How to Login:

Your "CourseDen ID" = your myUWG e-mail username (ex: jsmith12). Click here to search for your myUWG assigned e-mail username/ CourseDen ID and Password- Put in either your SS# or your student 917#, in order to do the search. (link click here to https://grim.westga.edu/pls/UWGP_DAD/p_lookup_cpid_webct )

At the start of every term, your initial default "Password" is the last two digits of your birth year followed by the last four digits of your social security number. However, if you change your myUWG password, or Banner Password PIN, your CourseDen password will not change. If you need help or a password reset,  contact distance@westga.edu or 678-839-6248 M-F 8-5pm or the 24 hr hepline availabe 365 days a year at 866-588-5293

What is Distance Learning?

A distance learning class is one in which the students are geographically separated from the instructor.

An online course is web-based, and allows students to interact with the instructor and other students through e-mail, real-time chatrooms, and bulletin boards. Course notes, assignments, projects and grades are often posted on webpages using an online course managment tool called CourseDen (powered by GeorgiaVIEW). Tests can even be taken online and automatically graded.

Each distance course or program provides students with complete and information on the curriculum, course and degree requirements, nature of faculty/student interaction, prerequisite technology competencies, technical requirements, availability of academic support service, financial aid resources, and costs and payment policies. Department chairs ensure that syllabi and program websites include pertinent information or links.

The Nature of Online Learning:

The teaching offered in this course is not designed to just instruct, but to enable learners to fully participate in learning conversations. Interaction between and among students provide the power for this platform, thus students must take responsibility for creating a stimulating and engaging online learning environment. This will involve checking email on a regular basis, logging into the class website regularly to keep up with assignments and participate fully in online discussions, and scheduling regular blocks of study time each week.

Online learning generally provides considerable freedom, allowing students to often choose when and where they'll participate in class activities. But at the same time, students have the same kinds of deadlines and structured responsibilities of a face-to-face class. In other words, flexibility must be balanced by responsibility. Like a face-to-face course, online courses require that assignments be completed by due dates, attendance (via your logins to your course), involvement in online discussions, and sometimes group collaboration. Most students enjoy the active learning that online classes involve.

What courses and programs are available?

Some courses are taught completely through distance learning means, while others combine the technologies with the traditional class, requiring students to travel to campus for one or more class sessions.

The following areas of interest have degrees offered completely or mostly online:

• Education
• Nursing
• Criminal Justice
• Dual Credit / Joint Enrollment
• and More.....

For more info and a list of the available degrees, please click here.

Dozens of distance courses in many disciplines are also offered each term."Please check the Class Bulletin at http://banweb.westga.edu/. Select PDL - Partial D/L or TDL - Total D/L. These imply partial or total Distance Learning."

Is Distance Learning for You?

As a distant student, you will have many advantages in that you will be able to take courses at a place and time convenient for YOU. You will also have the opportunity to interact with a variety of students from a dispersed geographical area, and will have access to a greater number of resources and experts than you might in a traditional classroom setting. Finally, you may find that you are able to have greater control over the learning process, and may be able to customize the course in a way that best suits your specific learning needs.

However, you must be prepared to take on greater responsibility than those engaged in traditional learning. You will need to discipline yourself to stay actively involved with the course, and may find that you spend an even greater amount of time reading and preparing for this course than you do a traditional course. Also, since you may not see the instructor face-to-face, you will need to communicate with him or her regularly through your distance medium, be it videoconferencing, telephone, or e-mail. Studies show that successful distance learning students are independent, self-motivated, and disciplined. You must also have the ability to use computer and basic software and computer access, with an internet service provide, and Netscape 4.0 or better or MS Internet Explorer 3.0. If you do not have access to a computer, you might contact your local public library.

To help you decide, you can take the eCore Readiness Test, or the USG's Student Online Readiness Tool.

Admissions

UWG is an accredited institution with specific requirements for degree seeking students. Students enrolling in distance learning courses must first be admitted through the admissions office. It is important that students register for distance classes during early registration whenever possible. If you wish to attend as an undergraduate at UWG, you may apply online.

