Online Learning occurs when there is a separation between the instructor and the student, usually due to geographical or time concerns that prevent the student from attending an on-campus course.

An online course is web-based and allows students to interact with the instructor and other students through discussion boards, email and other various online resources. Course notes, assignments, projects and grades are delivered using an online course management tool like CourseDen (powered by Desire2Learn). Tests can even be taken online however some instructors may require students to take proctored exams which can be taken at any approved testing center world-wide. Additional proctored testing site fees may apply.

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, UWG|Online courses  are not like independent study or self-paced courses where students work by themselves or at their own pace. Each course has a syllabus and schedule to follow. Instructors specify the content to be covered in the course, dates for exams and quizzes, individual and group assignments and other activities that students must complete by a particular date.

Depending on the program, you can earn your degree online, face-to-face, or in a hybrid setting. You'll be taught by experienced, well-credentialed experts and you can expect low student-teacher ratios.

Areas of interest include:

• Education
• Nursing
• Criminology / Criminal Justice
• Computer Science
• Business
• Dual Credit / Joint Enrollment
• Undecided? Start today with eCore!

For more info and a list of the available degrees, see http://uwgonline.westga.edu

Dozens of distance courses in many disciplines are offered each term. Courses available.

As a online 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. Studies show that successful distance learning students are independent, self-motivated, and disciplined. You must be able to access and use a computer with reliable Internet access and be able to use basic computer software.

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

UWG is an accredited institution with specific requirements for degree seeking students. Students enrolling in online learning courses must first be admitted through the admissions office. It is important that students register for distance classes during early registration whenever possible. 

Check out The Scoop for instructions, specific term important dates, deadlines, directions to off-campus sites, and fee schedules.

If you wish to attend UWG as an undergraduate, you may apply online.

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

Orientation Options for Online Students: All online instructors are provided with a narrated and non-narrated orientation presentation, as well as a complete Orientation learning 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.

Access to resources are communicated to students through the course syllabi, university websites, e-mail announcements, face-to-face orientations, online student orientations available within the course management system (CourseDen), myUWG portal announcements, and the UWG Student Handbook (http://www.westga.edu/~handbook/index.php). All new students who register for at least one face-to-face or hybrid (partially online) course is required to attend an on-campus orientation before starting classes. Only students who take only fully online courses may be exempt from having to travel to campus for an orientation (check specific online program requirements at http://uwgonline.westga.edu.

Additional online orientation resources, including details on how to access a demo course, are provided on our Orientation site: http://uwgonline.westga.edu/orientation.php

All new eCore students must complete an online orientation 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. Students 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 log in early to the online course management system and participate in an additional eCore Student Tutorial course. eCore courses may also include a course-specific orientation within the first week's lesson. Specific degree programs may have additional orientation requirements.

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 page.

G Courses

Courses are 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

Courses are taught partially online (meets at least 51% - 94% online) through CourseDen, or other technologies. Students will be required to travel to campus for one or more face-to-face class sessions.

N Courses

Courses are taught at least 95% online through CourseDen, or other technologies, instead of face-to-face. Courses 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.

A student must first be admitted to our school, before they can register for classes.

How to register online -  http://www.westga.edu/handbook/9.php

Questions about registration - see Registrar's office website

Tuition and Fees - Off-campus course students (section#s 40-99) and students in fully online courses (NET) are often not charged mandatory fees unless they ALSO take an on-campus course (on the main Carrollton campus).  All students in the University System of Georgia must pay the Special Institutional Fee; however, other fee rules can very by program or by course - see our Cost page for sample comparisons: http://uwgonline.westga.edu/cost.php

Mandatory Fees - http://www.westga.edu/bursar/index_13095.php

Special Course Fees - http://www.westga.edu/assetsDept/bursar/Fees%281%29.pdf

Test Proctoring Fees - in addition, some instructors in fully online course may require that you take a proctored exam at a testing site. These sites may charge students a proctoring fee that is anywhere from $10 per exam to $50 per exam. Check with the instructor to find out whether a class will require a proctored exam.

