Online Learning Quick Start
Make your semester more efficient and successful with these helpful tips and resources
Online course tips
Get ready for the first day!
Did you know all courses will have an introductory assignment due in the first couple of days of class? If you don’t complete this assignment you are considered a “No-Show” and may be dropped from the class.
Read the syllabus!
This is where all the important information for your courses is explained. The syllabus is your guide to success. Your syllabus can be found in Canvas. Helpful Canvas videos can be found below.
Plan ahead.
Map out the due dates for assignments, quizzes and tests. This will help you manage your time.
Manage your time!
Did you know that the average 3 credit class requires about 6-9 hours of work per week? Make a schedule and stay on track to success.
Does your class have set meeting times?
Flex courses have online lectures and set meeting times. Check your schedule. You have to attend these live sessions.
Check your CMC email.
At CMC we have to use your school issued email for important communications.
Find help!
Contact your instructor if you need help. They want to see you succeed. There is also a link to important contacts on this page. Use the support that is available for you.
Important Dates to Know
See the Academic Calendar for semester start and other important dates.
There are important deadlines during the semester that students should know. Missing these deadlines can have lasting impacts on your academic record. These dates can be found in the course syllabus.
Never Attended reporting date is in the syllabus
Failure to meet the attendance and participation requirements for the course may result in getting dropped from the class. It’s recommended to attend (log in to Canvas class) on the first day of the class. DON’T WAIT!
Refund Date
If you drop a class before the refund date (within the first 15% of instruction) you will receive a refund for the class. The class will NOT appear on your official transcript.
Withdrawal Date
You have until the withdrawal date to drop the class (up to 75% of instruction). If the class is dropped after the refund date and before the withdrawal date there will be a W posted for the course on the official transcript. It is your responsibility to withdraw. Failure to withdraw will result in an F grade on your transcript.
Please note if you are receiving financial aid: The never attended reporting date, refund date and withdrawal date, may all affect financial aid eligibility. We encourage you to contact the Office of Financial Aid to ensure you are informed beforehand of the consequences of each one.
BASECAMP IS YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP
Basecamp allows you to access student email, register for classes, see your schedule, make payments, access financial aid, access the online library database, and access your class information through Canvas.
Student Planning is where you register for classes
Student Planning is your tool for registering for classes, planning your degree and viewing your academic progress. Here are some help videos to help you navigate all that Student Planning has to offer.
CANVAS IS WHERE YOU WILL FIND YOUR COURSES
Canvas is a very important tool at CMC! You can access the class syllabus, grades, assignments, discussions, groups, WebEx, calendar, notifications, and email instructors or classmates. Learn to navigate Canvas by watching the different videos below.
New to Canvas or need a refresher?
These videos can help:
LOOKING FOR YOUR TEXTBOOKS?
The Learning Materials Program (LMP) at CMC is a rental library like program for course materials. Publishers have different ways to access digital materials. Access digital materials through Canvas or through the LMP Dashboard – Digital Bookshelf.
Additional tools
Office 365
If you do not have access to word processing software, Office 365 is free to CMC students and provides online access to Office applications (like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote) and other classroom tools.
Need help?
NEED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT OR HAVE A QUESTION?
Use the links below to find the contact person at your home campus.
- Campus contact lists
- Service-desk: Technology help with logins, WebEx, Canvas
- Tutoring: Academic support
- Libraries
- Financial aid
When in doubt on who to contact, contact your instructor.
Find contact information in Basecamp > CMC Directory or use Canvas to communicate with instructors.