2015/2016 Online Education

2015/2016 Online Education

Supports & Resources for

Online Students @ CBU

Online Education Office Laura Baker Warren

Manager, Online Education 902-563-1806

laura_baker @cbu.ca

Table Of Contents

What Is Online Education?... 3

Registration and Academic Advising ... 4

Cost of Tuition/Fees ... 5

Books & Course Materials ... 6

Online Account Access ... 7

Course Start Dates and Duration... 8

Exams ... 9

Transfer Credits & Prior Learning Assessments... 10

Financial Aid / Scholarships ... 11

Tutoring ... 12

Writing Centre ... 13

Access Ability Centre... 14

Employment Opportunities ... 16

Health Plan – Domestic Students & International Students ... 17

Library... 20

Important Dates... 22

Academic Calendar... 23

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and password to login and all the infor

What Is Online Education?

Online education allows students to complete courses and programs from almost anywhere in the world – you decide! Home, work, etc. With online education, students have the flexibility to work at their own individual pace, generally at a schedule that suits their individual needs.

orm called Moodle. You will use your CBU email username mation you will need to participate in the course will be there.

Moodle is located at: http://courseware.cbu.ca/moodle/login/index.php

PLEASE NOTE: You will not be able to access course material until the official start date of any offering.

It can take up to 48 hours for your Moodle account to become active following registration. If

you are unable to access your course material after this time has elapsed, please contact the

Help Desk @ 902-563-1123 or [email protected].

Registration and Academic Advising

Congratulations!

You've been accepted to Cape Breton University and now it's time to choose courses. If you (like many) have no idea where to begin… don't worry! CBU has mandatory academic advising sessions for first year students so you don't have to go at it alone. Advising sessions begin the first week of July and continue throughout the summer and the academic year.

There are many advantages to advising sessions. For example, you will have the opportunity to talk privately with a faculty member about your academic and career aspirations and the courses you need to get there. Your advisor will work with you to tailor your course selections to best fit your degree requirements and desired goals. Sessions usually take about a half hour and can be done via telephone.

Please remember: You cannot register at CBU until you have had an advising session.

Appointments can be made by contacting one of the Secretaries to the Schools, who are as follows:

Sherry Spracklin School Secretary 902-563-1258 [email protected]

Ashley Burchell School Secretary

902-563-1110 [email protected]

Kim Martin School Secretary

902-563-1149

[email protected]

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Cost of Tuition/Fees

For detailed information on tuition and other fees, visit the CBU website at:

http://www.cbu.ca/current-students/tuition-fees

Registration is not completed until fees are paid or until arrangements are made for the payment of fees in accordance with Cape Breton University policy. Acceptable arrangements include the assignment of required amounts from a student loan.

It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the University regulations pertaining to financial matters. Cape Breton University does not accept responsibility for any loss,

damage, or interruption of classes, accommodation or meals suffered by any student as a result

of circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the University. These circumstances include

the suspension or termination of services by any group of University employees.

Books & Course Materials

You will need to visit the online CBU Bookstore to determine what books you may need. Do this as early as possible so when your course begins, you have the required materials.

Books and course materials are not included in tuition and are a separate cost to students.

The CBU bookstore can be located at:

http://www.bkstr.com/capebretonstore/shop/textbooks-and-course-materials

Other online book stores you may be interested in searching include:

www.amazon.ca

www.chapters.indigo.ca

www.barnesandnoble.com

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Online Account Access

Your student account is located at: https://uccb-online.uccb.ca/students/. From here, you can register (add or drop courses), view your grades, review financial information, etc. You will have to set up a pin but this is a straightforward process with which I am sure you will have no difficulty.

If you do require assistance, contact the Help Desk at (902) 563-1123 or by email @

[email protected] .

Course Start Dates and Duration

Courses begin in September and January and may include 3 and 6 credit courses. Exact start and finish dates vary from year to year.

3-credit courses are from September to December and January to April;

6-credit courses are from September to April.

During the spring and summer, there is a limited number of 3 and 6-credit courses. Dates and course offerings vary. Please consult the Academic Timetable, located @

https://sis.cbu.ca/students/acadschedulesel.asp

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Exams

Whether or exam will be online or written ‘in person’ depends upon the individual professor.

If you live in Industrial Cape Breton and have a ‘written’ exam, you will be required to come to campus on the date and time indicated by your professor.

If you live outside that area, you will be required to secure a proctor and have them approved to administer your exam.

Some online examinations also require proctors.

For full details on examinations, proctors and protocol, please refer to:

http://www.cbu.ca/academic-programs/program/online-education/exam-information/

The examination schedule is set by the institution and can be located at:

https://sis.cbu.ca/students/examschedule.asp

Transfer Credits & Prior Learning Assessments

Cape Breton University allows for transfers to and from other institutions. You can apply to be accepted with an application for transfer credits into your program of choice.

Applicants coming from another university or college can submit a Transfer Credit Application form along with their transcript. Applicants may also submit a Prior Leaning Assessment to demonstrate completion of course work through prior learning. However, at least 50% of course work must be completed at CBU.