Students may see the online Scoop for instructions, specific term important dates, deadlines, directions to off-campus sites, and fee schedules at http://www.westga.edu/~registra/.

If you wish to attend a graduate course at UWG, you may also apply to the Graduate School.

UWG Online

Access to resources is communicated to students through the course syllabi, university websites, e-mail announcements, face-to-face orientations, online student orientations available within our course management system (CourseDen), myUWG portal announcements, and the UWG Student Handbook (http://www.westga.edu/~handbook/index.php). All new students to the University of West Georgia need to have an orientation to the school before starting classes. If you are a partially Distance Learning student, then you will have to take an on-campus student orientation.

All online instructors are provided with a narrated and non-narrated orientation presentation, as well as a complete Orientation module that they may include in their online class. The module reviews services, as well as navigation of the course management system, how to use each of the tools, practice assignments, and information on how to get help.

All new eCore students must complete an online orientation and quiz prior to enrolling in an eCore course. The orientation provides students with critical information about course success as well as what to expect in their online course. In addition, the eCore Student Success Manager sends a Getting Started Letter to all eCore students at the beginning of the term. Student may also refer to the eCore website or the eCore Student Guide online for ongoing reference ( http://ecore.usg.edu/student_guide.pdf). Also, all registered eCore students are encouraged to login early to the online course management system and complete an additional eCore Student Orientation course. Small prizes are provided as incentives. All eCore courses also include a course-specific orientation within the first week's lesson. Specific degree programs may have additional orientation requirements. For access to our online orientation resources and a demo course, visit our UWG Online Orientation (link to http://uwgonline.westga.edu/distance/index_17576.php )

Finding Distance Courses on Banweb

All courses offered at a distance are noted on Banweb  with a "G", "D", or an "N" beside the section number, and on the UWG Online courses pane.

G Courses

: the course is taught completely online through the University System of Georgia, as an eCore™ course or a WebMBA course. Some courses are taught completely through one or both of these distance means, while others combine the technologies with the traditional classroom, requiring students to travel to campus for one or more class sessions. Banweb provides specific information about the type of media used in the distance course, how often, and specific instructions on how to get started.

D Courses

: the course is taught partially online (meets at least 51% - 94% online) through CourseDen (powered by GeorgiaVIEW), or other technologies. Students will be required to travel to campus for one or more face-to-face class sessions.

N Courses

: the course is taught at least 95% online through CourseDen (powered by GeorgiaVIEW), or other technologies, instead of face-to-face). The course will not have more than one face-to-face meeting, in addition to a final proctored exam if required.

If questions remain, contact UWG Online at online@westga.edu directly for clarification.

Registering and Fee Payment for Distance Courses

For directions on how to register online, go to http://www.westga.edu/~handbook/index.php?page=adddropandusingbanweb

Questions about registration may be answered most easily by the Registrar's office website.

Distance Course Fee Policy: Off-campus course students (section#s 40-99) are not charged on-campus fees, accept for the Technology Fee. See links below for specific and up-to-date fee structures.

Undergraduate and Graduate Fee information is available in The Scoop per the semester campus guide. Look under the "Financial Information" section inside The Scoop for the particular semester in question.

Registration dates and fee payment deadlines can also be found in The Scoop Look under the "Registration Information" section inside The Scoop for the particular semester in question.

For Registration and Financial Aid, the Enrollment Services Center is available via email, phone, or in-person on the 1st floor of Parker Hall. See http://www.westga.edu/esc/.

All students may contact the Office of Student Accounts (http://www.westga.edu/bursar/index_1561.php) by phone or visit their offices located on the first floor of Aycock Hall to make payments online, over the phone or in person. Fees can be paid online through BANWEB with any of these major credit cards; American Express, Discover, Master Card or with a check by using the Web Check option. They can also be paid in person with cash or a personal check at the Cashier’s window in Aycock Hall. (Credit cards cannot be accepted in person or over the phone.)

Financial Aid for Distance Students

For Registration and Financial Aid, the Enrollment Services Center is available via email, phone, or in-person on the 1st floor of Parker Hall. See http://www.westga.edu/esc/ .

