Semester-Based Courses

Questions and Answers

What do I need to do to enroll?

• Review semester-based course offerings in the Course Search. Note: Both degree-seeking and nondegree students may enroll in up to three course sections at a time.
• Register online
• If you are a degree-seeking student, you may register for semester-based courses via Student Self-Service website, just as you would for face-to-face courses.
• Nondegree students must register using OCE's Online Registration system.

What hardware and software do I need for my course?

Our courses use WebCT, IL Compass, Moodle, or Elluminate. In addition to the requirements below, as you read through the course descriptions, please take note of any other additional technical requirements for a particular course. As WebCT upgrades are implemented, the list of supported browsers may change.

Supported browsers for WebCT Illinois Compass are:

Windows
Internet Explorer 5.5 (SP2)5, 6.0
Netscape 7.0, 7.01
AOL 8.0
Mozilla 1.5

Macintosh
Internet Explorer 5.1 (OS X 10.1) and 5.2 (OS X 10.2)
Netscape 7.0, 7.1x
AOL OSX
Mozilla 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 (OS X)
Safari 1.2

Note: Netscape 4.8, Opera, and other browsers will generally display Illinois Compass content, but may not work properly for all of the features, such as quizzing or chat. We suggest that users of these browsers install the most current version of Internet Explorer to use as a backup if they are having problems using any of Illinois Compass’ tools.

Minimum processor requirement is Pentium II, or equivalent.

Where do I get the textbooks?

When you receive the list of required textbooks in the course syllabus, you may order the required textbooks from the Illini Union Bookstore on the Urbana-Champaign campus by ordering from the Illini Union Bookstore’s website or by calling the bookstore at 217-333-2050. If you visit the bookstore, the books can be found in the Textbook Information Center downstairs. The cost and postage for all textbooks must be prepaid. You can charge them using VISA, Discover, or MasterCard. You may also utilize the Illini Book Exchange, which allows you to purchase books directly from other students. If you are ordering books elsewhere, be sure to ask for the correct edition and year of publication.

When and where can I take the exams?

For spring and fall semester-based courses, exams will be given in person. The time for the exams will be on the course schedule. The location will be given to you by your instructor or be listed in your course web page.

Online courses offered during the summer term include examinations that must be taken under the supervision of proctors approved by our office. Examinations can be administered on campus in Urbana-Champaign, at the U of I Chicago campus, or off-campus in your local area.

After you are registered, you will be given the following information:

• The dates that your tests will be held.
• Links to an online proctor form or printable form. You must submit this form no later than 2 weeks prior to your start date.

Guidelines for selecting proctors are listed in your online course materials. Approved proctored examination locations and/or proctors include the following:

• Online & Continuing Education at the University of Illinois' Urbana-Champaign campus (901 West University Avenue, Urbana, IL 61820)
• University of Illinois Testing Offices (at Urbana-Champaign and Chicago)
• Superintendent, principal, or guidance counselor of an education service region, school, or district, either public or parochial
• Head librarian of a major academic or public library
• Dean, academic department head, professor, extension or correspondence administrator, registrar, or official testing service of an accredited university or college
• Education officer (Armed Service personnel only)
• Corporate education director

Proctors for high school students may be the high school principal, full-time teacher, librarian, or guidance counselor. Students living outside the United States may select a proctor whose position is equivalent to one of those listed above or an administrative official of a U.S. embassy or consulate. Proctors cannot be related to the student.

It is your responsibility to arrange for an approved proctor to supervise any off-campus examinations. Once you have registered, you will be given instructions on how to arrange a proctor.

What do I do if I enroll in the wrong course section?

Degree-seeking students: You may drop or add online semester-based courses through the Student Self-Service website just as you would for face-to-face classes. If you are unable to drop or add your course via the Student Self-Service website, immediately contact our office for assistance by phone at 217-333-3061 or e-mail.

Instructions on How to Drop a Class are also available on the Student Self-Service website.

If you are a nondegree student, you must complete our Change of Status form. Contact our office by phone by 217-333-1320 or 800-252-1360, or e-mail us with questions.