Undergraduate and Graduate Fee information, registration dates and fee payment deadlines are available in The Scoop semester campus information guide. 

For Registration and Financial Aid information, 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) to make payments online, over the phone or in person. Fees can be paid online through BANWEB with any of these major credit cards or with a check by using the Web Check option. Credit cards cannot be accepted in person or over the phone. Fees can also be paid in person with cash, personal check or money order at the Cashier's window in Aycock Hall.

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.

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 resetting your password,  contact online@westga.edu or 678-839-6248 M-F 8-5pm or the 24-hr helpdesk available 365 days a year at 1-855-772-0423.

For online students: basic directions, links to tutorials, services, downloads - http://uwgonline.westga.edu/students.php

Orientation options, including a demo course: http://uwgonline.westga.edu/orientation.php

For help with Campus Email, Banweb, and other online services offered by the University, please contact Information Technology Services at: http://www.westga.edu/its/index_5035.php

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

*24-Hour Help:
https://d2lhelp.view.usg.edu *
1-855-772-0423
24 hours a day / 7 days a week
* Make sure you mention that your course is hosted on the University of West Georgia's Server at https://westga.view.usg.edu/

Registrar: 678-839-6438

Admissions - Undergraduate: 678-839-4000
Admissions - Graduate: 678-839-6419
Bookstore: 678-839-6523
Library: 1-800-295-2321

Online Student Guide - http://uwgonline.westga.edu/online-student-guide.php
UWG Connection & Student Guide - http://www.westga.edu/handbook/77.php

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. Topics include 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

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

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 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 fee 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.

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

Bookstore services for 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.

Every UWG student is assigned a FREE email 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:

• Access the University of West Georgia homepage (http://www.westga.edu/)
• Select "myUWG" from the Main Menu on the left. MyUWG gives you access to email, banweb, and some course resources.
• 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".
• Once you have logged into your email account, you can view mail by clicking on email at the top right. You also can view campus events, change password, and modify the page layout.
• 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.
• To change the content and layout of your email page, click on "Content/Layout" below the 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

If you are a Georgia resident and a student at the 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 email cgoodson@westga.edu.

Also 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.

UWG’s Library maintains a web page that outlines library services and resources available to online students: (http://libguides.westga.edu/content.php?pid=194430). Links to the library’s DL services are included within each course home page and on the syllabi for all distance courses. The library employs a full-time individual dedicated to supporting off-campus students. All online students can access information on how to utilizes the Online Library Learning Center (http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/).

Library resources for eCore Students are also provided inside each eCore course.

Click here to access the UWG|Online Library Service page

UWG’s Office of Distance Learning Library Services coordinates with UWG Distance Education 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.

The Testing Office at UWG 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. Additionally, the Testing Offices at UWG Carrollton and UWG Newnan provide test proctoring for a small fee for off-campus students.

Off-campus students can also use approved proctoring sites at other university libraries or sites worldwide with similar charges for proctored exams.

Check with the instructor to find out whether a class will require a proctored exam. When exams are not proctored, they are delivered via CourseDen online in the student's home or other such location. CourseDen may utilize special features to ensure the security and integrity of the exam.

For more information on proctored exams, please review: http://uwgonline.westga.edu/exams.php

Proctored testing services for eCore students are administered through UWG's central eCore office: http://ecore.usg.edu/exams/

The Counseling & Career Development Center (http://www.westga.edu/counseling/) provides career, academic and mental health counseling for all University of West Georgia students. Some of the areas of assistance include adjustment to college, personal 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 online students may contact the The Counseling & Career Development Center regarding online counseling sessions with UWG's Electronic Delivery Counselor. To schedule and appointment call 678-839-6428. For more information visit: http://www.westga.edu/counseling/index_21165.php

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). These coordinators communicate with faculty to plan for the individual needs of students.

