course to send the official transcripts of the grades you earned to SUNY Niagara.

If you see something you would like to take, you must check with your academic department and advisor to see if the course will transfer to SUNY Niagara. As these are SUNY credits, most may transfer but there are exceptions. Please check with your department and advisor before enrolling in a course. If you choose to enroll in aSUNY Online course, you must register and pay the institution offering the course. Look for the contact information for that campus on the SUNY Online website.

I forgot my Brightspace username/password, what do I do?

If you forgot your username/password contact OIT.
Phone: 716-210-2505
Location: D-102A
Hours: Mon-Fri, 7:30am – 4:30pm
or email twolvesassistance@niagaracc.suny.edu

I'm registered for my course, now what do I do? How do I begin?

You will be given access to your course on the official semester start date. Instructions on how to Get Started.

What are the attendance requirements for taking online, hybrid, blended, or Hyflex courses?

You are required to log in to your online course(s) at least three times per week. While logged into your course, you must post a question, respond in the discussion forums, or submit an assignment as proof of attendance. When you make a submission or posting, the professor will know you are “in class” and you will not be dropped for non-participation, which can affect your financial aid. Since the online program is not bound by specific class times, students are responsible for budgeting their time. Make sure you log into your online course(s) the first day of class and participate in beginning course activities, that way your professor will know you have successfully accessed your course. You can expect each 3-credit hour, a 15-week course to take you 9-12 hours per week. Please use ourtime management calculator to assess how much time you should plan on spending in your online courses on a weekly basis. For more information view our Online, Hybrid, Blended, Hyflex .

What is the student ID to make online bookstore purchases with financial aid?

The student ID code needed to make online purchases from the SUNY Niagara bookstore with financial is your student ID number. This number starts with an @ symbol and a series of numbers. You can find this number on the back of your SUNY Niagara student ID card or in your personal information on Banner Web.

What Online Learning courses are offered?

SUNY Niagara offers courses in a variety of instructional methods, including online, hybrid, blended, and hyflex. To learn more about these instructional modes view this document.Course offerings for any given term are listed in Banner Web. You can filter the type of course through the instructional method option.

What technology requirements are there for an Online, Hybrid, Blended, or Hyflex course?

You are required to have access to a broadband connection and a desktop or laptop computer/MAC, using a tablet or other mobile device may not have the functionality required for the course. Visit the SUNY Online help desk to check your or contact Online Learning at onlinelearning@niagaracc.suny.edu. Software like Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel may be required. As a student at SUNY Niagara, you have access to download Office 365 for FREE using your T-Wolves email address and password.

Some courses, like Public Speaking, will require a device to record yourself presenting speeches. A webcam or video camera is normally sufficient. If there are any other special technology requirements for your course, your instructor will inform you once you begin your course. Technology for Blended Courses – In addition to any technical requirements listed above, blended and hyflex courses use Real-Time Technology, which means you will be required to log into a web conferencing tool like Zoom to participate in the live “synchronous” lecture classes. To participate in the live lectures, you will need access to a webcam or built-in laptop camera and microphone. In most cases, you can download the Zoom app and participate using your tablet or smartphone. Your instructor will provide you details on which web conferencing tool will be used for your blended “real-time technology” course. For information on using a mobile device view this page.

When do classes begin?

All courses including online, hybrid, blended, and hyflex classes begin the same day as regular on-campus classes and follow the same academic schedule. However, we provide you with access to Brightspace five days prior to the first official day of classes.

Where do I get help with 3rd Party Content? (Pearson MyLabs, McGraw-Hill Simnet or Connect, Blogger, Cengage SAM or Quia)

Full list of technical support contacts for third-party content such as:

Or contact your instructor for the appropriate technical support contact information.

Will I still need to buy a textbook?

Each course has its own course requirements which may include: textbooks, software, and hardware. You can view the textbook requirements online at the College bookstore.

Contact

Online Learning
Phone:
Faculty Support call – 716-614-6487
Students Support call 716-614-6488
Email: onlinelearning@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: D-106 Suite Learning Commons