 Transfer credit application - $50.00

 Prior learning assessment (PLA)- $50.00

Please note:

 Applications without the required fees will not be processed or returned. Application fees are non-refundable.

 All supporting documentation including high school grades, university transcripts, etc.

should be official and sent directly to the admissions office.

Forms:

 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Application

 Transfer Credit Assessment Application

For additional information, contact our Manager of Admissions, at (902) 563-1117 or by email,

[email protected] .

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Financial Aid / Scholarships

There are a few avenues that can be investigated in order to fund your educational path. The Department of Education through each Canadian province offers student loans to all students who meet their criteria. For more information on the Canadian Student Loans Program visit their site at:

h t t p : / / w w w . e s d c . g c . c a / e n / s t u d e n t _ l o a n s / g o v e r n m e n t . p a g e

Scholarships and bursaries are also a great way to cut down on costs. The application deadline for anyone applying for a scholarship is March 1st. Bursaries are distributed based on financial need. Local banks are also another suggestion.

Scholarships range in value from $500 to $30,000, and are awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and letters of reference. Bursaries are available to students based on financial need.

To view all available scholarships and bursaries, and download application forms, please visit:

www.cbu.ca/scholarships

For more information, contact John Mayich, Financial Aid Manager at (902)563-1420 or via

email @ [email protected]

Tutoring

The Students’ Union at Cape Breton University has a free tutoring program available to full and part-time students.

If you are struggling with a course, and think you need help from a qualified tutor, contact the Students’ Union and fill out a tutor request form. The Tutor Coordinator will discuss your needs and then match you will a suitable, qualified tutor. It is that easy!

If you have extra time and want to help fellow students (while making money), you may also fill out a tutor application form and become a tutor with the CBUSU.

Tutors in all subjects are needed. Tutors must have completed the courses they will be tutoring with a minimum final average of 75%.

Visit their website at: http://www.cbusu.ca

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Writing Centre

The Writing Centre is a free writing support service for all CBU students – on campus or online.

The goal is to help students understand the expectations of academic writing and become stronger, more confident writers. Writing Centre staff work towards this goal with students on campus in one-on-one appointments at the Writing Centre, which can be scheduled online from the Writing Centre’s website ( www.cbu.ca/writing-centre ). Writing Centre staff also work towards this goal with off-campus students by email and/or telephone.

Off-campus students who wish to receive writing help should call or email the Centre (563-1266 or [email protected] ) to arrange time to discuss their writing. Off-campus students can also email drafts of writing assignments and writing questions to the Centre, and the

Coordinator or a tutor will provide feedback by email and/or telephone.

Access Ability Centre

The Jennifer Keeping AccessAbility Centre (J.K.A.C.) provides support and accommodations to Cape Breton University students registered with permanent disabilities. The main objective of the centre is to promote equality among students through the elimination of educational and environmental barriers. These limitations may otherwise prevent our students from achieving their full academic potential in university. The Jennifer Keeping Centre works diligently with University faculty and outside professionals to provide equal access to educational resources for those who meet the necessary criteria. It is our hope that students registered with the centre develop the confidence and skills to overcome challenges they may face both academically and personally throughout their academic careers.

Prospective/ Current Students: Do you have a disability?

Whether you are currently registered as a student with a permanent disability, or think you may have an undiagnosed disability, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Jennifer Keeping centre to arrange a meeting with our Disability Resource Facilitator. During this meeting accommodations will be discussed and implemented to ensure you receive proper accommodations. Any information disclosed to the Disability Resource Facilitator remains strictly confidential and can only be shared to other parties through written consent from the student. While it is not crucial, it is strongly recommended that students speak with their professors regarding their specific accommodations and learning needs.

*During this meeting, please do not forget to ask about available scholarships and funding for

students with permanent disabilities!

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 Educational Assistant Services

 Test Accommodations (Proctors, Scribes, Extended test time)

 Alternate Formatting Services (Text books, tests, exams, etc.)

 Assistive Technology (Kurzweil, JAWS, Braille, etc.)

Please keep in mind that each student receives customized accommodations related to their specific needs.

Note:

Academic standards are not lowered by providing accommodations and using alternate

formats. These services are implemented to remove any existing environmental or academic

barriers that may limit students with registered disabilities from achieving their full academic

potential in their post-secondary studies at Cape Breton University.

Employment Opportunities

The Jennifer Keeping Centre provides many employment opportunities for both students and individuals with their Bachelor of Education Degree. Please visit the centre to inquire about the current job postings and to receive an application.

Job Postings:

 Tutors

 Note-Takers

 Educational Assistants

 Proctors

 Scribes

Contact Information:

Administrative Assistant - Tel: (902) 563-1208 Disability Resource Facilitator

Tel: (902) 563-1404

Fax: (902) 563-1216

TTY: (902) 539-4772

Email: [email protected]

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Health Plan – Domestic Students

All full-time CBU students are automatically enrolled in the Students’ Union Health and Accident plan. The cost of the plan is $138 per year (Sept. – Aug. 2010/11). If you have alternative coverage through an existing plan, please contact the Students’ Union before September 30th to opt-out of (drop) the CBU plan. Students with spouses and/or children may opt their family into the health plan at a cost of $176 per year.

