FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Distance Learning?

Distance Learning - online courses - is a way to take regular college credit courses using computer-based technology to learn concepts, supplement textbook information, and communicate with instructors and other students. Distance Learning is not a program in itself; it is a mode of delivery of courses required for a degree program. Distance Learning courses follow the same academic calendar as campus-based courses and are not self-paced.

Who takes Distance Learning Courses?

Genesee Community College's online courses work best for mature individuals who work well independently and can effectively budget their time and set priorities. They are for students whose job, home responsibilities, or geographical location limit their access to a conventional classroom.

Motivation, study habits, communication and organization are the four keys. To check if an online course is appropriate for you, see the online questionnaire.

How does a typical Genesee Online course work?

Most of Genesee’s Distance Learning courses utilize the Blackboard course management system in My Courses, accessed through GenESIS from our main web page.  The My Courses tab gives access to each individual course: the course content, syllabus, assignments, discussions and assessments. There are student tutorials within My Courses to help you familiarize yourself with the system.

Distance learning instructors vary in the techniques they use to evaluate and grade; this information is detailed in the course syllabus. All courses require written work. Some assign a series of short papers; some require one or more longer papers; some require field research, term papers or projects. Some instructors give online assessments in My Courses; some require exams to be taken at the Center for Academic Progress (CAP) or at a Genesee Community College Campus Center.  For some online courses, typically Math and Accounting, students who reside outside the GLOW region will be required to locate a test proctor*.

Each distance course is different, but all involve regular communication – generally via My Courses.  Some instructors choose to communicate via GCC email, and some courses have mandatory oncampus laboratory sessions.  Online courses with mandatory oncampus requirements are designated with the letter Y  (Y indicates hybrid) in the section number (ex: BIO100-66Y). Course-specific attendance requirements are posted on our Course Web Page.

While Genesee Community College distance learning courses are convenient, flexible and high quality, they are not effort-free, time-free, or necessarily travel-free. As a rule of thumb, successful college students report they spend about two hours outside of class for every hour in class. There are no 'in-class' hours (except those which require labs) in a distance learning course. But there are textbook readings, online readings and assignments. You should plan on an average of 8-10 hours of work, per week, for each 3-credit distance learning course; double that for an 8-week course.

A major advantage of distance learning is the flexible schedule. Though you set your own hours for completing course requirements, you must stay active in the course, communicate regularly, meet deadlines, and finish coursework by the dates indicated by your instructor in the course syllabus and calendar.

91% of Genesee Community College distance learning students rate their course "as much or more" work - and "equal or greater educational value" - compared to conventional courses.

How do I begin?

Current GCC students can register in GenESIS for any open online course for which they have met the prerequisites.  Registration for online courses closes at midnight on the first day of class; late registrations are not accepted.

If you are not a current student, follow this checklist:

    • Test your online readiness if you’re unsure if online courses are right for you.
    • Apply online: Online Application
    • Print, sign, and fax Signature Page to Admissions.
    • Submit a Residency Form  (New York State residents only)
    • An acceptance notice will be emailed to you with registration instructions (GenESIS Userid will be in email) NOTE: Students must be registered on or before the first day of online classes; late registrations are not permitted.
    • Register online in GenESIS:
    • Once you log in, click on “Register for Class” under “My Banner”
    • Then click “Search for classes for which to register” under Step Three
    • Next choose the appropriate term
    • Next to Subject choose a specific subject or leave the default set to “All”.
    • Then, under Schedule Type, make sure you choose “Distance Learning” 
    • Courses that are open for registration have a little box next to the name; click on the box to select the course you want and click “Submit”.

Once you have successfully registered for your online courses in GenESIS, Computer Services will establish your student email account based on your GenESIS Userid.
  
An email from the Distance Learning Office will be sent to your student account two to three weeks before the first day of classes.  This letter will contain information about your Course Management System and any specific details your instructor includes. Some instructors require students to submit a Distance Learning Student Information Form.

A Technical Orientation takes place just before the start of the semester. This is an opportunity for you to come to a computer lab at the Batavia campus and learn how My Courses and Genesee email work.  If you feel competent in your computer and organizational skills, you may opt to work through the Student Tutorial in My Courses in lieu of Technical Orientation.

During Technical Orientation the Bookstore, Records and Business offices are open, and picture ID/Library cards may be obtained. An Orientation Postcard will be mailed to your home detailing semester-specific Technical Orientation times and location.

NOTE:  Students must register for Distance Learning Courses prior to the first day of class.  Students cannot be added to Distance Learning courses after the first day of class.

Why can’t I add an online course to my schedule during the first week of classes if the class isn’t full?

No students are added to online courses after the first day of classes because the number one risk factor impeding student success in an online course is Time of Registration.  Students trying to add an online course late have already missed assignments (most courses have introductory assignments due the first day), do not have their textbooks yet, and are unprepared.  Students cannot add an online class that has already begun.

Do online courses apply to degree programs at Genesee or transfer to other colleges?

Yes. Genesee Community College distance learning courses are the same as identically-numbered conventional courses in meeting requirement or elective credit needs for Genesee Community College and other colleges' majors.

Can I earn a degree via distance learning?

Distance Learning is not a program; it is a way to take courses that are in other programs.  GCC courses are offered oncampus (in traditional classrooms), hybrid (a combination of classroom and online), and online (distance learning, via high speed internet). There is no specific program that is all Distance Learning.

Genesee Community College degree programs which can be completed 50% or more through distance learning:
Business and Commerce:
Accounting AS
Accounting AAS
Accounting CERT
Business Administration AAS
Business Administration AS
Customer Relationship Management AAS
Entrepreneurship AAS
Entrepreneurship CERT
Sales and Customer Service CERT
Creative Arts:
Communications and Media Arts AS
Health Care:
Health Studies CERT
Human Services:
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies AS
Early Childhood CERT
Gerontology CERT
Law and Criminal Justice:
Criminal Justice AS
Criminal Justice AAS
Criminal Justice CERT
Economic Crime Investigation AS
Liberal Arts:
General Education CERT
Individualized Studies AAS
Liberal Arts and Science: General Studies AS
Liberal Arts and Science: Humanities and Social Science AA
Sports and Physical Education:
Liberal Arts and Science: Sport Management Studies AS
Teaching and Education:
Liberal Arts and Science: Teacher Education Transfer AS
Teaching Assistant AAS
Teaching Assistant CERT

For long term planning assistance, contact Distance Learning very early in the inquiry process. Regular Genesee Community College Admissions, Financial Aid, Placement Testing, credit/course transfer, other policies and procedures apply. Academic advisement is strongly recommended very early in the inquiry process. Specific course sequences for full-time study are available on the Degree Program web page. Course sequences for part-time study will vary, and are determined in the process of academic advising and schedule planning.

* If you live far from Genesee's locations in Western New York State and are taking an online course where proctored exams are used, you will need to arrange for a proctor, in cooperation with your professor. A proctor can be any reputable professional person who is not related to you, and with whom the faculty member can communicate directly via email and fax as well as phone. Examples include staff at another college's testing center, a teacher or librarian, a church secretary, a corporate trainer or office manager, etc. Arranging for an exam proctor early in your online course is strongly recommended.