All related forms are available online at: http://www.westga.edu/financialAid/index_2774.php.
Students may apply for financial aid online, including the ability to have students and parents sign their application using an electronic pin# at http://www.pin.ed.gov/.

The UWG Financial Aid office also offers presentations and courses to groups, classes, and individuals, on financial aid, financial planning, and other money matters. These sessions are available face-to-face and online at http://www.cashcourse.org/pft/Default.aspx.

Consultation and appointments with Financial Aid advisors and staff are available both face-to-face and via phone.

The same financial aid opportunities are available for distance students as on-campus students. Financial Aid info can be found at: http://www.westga.edu/~finaid/ 

Getting Books Online

You can order your course texts from the UWG Campus Bookstore. The bookstore can take your order by phone or online and have your books shipped to you immediately. You will need a major credit card number available when you call. The number is 678-839-6523. If you do not have a credit card, you may pay by check, but the process will take a little longer. To order online, visit the bookstore at http://www.bookstore.westga.edu/ . There is a flat fee of $4.95 for all orders delivered via UPS.

Students may order books and materials over the phone, request a buyback quote on their textbooks online, and receive email notifications when their books are added to the buyback listing. Students who buy books online may also return them for a refund. Bookstore services for distance and off-campus students are evaluated in the Distance Learning/off-campus evaluation form. According to results from the last three years, more than 85 percent of students agreed or strongly agreed that materials required for their courses were available for convenient purchase.

eCore students may order their textbooks through the MBS Direct website or by phone, fax, or email. The eCore website contains a list of all textbooks needed for eCore courses http://ecore.usg.edu/courses/textbooks.php

Free Email for UWG Students

Every UWG student is assigned a FREE e-mail account. Email accounts are activated once you have been admitted and registered for at least one class. To access your email accounts follow these steps:

1. Access the University of West Georgia homepage (http://www.westga.edu/)
2. Select "myUWG" from the Main Menu on the left. MyUWG gives you access to e-mail, banweb, and some course resources.
3. From the next screen, type in your username and password. If
   you don't know your username and password click on the link that says "How do I get my username and password".
4. Once you have logged into your email account you can view mail by clicking on e-mail at the top right. You also can view campus events, change password, and modify the page layout.
5. To change your password click on "My Account" at the top left of the page. Also inside My Account you can change the time before your email account automatically logs you out.
6. To change the content and layout of your email page click on "Content/Layout" below My Account link. Here you can add or delete features on your email page.
   
   If you have any problems contact ITS at 678-839-6587 or send an email to helpdesk@westga.edu
   

Library Services for Distance Students

If you are a Georgia resident and a student at the State University of West Georgia, you may use the library services of any college or university within the university system of Georgia. Also, as a student in the University System, you can search nearly 100 databases through GALILEO, the statewide virtual libraray. These databases enable you to identify books, articles, dissertations, government reports, etc. - on any subject. Once you've identified the materials you need, check the nearest academic library. If there are some materials you can't find, call the Ingram Library at 1-800-295-2321, or 678-839-6507 or e-mail cgoodson@westga.edu.

Among the services are research consultation, check-out and delivery (by mail or courier) of books from the UWG collection, photocopying and delivery (by mail, fax, or courier) of journal articles or other library materials, and use of the interlibrary loan service for materials not held in the UWG collection. The institution monitors whether students make appropriate use of learning resources. Departments monitor student use of resources through project and paper bibliographies and other course interactions.

UWG’s Office of Distance Learning Library Services (ODDLS) maintains a DL-support web page that outlines library services and resources available to students (http://www.westga.edu/~library/depts/offcampus/). The ODDLS coordinates with the UWG Distance Education Department for assessment of student library services, and Distance Education Student Evaluations include two questions related to whether students are aware of such library services and whether students make use of them (http://www.westga.edu/~distance/data/eval/). In addition, a postage-paid, anonymous response card is included with each shipment of materials to a student so that the user can evaluate the timeliness and appropriateness of materials received (http://www.westga.edu/~library/depts/offcampus/policies.shtml). The ODDLS conducts ongoing assessment by using this data to determine the level of user satisfaction and to identify areas for improvement.