Health Insurance , Prescription drug coverage:

The plan covers 70% of the cost of generic prescription drugs to a maximum of $7,500 per year.

Vision / E yeglasses:

70% coverage for eyeglasses is available up to a maximum of $80 every 24 consecutive months (or up to a maximum of $80 every 12 consecutive months for dependent children less than 18).

One eye exam is covered (up to a reasonable and customary charge) every 24 calendar months (or every 12 consecutive months for dependent children less than 18).

Paramedical Practitioners:

70% coverage is available for paramedical practitioners. The following practitioners are covered up to $250 per practitioner per calendar year: speech therapist, naturopath, physiotherapist, psychologist, and massage therapist. Chiropractors are covered up to $300 per calendar year.

The Max Bell Centre on-campus offers physiotherapy to students. Phone Nancy Dingwall at 563-1275 to book an appointment.

Tutorial Benefit:

This benefit includes the tutorial services of a qualified teacher up to $145 per hour if, as a

result of an accident or sickness, a student becomes disabled and he / she is confined to their

home or hospital for fifteen consecutive school days. 100% coverage up to a $1,000 maximum

benefit per disability.

Additional health and medical equipment and services are covered. You can request a copy of the booklet by emailing Dawn at the Students’ Union: (902) 563-1477 or [email protected].

Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment

The Accidental Death and Dismemberment plan provides benefits in the event of: the accidental loss of life, sight, limbs, speech, hearing; or the accidental loss of use of limbs, or paralysis.

Out-of-Province Coverage

This year, the Students' Union is pleased to offer out-of-province coverage to students. This means your health benefits will apply in other provinces for up to 60 consecutive days spent out of Nova Scotia.

Additional Information for Students

Par t- time stude nts ar e e ligible to opt - in to the plan be f ore Se ptember 30 th. A ny one inte re ste d in doing so, is aske d to stop by the Stude nts’ Union to comple te the appr opr iate f or ms and make pay me nt ( $1 38) .

Students may also opt-out of the plan before September 30th by visiting the Students' Union and showing proof of alternative coverage. This may be a health insurance card, i.e. Blue Cross, or a letter from the existing insurance company.

Opt-in and opt-out forms are available on the Your Documents page. For claim forms, contact

Dawn at the Students’ Union.

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Health Plan – International Students

All international students must “as a requirement of registration” enroll in Cape Breton University’s International Health Plan. This fee is refundable only in accordance with terms set forth by the carrier.

Students enrolled in CBU’s International Health Plan have health coverage under the umbrella of Travel Insurance Coordinators’ Ltd. (TIC).

International students having proof of ongoing medical coverage with a Canadian Provincial

Health Plan may contact the International Student Advisors located in the Learning Commons

and Student Life Centre (Marvin Harvey Building B-110) to opt out of the International Health

Plan.

Library

The Library is the primary academic information resource for Cape Breton University. It promotes learning, supports teaching, and enhances scholarly research and creative activities by building collections and providing expert services and innovative access to information.

Access to all Library material, online and print, is provided to all CBU students.

All CBU students should have access to the Library’s online and print resources upon registration.

To learn more about library services for online students, visit http://libguides.cbu.ca/online

To borrow, renew or place holds on the Library’s print resources, students will need their ID card with its barcode number. Computer Services assigns the barcodes to Online/Distance students as they apply for their ID cards using the form available at:

http://www.cbu.ca/student-services/office-of-the-registrar/policies-forms/page/2/#results

Patron records are loaded into the Library’s system at various times during the year.

Online/Distance students who have not applied for their ID card will not be properly loaded into the Library system.

Online Educations students may also register for CBU Library Documentation Delivery &

Interlibrary Loan services by completing the online forms located at

http://libguides.cbu.ca/online . This form will allow out of province students to request a CAUL

card, which will give borrowing privileges at Canadian university libraries. Once submitted,

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The Registrar’s Office provides the Library with every Online student’s application for ID card to allow the appropriate information to be entered into the Library’s system. The Head of Circulation will contact these students via email to grant immediate access.

Online students who have not applied for an official Photo ID card and who do not appear on

the course lists provided to the Library can contact the Head of Circulation who will generate a

temporary ID card and barcode and will send an email to the student to allow immediate

access.

Important Dates

You will need to become familiar with important dates at the institution. Please review the information located here as well:

http://www.cbu.ca/student-services/office-of-the-registrar/important-dates/

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Academic Calendar

As a Cape Breton University Student, it is also your responsibility to become familiar with the Academic Calendar. This is a rather large, somewhat daunting document, but online search functionality makes it fairly easy to find information on any topic that may arise.

The academic calendar can be found at: h t t p : / / c a l e n d a r . c b u . c a /