Every institution has student services available to students taking online courses. From academic advising to technical support to career services, each UNC institution has something to help you along the way. Below is a description of some of the student services you may find at UNC institutions. For a specific list of what a school has to offer, be sure to contact them directly.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
This service handles academic integrity issues and violations. Academic integrity issues can include cheating, plagiarism, falsification, misuse of academic resources, and facilitating academic dishonesty. Be sure to check with your institution to determine their academic integrity policies and procedures.
ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY
Each institution provides services which enable undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities to receive equal access to a college education and to all aspects of university life. Academic growth, disability management and self-advocacy skills for students are supported and enhanced.
ADVISING
Whether you’re an exploratory major or pursuing a major in one of your institution’s professional schools, academic advisors are there to guide you toward degree completion.
CAREER SERVICES
Career Services are there to help you as you think about life beyond academics. Many services provide you with a way to post your resume, search for jobs, and view upcoming events such as job fairs. Many even offer information on student employment and enrolling in graduate school.
FEES AND FINANCIAL AID
These services provide you with information on the tuition and fees for online courses, both undergraduate and graduate, in-state and out-of-state. Your Financial Aid office will help you find financial aid opportunities to assist with college costs, including federal programs, scholarships, grants, loans and work-study.
LIBRARY
Every UNC system institution’s library provides many resources for online students, which may include: an online catalog search, electronic readings for your online courses, an online research tutorial, mailing books to you from the catalog free of charge, the ability to check out books from other UNC libraries, the use of interlibrary loan to get books and articles from libraries around the world, as well as some super helpful online workshops.
PROCTORING
Some courses require proctored tests to be administered by an institution near the student’s location. A proctored exam is one that is overseen by an impartial individual (called a proctor) who monitors or supervises a student while he or she is taking an exam.
The UNC Online Proctoring Network has been designed to enhance the academic integrity of online courses by providing students with an easily accessible pool of qualified proctors. These qualified proctors will be available for students who are taking online courses at any of the constituent universities of the University of North Carolina. This network will help students to easily access proctors and find a facility to take their exam in a shorter, more effective period of time. For more information, visit the UNC Online Proctoring Network.
If your online course requires exams to be proctored, schedule all exam appointments early in the semester, especially the final exam. The majority of UNC systems schools schedule final exams within the same two-week period; proctors’ appointment schedules fill up quickly during this time. Always confirm the proctoring appointment.
REGISTRATION
Registration Services provides information on the course catalog designations for online courses. To find out more about what online courses are offered at your preferred institution, contact the registration services group or browse their online course catalog.
SPEAKING AND WRITING LABS
Your university writing center can provide support and guidance on all of your writing, regardless of course or discipline. Some writing centers have online options such as video/audio sessions, chat sessions, or eTutoring sessions where you can email your writing assignment for review. During these sessions, online consultants work with you on specific skills in writing, revising, and editing. Online consultants can help answer your writing questions during any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to the final draft. Your university writing center is available to help you develop your own writing by providing strategies to build on your strengths and overcome challenges.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Each institution has a designated technical support group who is there to help you when supported software (such as the institution’s LMS) goes awry. The technical support services will vary from one school to another, but generally they provide you with a range of ways to reach them, from phone to email to online chat.
Additionally, many institutions have computer labs you can use if you find yourself on campus, and consultation services to help you create and incorporate digital media into your course projects.
TUTORING
Supporting the academic success of distance education students is part of the mission of learning and tutoring centers across the state. Each institution offers tutoring services to enrolled students, and you should request an overview of services at your institution. In addition, many institutions offer study skills assistance or learning specialists who are available to assist you in developing the essential academic skills needed for college success. Contact your academic support center to learn more about available services.
In addition to institution-based assistance, many textbooks have online support websites that can help you to better understand course concepts. You can investigate these resources by searching online for publisher-supported websites. YouTube is also a source for educational assistance for specific course concepts, as well as helpful study skills videos. For distance education students in North Carolina, several institutions have placed tutors on Tutor Matching Service and made hours available for a large variety of courses. Ask your institution’s representatives if they sponsor TMS tutors, and if free services are available.
VETERAN AND MILITARY SERVICES
Every UNC system institution has a group that serves as advocates for students by providing information about the institution and assisting with Veteran’s Administration (VA) programs and certification. Services will vary by institution, but often include things like assisting with the processing of VA benefits, advocating for students and assisting them with any issues that might arise during their course of study, and offering Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student-focused programming that enhances and enriches the college experience.