Online Education Resources & Support

How to Maximize Success as an Online Student?

Time Management

You will have to complete assignments on time and prepare for tests, the same as students who meet in person for classes. But without a regular in-person class schedule, you will need to take more responsibility for viewing lectures and learning new material. Many students find it beneficial to set their own regular "class" times throughout the week. Include time to review course materials (read a textbook, watch a lecture) and complete assignments before the due date.

Keeping up with class material also makes it easy to manage stress, which can affect both online and onsite students. Be proactive with studying and asking for help if you need it. Working steadily in a class is better than rushing to complete work at the last minute.

Communication

Reach out to the instructor when you have a question about your class, the online learning management system/technology, the course materials, or even about working in the field. Also let your instructors know when life gets in the way. If something happens that will impact your studies, contact your instructor and let them know you need help.

Build Community

You don’t need to have regular in-person contact in a building to build community.  Make it a point to connect with other students in your course.  Take time to get to know other people taking your online class. Offer to meet others virtually for study sessions or even to view lectures together and offer help to other students if you can.

Important Resources to Support Your Success

Know Key Dates & How to Find Them

Do you know the last day to drop a class or withdraw? It is important you keep track of key dates for your courses. The key dates for each course may be different, so it is important you know what they are.  It should be in your course syllabus and can be viewed in eWolf, Student tab, Detailed Student Schedule.

Tutoring Can Help You Succeed

Tutoring – yes – it is free to you as an enrolled student!
Are you having trouble completing an assignment or understanding a concept in an online course? Need to do research for a paper and not sure where to start?  Do you need help reviewing a paper?

Math, writing and specific subject support like business, sciences or history is available via tutoring. 
Online:  Free, accessible and online tutoring is available.  Pear Deck Tutor, a third-party partner, allows currently registered students to meet with a qualified tutor online at any hour of the day. You can find the Pear Deck Tutor link in D2L, under the Resources tab.  Students are eligible for up to 5 hours of services per week and it is available 24/7.

FRCC has in person and virtual tutoring also available for enrolled students that is free and proven to help students improve their grades.  Visit the Academic Success Center to learn more, make an appointment and get assistance.

Library Resources Can Help You Succeed

Students have access to online library resources including research databases, streaming video, e-books, research guides, and a 24/7 virtual reference desk that is staffed by human librarians.

Visit FRCC Libraries for a combination of online, virtual and in person library services . . . and great study space if needed and helpful librarians.

The online library can also be found in the Resources drop-down menu in D2L.

Advising & Career Planning for That Next Step

Make sure you have an academic plan that leads to your next step – whether that be a career or seamless transfer to one of our many four-year partner institutions.  Need help making a plan, finding a career path, learning about internships?  Learn more about Academic Advising and don’t wait to make an appointment to make sure you are on the right track!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Need Support?

Feeling overwhelmed? Are you having a medical or family emergency? Are you struggling with basic needs and is that impacting your ability to learn? Need help and don’t know where to go?

Balancing life and school can be difficult. Colleges have staff dedicated to help you navigate a wide variety of life’s challenges. Resources exist to provide proactive assistance, early intervention, and if needed, caring confrontation or conflict resolution to create a safe and healthy college community.

Emergency Mental Health

After hours or not near a college campus.

• Colorado Crisis Services
  Local 24-Hour crisis center with counselors and trained professionals available to engage in immediate problem solving. Reach by phone, chat, text, or at one of their walk-in crisis centers across the state. 844-493-8255
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  National crisis line that provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.  Dial 988 to reach someone who can provide support.

Counseling Services

Counseling is an important and often necessary resource to assist in resolving issues that interfere with students' ability to successfully navigate college and life. Services are confidential, voluntary, and covered by student fees (free to you). FRCC offers in-person appointments and virtual or phone counseling appointments.

east FRCC Counseling

Questions? Need support With an Issue or What to Do?

Life happens.  Did you have a death in the family or an emergency medical situation that is making you have to drop your class?  That may be considered an extenuating circumstance. Learn more and complete an extenuating circumstance form so we can assist you in withdrawing with a refund if possible.

Feeling Harassed or Discriminated Against in Your Course?

Title IX and other laws and policies are in place to ensure you can learn in a discriminatory free environment.  Issues of harassment and discrimination are taken seriously and should be reported immediately.  We will work with you to resolve the issue, investigate if necessary and are committed to an inclusive learning environment.  You can review the student resolution process for grievances on issues of harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct.

Or report a concern or incident regarding yourself or another student.

Basic Needs

No one should ever have to go without their basic needs like food or housing being met during their pursuit of higher education. FRCC provides several student support resources, such as a food resources, Counseling services, assistance applying for community resources and making community connections.

Don’t live physically near an FRCC campus? Statewide options exist that may help. Not sure what to 'google' or who to call? Start with Local 2-1-1!

east Local 2-1-1

Complaints/Grievance Process

If you have a complaint about teaching, you should first reach out to your instructor.  If you are unable to resolve your concerns after communicating with the instructor, you may report your complaint and someone will be in contact with you.

If the complaint is beyond teaching, and involves harassment, discrimination or bias by another student or the instructor, please file a grievance specifically at your college.  At FRCC, you may file a grievance or discuss it with the Sr. Director on Student Support.  

If you are unclear what to do with your complaint or concern or if it rises to the level of a grievance, please contact studentsuccess@cccs.edu for guidance.