Links to the library’s DL services are included on each CourseDen (GeorgiaVIEW) course home page and on the syllabi for all distance courses. The library employs a full-time individual dedicated to supporting distance and off-campus learning students.All online students receive an announcement, via GeorgiaView Vista, with the Galileo username and password each semester, as well as information on how to access the Online Library Learning Center (http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/). Library resources for eCore Students are also provided in the course resource folder inside each eCore course, is posted under “Campus Announcements” inside GeorgiaView Vista, and in the online Student Guides and orientation resources.

Click here to access the UWG Distance Library Service page

Testing Services for Online Students

All students benefit from the testing services of the Learning Support and Testing Office of the University of West Georgia. Students can arrange services by calling or emailing the Testing Office. The Testing Office provides a variety of test registration materials and also administers a series of national and institutional exams. The Testing Office also provides a supervised environment for students with documented physical and/or learning disabilities that are eligible to receive accommodations, such as extended time for their classroom tests. The Testing Office provides test proctoring for a small fee.

Off-campus students often take exams administered by their professors at their off-campus locations. The Newnan Center also provides test proctoring on site. Off-campus and distance students can also use approved proctoring sites at other university libraries. In addition, exams and quizzes are administered via CourseDen (GeorgiaVIEW) either online at a location convenient to the student or a designated computer lab. Some students who take their CourseDen (GeorgiaVIEW) exams in a computer lab use Respondus Lockdown Browser as an additional means of security and integrity.

Instructors who teach courses that are mostly online have the option of using UWG Distance Education Department 's Exam Proctoring Services. Students in most states can schedule their tests at a center convenient to them. In certain states, however,secure proctoring at home may be available through ProctorU (proctor university). The DE Testing Coordinator provides the proctor with the password or facilitates ProctorU access. The proctors confirm the identity of the student, enter the password through the course management, maintain watch over the student, and ensure exam integrity. The DE Testing Coordinator locates proctors for students who are located more than 100 miles away from an approved site, in approved states. Through funds raised through online course tuition, UWG was able to expand and update its Carrollton Campus Testing Center site, as well as open a new site at the off-campus Newnan site. Proctored testing services for online eCore students are administered through UWG's central eCore office: http://ecore.usg.edu/exams/

Conseling Services for Distance Students

The Student Development Center (http://www.westga.edu/~sdev/) provides career, academic and mental health counseling for all University of West Georgia students. Some of the areas of assistance include adjustment to college, person exploration/growth, relationships, substance abuse and psychotherapy. Additional support services for disabled, international and non-traditional students are also coordinated through the Center.

Off-campus and distance students may contact the Student Development Center regarding counseling services by telephone or email. Many work books and web sites are available via the web.

Some types of mental health counseling will require one face-to-face visit. If an off-campus or distance student cannot come to campus, the Student Development Center may refer the student to local counselors in the student's locale.

Disability Services for Distance Students

Students who have learning, psychological or physical disabilities may contact Disability Services at the University of West Georgia (http://www.westga.edu/studentDev/index_8884.php). Students may contact coordinators from Disability Services by telephone or email. These coordinators communicate with faculty to plan for the individual needs of students.

The Distance & Distributed Education Center also helps faculty provide technology options for students with disabilities. For example, instructors are provided with the tools to create ADA-compliant web resources, closed captioning for audio or video-based lectures, and audio-based discussion boards and tools for students with limited dexterity.

Wimba Classroom and CourseDen (UWG course management system) have accessibility features, including closed captioning, and formatting for browser readers.  The DE trains faculty on appropriate uses of technology to meet the needs of students with disabilities and to meet ADA guidelines.

Additional disability information is provided for online eCore students here: http://ecore.usg.edu/students/disablity.php

Advising for Distance Students

The EXCEL Center for Academic Success has academic advisors who help students explore various options and help them choose a major best suited for them. Ask Andy is a way for students to get answers for all their college concerns. Andy is the "answer all" expert at UWG. If students have any questions about anything, Andy has the answer. The students simply type their question and point-click at http://www.westga.edu/~EXCELCenter/pages/AskAndy.htm to send an e-mail.

