Will I have to go on campus?
You should not have to go on campus when taking courses through Southeast Online.  Courses designated as “online” should not require any face-to-face meetings.  Blended courses, however, are classes that combine online instruction with scheduled face-to-face instruction.  Check the Southeast Online Course Page at http://online.semo.edu/coursedb/courses.asp to see if your course of interest requires any face-to-face meetings.
   
Do I need any basic computer skills to take an online class?
Keyboarding skills are highly recommended as most assignments will be completed in typed text.  Check your local community for keyboarding course options or your nearby electronics store for computer software if assistance is needed.

Online courses are conducted entirely through online delivery, so you will need to know how to navigate the Internet. You may also need to know how to download a plug in and perform basic E-mail tasks such as attaching and sharing files.  Our demonstration course will assist you in introducing and walking you through these steps.  Some instructors may have you complete assignments in one or more office applications, such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel or FrontPage.

How do online courses work?

You can access your course Web sites by visiting the My Courses tab after logging into the portal with your Southeast Key information.  Once there, you can simply click the individual Web site link, which will open the selected course in a new window.  Instructors are not required to unlock courses until the start of each semester/session, but some may choose to do this early to allow registered students to anticipate the requirements prior to the start of the course.

You will post questions and comments to your course's asynchronous threaded discussion forum. This forum allows you to hold virtual conversations with other classmates and your instructor, without having to be online at the same.  You can also communicate with other students and with your instructor through private messages within the course or through Southeast Key E-mail. You will post assignments and read lessons through your course's Web site. 

Your course may also have a section for your exams and quizzes, also administered online, as well as the course gradebook. The exams and quizzes are often timed and can be multiple choice, short essay, or long essay in format.  Testing will vary from course to course, from the types required to how many are required during the semester.

We highly recommend completing our demonstration course, which allows you to get a feel for how our courses are organized and the technology we use.

Can I take more than one course at a time?
Yes, you can take more than one course at a time. Keep in mind, though, that these courses are as rigorous as on-campus courses, and you should expect the same level of work or more as you would in a traditional course. Our online courses follow the traditional semester schedule, so the semester load you are able to take will be very similar to what you might be able to accomplish if face-to-face.  Please take into consideration your work and family responsibilities when determining how many hours would be the right fit for you.

Can I take courses face-to-face and online at the same time?
Yes, you can take face-to-face and online courses at the same time unless you are specifically admitted to an online degree program. However, please remember that online courses are as rigorous as on-campus courses, and you should expect the same level of work or more as you would in a traditional course.

Can I use the library services?
As a Southeast Missouri State University student, you are entitled to use the library services. The online library provides a variety of services to help you with your research.   You can access most of these resources online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit the Southeast's Kent Library Web site or the library’s resource page for distance learners. 

Can I meet other online students?
You will get to meet other online students through your course's Web-based forums and online discussions.  Some students may also decide to meet face-to-face for group projects if it is convenient for all parties.  

If I have a disability, can I still take an online course?
Students with disabilities can take online courses. For further information about obtaining assistance, contact Learning Assistance Programs and Disability Student Services.

What are some tips to help me be a successful online student?

1. Check your Southeast Key E-mail frequently.
2. Log on to your course every day to look for course updates.
3. Keep in contact with your instructor.
4. Advise the instructor promptly of any emergency situations that may interfere with completing your course.
5. Allow a reasonable amount of time for instructor responses.
6. Interact with your classmates as much as possible.
7. Contact the instructor by E-mail for help if you have trouble understanding a unit of study.
8. Apply what you learn.

How do I get a Southeast Key?
You will be able to activate your Southeast Key 24 hours after you have been admitted to Southeast.  Visit http://portal.semo.edu and select the link to “Activate your Southeast Key,” just below the login area.  You will need your Southeast ID number in order to do this.  Be sure to write down your new Southeast Key as well as the password you have created.  We also highly recommend that you set up the Password Reset Facility in case you forget your new password.

Your Southeast Key allows you to access not only your online courses, but also registration, financial and billing information and more.  Your official E-mail address at Southeast will be in the format of SEKey@semo.edu.  Please use your SE Key E-mail address when corresponding with University offices.

How do I get books?
Depending on the class, you can get your books through textbook rentals or the Southeast Bookstore. Some instructors use online alternatives to textbooks. If you do need rental textbooks, contact Textbook Rental via the online request form or by phone. If applicable, you can purchase your supplemental texts and workbooks by contacting the Southeast Bookstore.  Be sure to allow plenty of time for delivery. 

I am having difficulties with my class or computer.  What can I do?
If you are having difficulties with how the class is working, please contact your instructor by E-mail or phone for further assistance.  Quick contact information is available from the My Courses tab in the portal.

If you are having difficulties in accessing your class (such as problems with software, dropbox, forum, etc.), contact the Center for Scholarship in Teaching and Learning at support@cstl.semo.edu or (573) 651- 2298 for assistance. 

If you are having technical difficulties with your Southeast Key specifically or your computer itself (such as hardware or internet connection problems) contact Information Technology at helpdesk@semo.edu or (573) 651-HELP for assistance.

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