Information For Online Course-takers

INFORMATION FOR HOUSTON's MIX & MATCH STUDENTS WHO TAKE ONLINE COURSES 

1) Instructions for taking an online course  

a) For a demonstration how to take an online course go to this link: http://www.devry.edu/ and choose "Online Options", than select "Online Course Demo"  

b) It is recommended that you take an online course that teaches you how to study in an online environment: 

1. Go to http://devryu.net/  

2. Enter "yolc" as the user id and password. Click "Go to Class.

3. Click "DVUO Your Online learning Community (Audit)"

4. Select "Practice Now"

5. Click on "Play" under each of the tabs in "Practice Now"

2) Orientations  

Web-based online New Students Orientations are held just before and during the first few days of every session.  The dates for these orientations are published every session during the registration period. Ask your Admissions Advisor or your Dean for specific dates and times.   

Please make sure to check your time zone! 

To join an Online New Student Orientation 

a) Select the appropriate Link for the day and time you wish to

b) Enter your name and email address in the appropriate fields

c) Enter the session password: devry1 

d) Click "Join Now". 

e) Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. 

CALL 877-496-9050 (option 3) IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY ISSUES WITH AN ORIENTATION!   

3) Logging Onto Your Course

After registering for the online class and not later than a week before the beginning of the session you should receive a note from the online course administration confirming that you are registered for an online class. Please contact your Success Coach on-campus if you have not received the note (see item 8 below). 

To log onto your course:

a)  Go to http://devryu.net/ .  

b).  Log-in using your D number for the user id and your own password (if this is the first time you log onto a course shell or if you never changed it the default password is your Date of Birth -  year and month in the format YYYYMM). 

c) If you experience login difficulties, please contact a technical coordinator at 1-877 496 9050 (prompt 2). 

4) Online Policies 

Please make sure to carefully read the course policies listed in your course syllabus on the course shell. The attendance and Threaded discussion policies are listed below. Adhering to these policies is essential to you success in the course: 

Attendance and Participation 

Attendance is taken weekly and it is measured by logging into your course. If you fail to login for one week, you will receive a warning. If you miss two consecutive weeks within the first three weeks of the course, you will be dropped from the course (with possible financial aid consequences the drop brings you down below the minimum 6 credits requirement). You may be withdrawn from the course if you miss any two consecutive weeks. 

Threaded Discussion Policy  

To be successful in an online educational environment, students must interact and collaborate with other class members and instructors. In an online course, the primary way this is accomplishes is through the use of "threaded discussions" (this is the same tool used in iOptimize- based campus courses). Therefore, please pay close attention to the threaded discussion policy stated in the course syllabus  

5) Books or Course Material 

Most of the online courses have electronic pre-embedded course materials such as textbooks. Textbooks can be accessed through MyScribe software.  The download link for MyScribe is available in your course shell in the HUB. A technical fee for these courses is charged at the time of registration. 

If, after receiving your registration confirmation email, you still need to order a paper textbook for an online course (or if you want to purchase the book anyway), you may do so at http://www.efollett.com/ by following the following steps: 

a) Select Books and then select Textbooks.

b) Under "Find Your Bookstore" select Texas.

c) Under "Select Your Institution" select "DeVry Online and Centers" 

d) Select "Undergraduate" and the appropriate Session (e.g. Summer A 08,)

e) Under "Location" select "Online".,

f) Select the course (e.g. BIOS140) and if needed the section (e.g. ON_A)

g) If eBook is available for the class you will get the warning: 

"This course requires an electronic book. The electronic book can be accessed in an area called The HUB, a week prior to the start of class. For your convenience, DeVry will automatically bill you for your electronic book. The hardcover textbook can also be purchased below and is optional". 

h) Proceed to purchase the book if you need (or want) a textbook for the course. 

If you run into any problems you may call Follett at 1-800-266-8398. Students with approved loans can use their EDUCARD for books at the above mentioned web site.   

6)  Drop and Withdrawal Policies 

Please note that you can drop from a course before the end of the first week of the session. Remember that the minimum number of the remaining credit hours must add up to at least 6 credits for federal financial aid purposes. Termination after the end of the first week will result in a Withdrawal from the course. A grade of "W" is awarded and the student is obligated financially for the course.  

7)  The DVO Annual schedule   

The annual undergraduate online course offering is updated during Week 2 of the session and can be viewed via the link:  

                         http://www.devry.edu/devry_annual_schedule.html 

8) If you need help  

Online Help:  

If you have any questions or concerns, you and/or your students should contact us at 877-496-9050 (option 3); Mon-Thurs 7am-9pm CST and on Fri 7am-8pm CST. The on-line help  website is http://help.devry.edu/. .

Online Student Services is usually open on Saturdays and/or Holidays just before the session starts to assist students with registration.  Please refer to the schedule  released every session (see attached or inquire with your academic advisor). If necessary. call 877-496-9050 (option 3).  

Campus Help:  

Please contact one of the Houston campus' Success Coaches: 

Fall 09 Session A Schedule

Registration Deadline and Information: 

Online Course Registration Deadline: Monday, October 19th at 6pm CST.  

Online courses will be open for enrollment over the weekend prior to week 1. Registration will end at 6pm CST on Monday, October 26th  

Online Student Services will be open Saturday, October 24^th.  

Online Student Services will be open 9 am - 1 pm CST the Saturday prior to Week 1 to assist you and/or your students with registration, if necessary.  Please call 877-496-9050 (option 3).