UWG|Online trains faculty on appropriate uses of technology to meet the needs of students with disabilities and to meet ADA guidelines. 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.

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

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", ran by the EXCEL Center, 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 at: http://www.westga.edu/excel/index_3623.php.

The College of Education Academic Advisement Center provides guidance and information about the programs offered by the College of Education. The center provides intensive advising support through regular contact with their advisees and helps students explore various fields of interest, select a specific academic major, research career options that relate to their programs, develop 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. See http://www.westga.edu/coeadvisement/

For an index on where to seek advisement in other colleges/areas of study, see http://www.westga.edu/handbook/19.php

Faculty and departments can advise off-campus students online via email, CourseDen, online chat, or by telephone. Students can also receive advising from faculty and full-time advisors at our off-campus locations, at specified times.

While eCore students are still directed to consult with an advisor in their program of study or the EXCEL center, eCore students are also assigned an eCore Advisor with knowledge specific to all issues associated with admissions, registration, student services, and success in the eCore program. To contact an eCore Advisor, see http://ecore.westga.edu/ecore/index_14470.php

The Department of Career Services offers a host of services for campus and off-campus students through its online Career Web at http://careerweb.westga.edu/. Career Web lists both on-campus and off-campus Job Fairs.

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.

In addition, career counseling services are available to 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.

Distance Education Student Evaluations include a question that evaluates the availability of career services information on UWG's website (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.

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.

Students can now download the software for free or if they still want a disk, they can have one mailed to them through the SRS/USG website (payment required for this option). It will be necessary for them to create an account with their my.westga.edu email address for verification purposes. See the UWG Microsoft Campus Agreement flyer (pdf) for more details.

A computer with audio capabilities, an Internet connection, and 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.

Smarthinking is an online tutoring service that UWG|Online makes available to all online students.

Get involved with campus activities through the Center for Student Involvement. Their website offers information on Calendar of Events, Student Organizations, and links to various other programs: http://www.westga.edu/csi/

Visit activities for Commuter or Online Students: http://www.westga.edu/commuter/index_9160.php

For prospective online students wanting to know more or get UWG|Online updates:

"Like" UWG|Online on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/UWG.Online or Follow us on Twitter - @UWGonline or subcribe to our blog: http://uwgonline.blogspot.com/

eCore students also have a Blog, Facebook and Twitter pages. See http://ecore.usg.edu/inside

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.

For current online students wanting to connect with other online UWG students: "Like" us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/UWG.Online or follow us on Twitter: @UWGonline

UWG eCore students also have a Blog, Facebook and Twitter page. See http://ecore.usg.edu/inside

The official University of West Georgia ID Card for the campus community is known as the Wolves Card. It allows students to: gain access to residence halls; check out books at the Ingram Library; receive free or discounted prices to plays, sporting events, and concerts; access the Campus Center fitness area; access Health Services; and obtain a parking tag. Additional benefits may be found at: 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: UWG ID Cards for Online Students.

UWG Students taking all online classes that visit the Carrollton campus must have their vehicle registered and display a current University of West Georgia hangtag or follow the visitor parking code.

Visitor Parking Code:
Visitors should contact Parking Services, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., before or upon arrival to campus to register for a Visitor's Parking Permit. Visitors are allowed to park in any area designated for faculty, staff, or student parking. Visitors are not allowed to park in any area that is designated as a tow away zone, reserved, restricted, red, or yellow curbs. If a citation is received, the visitor should follow the instructions printed on the citation.

 For more information please contact Parking & Transportation Services: http://www.westga.edu/parking/

UWG|Online desires to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair and amicable manner. Complaints regarding any aspect of UWG operations should be filed internally to UWG authorities first and then, if necessary, to external authorities.

Students who are enrolled in UWG|Online 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 video-conference 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

Please contact the UWG|Online Helpdesk for assistance, as needed, at 678-839-6248.

 Comparing Services for Face-to-Face vs. Online Students (pdf)