The College of Education Academic Advisement Center provides guidance and information about the programs offered by the College of Education. The College of Education Academic Advisement Center provides intensive advising support through regular contact with their advisees helps students explore various fields of interest, select a specific academic major, research career options that relate to their programs develops plans of study appropriate for students’ educational goals refers students to other campus offices for assistance in academic, personal, and career counseling; academic skills development; and financial aid.

Additionally, other faculty and departments advise distance and off-campus students online via email, CourseDen Vista, via Wimba, and by telephone. Students can also receive advising from faculty and full-time advisors at our off-campus locations, at specified times.

Beginning in 2008, the UWG Distance Education Department helped each EXCEL advisor set up their own online audio/video-conferencing room, using Wimba tools, for advisement. In FY09, the DE Department provided the Wimba Live Classroom tool for EXCEL and Computer Science virtual advisement, resulting in 2755.5 hours of virtual advisement.

In Fall 2010, real-time online services were further expanded to include a custom instant-messaging and collaborative tool called Pronto.

While online eCore students are still directed to consult with an advisor in their program of study or the EXCEL center, eCore students are also assigned eCore Advisors with knowledge specific to all issues associated with admissions, registration, student services, and success in the eCore program. The eCore Advisors and central eCore Student Success Manager contact the online eCore students frequently via listservs, with tidbits of helpful information and reminders. They also take at-risk reports from all eCore instructors and follow-up with at-risk students by email, phone, or text.

Career Guidance for Distance Students

The Department of Career Services offers a host of services for campus, off-campus, and distance students through its online Career Web at http://careerweb.westga.edu/. Career Web lists both on-campus and off-campus Job Fairs on the web site. The Department of Career Services offers four main services to students: Career Employment, Student Employment, Professional Practice, and the Volunteer Office. For all career services, students can email, call or visit the office.

Distance Education Student Evaluations include a question that evaluates the availability of career services information on UWG's web site http://www.westga.edu/~distance/data/eval/. In the last three years, less than four percent of the students who submitted the distance evaluation felt that information regarding career services for UWG's distance students needed improvement.

In addition, career counseling services are available to distance and off-campus students through the Student Development Center of Student Services ( http://www.westga.edu/~sdev/). Students may contact the Student Development Center regarding career counseling services by phone or email.

Access to Software, Technology Tools, and Services

Most required software that may be used is either free or provided by the University of West Georgia to students directly or made available in campus labs, except in highly- specialized content areas.

The list of additional free software provided to all UWG students, includes but is not limited to: Microsoft Office Suite, Windows OS, Mac OS, virus protection, campus email, web space, file transfer software, and numerous task-specific applications available both in on-campus labs, the Newnan Center, and via a virtual lab accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Many asynchronous and synchronous distance education technologies are available for use to enhance on-campus courses or deliver instruction. The primary tool used for this purpose is our course management system (GaVIEW’s Blackboard Vista 8.1), which includes, but is not limited to, discussion boards, email, and various types of online assessments.

A variety of additional distance education supplemental software, tools, and services are available freely to all instructors, students, and administrators: Wimba Classroom (live and archived audio, video, texting, polling, assessments, application sharing), Wimba Voice Tools (asynchronous audio podcasts and emails, threaded audio/text discussion boards), Respondus Lock Down (a custom browser that locks down the testing environment), Wikispaces (for online collaboration), CourseEval (online surveys), and online presentation tools such as Impatica, Camtasia, Respondus Studymate (interactive flash modules), and Quiz Creator.

In addition to video streaming and podcast servers that supports mobile formats, UWG has recently added Wimba Pronto. Pronto is an instant communication platform designed for educators to advance and promote collaborative learning in an environment that integrates seamlessly with our course management system. Pronto includes unique features to specifically benefit students, teachers, and educational institutions including audio and video conferencing, instant messaging, app sharing, whiteboard, tutoring, office hours, and instant access to campus services. Additional free software, services, and tools may also be made available, to suit the specific need of the users involved.

A computer with audio capabilities, an internet connection, and a Blackboard   Vista/GeorgiaVIEW (a.k.a. CourseDen) compatible browser is the only hardware necessary to support appropriate interactions. CourseDen and any other distance education supplemental software that a specific instructor may wish to use is provided freely to all students, faculty, and administrators.

So that off-campus and online students may have access to the same software applications available in on-campus computer labs, a virtual lab server is provided.

Smarthinking (online tutoring) and a dedicated streaming video server are currently also available specifically for all online students.

Student Activities

“Center for Student Involvement” – includes Calendar of Events, Student Organizations, and links to various other programs: http://www.westga.edu/csi/

Activities for Commutter or Online Students: http://www.westga.edu/commuter/index_9160.php

eCore students also have a Blog and Facebook group in which participation is facilitated and encouraged. See http://ecore.usg.edu/inside

Mentoring and First Year Programs

Many first year programs are available to assist students in the transition into college. See http://www.westga.edu/fyp/

Some of the FYP programs are available to online students. For example, course sections of UWG1101 are taught online. In addition, there is a mentoring program specifically designed to assist students who live off-campus, called the “Freshman Commuter” peer mentoring program. A new mentor-based program, specifically for online students, is being developed.

eCore students also have a Blog and Facebook group in which participation is facilitated and encouraged. See http://ecore.usg.edu/inside/

Student ID Cards for Distance Students

The official University of West Georgia ID Card for the campus community is known as the Wolves Card. It allows students to: Gain access into your residence hall Check books out at Ingram Library Get free or discounted prices to plays, sporting events, and concerts Access the Campus Center fitness area Access Health Services Get a parking tag here's another list of benefits: http://www.westga.edu/wolvesCard/index_2637.php Student ID cards are made in the University Community Center (UCC), Top Floor from 8 am –7 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 8 am-4:30 pm Friday.

Exception for fully online students: UWG Students registered in online courses only, not attending classes at the Carrollton campus or Newnan Center, are eligible to obtain their student ID Wolves Card via mail. See: http://www.westga.edu/~distance/distancestudents/idcard/index.htm

Need Help?

WebCT Vital Information Page: basic directions, links to tutorials, and an online orientation.

Helps users learn by doing. Contact online@westga.edu for an account.

WebCT Troubleshooting Guide or answers to frequently asked questions are available.

Online and in-person Student Orientations are available.

For help with Campus Email, Banweb, and other online services offered by the University, please visit the TechLife homepage.

Telephone & Email Support? 
M-F 8am-5pm help by phone:
Call the UWG DE Helpline @
678-839-6248 or 1-855-933-UWGO (8946)
by email: online@westga.edu

*After-hours- WebCT help:
http://help8.view.usg.edu *
1-866-588-5293
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
* Make sure you mention that your course is hosted on the University of West Georgia's WebCT Server at http://webct.westga.edu

Registrar: 678-839-6438

Admissions - Undergraduate: 678-839-4000
Admissions - Graduate: 678-839-6419
Bookstore: 678-839-6523
Library: 1-800-295-2321
This is a guide of information particular to distance learning students at the University of West Georgia. To access the generalUWG Student Handbook for all UWG students, click here.

UWG Student Handbook, Appendix O: Complaints by Distance Learning Students -

Students who are enrolled in distance learning courses are provided with this student complaint form:   http://www.westga.edu/~distance/Students/complaint/. Upon submission of the form, the issue is assigned to a UWG Distance Education Department staff person for follow-up or routing to the appropriate parties. For all non-anonymous submissions, surveys of this service are provided. As necessary, complaints are resolved following the same general procedures for students who attend classes on campus. However, for any process that requires that a student appear in person, the university may make other arrangements. For processes that cannot be completed via telephone, e-mail, or written correspondence, the university may set up a two-way videoconference site in place of a meeting on the UWG campus.

eCore students have an additional route that they may pursue, for help with academic and non-academic issues: http://ecore.usg.edu/students/studentComplaint/policy.php

Online students are also encouraged to consult with their eCore advisors and the UWG Distance Ed Helpline, for assistance, as needed.

Comparing Services for Face-to-Face vs. Online Students