Current Students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How do I register for a class?

  Online registration is available for several weeks before the semester begins. Registration opens approximately March 1 for summer courses, June1 for fall, and October 15 for spring. Registration closes two weeks before the semester begins: approximately January 4 for spring courses, May 19 for summer, and August 23 for fall. Some advanced courses require prerequisites and advisor approval is necessary before registering for independent study, portfolio and capstone courses. Once admitted, online students may register for classes online.
  
  The undergraduate print-based courses are self-paced and students may register at any time. Print-based matriculated (degree-seeking) students register for classes by contacting their advisor, Kelly Curtiss, at 608.342.1886 or curtissk@uwplatt.edu. Special (non-degree-seeking) students may register for print-based courses by calling the Distance Learning Center at 800.362.5460.

• How do I receive my textbooks and course materials?

  You will have at least one assigned textbook for each course in which you enroll. You are welcome to buy your books anywhere that is convenient for you, however it is your responsibility to obtain the correct book and appropriate edition for your class. Students registered in online courses may order their textbooks from our supplier. Read more about textbooks.
  
  Students taking print-based courses will receive ordering information for their textbook(s) and a course manual after they have completed the registration process.

• How are examinations administered?

  While a few online courses require outside proctors, the majority of the exams for these courses are administered online. Many courses substitute papers and projects for exams.
  
  Examinations for the print-based undergraduate courses are proctored at a location near you by a person whom you select and the University approves. Examples of possible proctors are educators, librarians, clergy, and human resource personnel. Not all courses have proctored examinations.

• Will I have access to UWP's library resources?

  UWP's distance learners are entitled to access online guides, resources, e-books, and electronic articles from the student library. You will need to establish a password to access these materials by contacting John Vieth at 800.362.5460.

• Where can I go if I need help?

  For help with technical problems:
  
  Direct questions that relate to problems getting access to the course (passwords, login name) and/or other hardware/software problems that you encounter when navigating through the course to our toll-free 24/7 technical support line: 877.724.7883 or email: techsupport@learn.uwsa.edu.
  
  For help with online course registration:
  
  Direct questions related to online billing, textbooks, registration forms, and exam proctors to 877.895.3276 or email info@learn.uwsa.edu.
  
  For help with program advising or print based registration:
  
  Direct questions related to grades, faculty, admission status, advising, or the print-based program to 800.362.5460 or email: disted@uwplatt.edu.

• How do I drop a course?

  Students may drop an online course and receive a full refund prior to the last day of registration. After classes have begun, the $70 administrative fee becomes nonrefundable. Refund of tuition (minus the administrative fee) is prorated at the following rate:
  
  12 week course: 100% refund during weeks 1 & 2; 50% refund during weeks 3 & 4; No refund after week 4.
  
  8-11 week course: 100% refund during week 1; 50% refund during week 2; 25% refund during week 3; No refund after week 3.
  
  Students wishing to withdraw from an online course should call 877-895-3276 or email info@learn.uwsa.edu. Students wishing to withdraw from a degree program entirely should contact their individual advisor. Students in the print-based program may withdraw before their contract start date and receive 100% refund of their tuition. A refund of 80% of tuition is available up to one month after the start of a print-based contract. Students wishing to withdraw from a print-based course should call 800.362.5460 or email: disted@uwplatt.edu. Students wishing to withdraw from a degree program entirely should contact their individual advisor.

• Do distance learners have student representatives?

  The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has a virtual Student Advisory Board that acts as an advocate for distance students. The Board advises the Distance Learning Center regarding student concerns, suggests new initiatives, and acts as a mentoring resource for new and prospective students. The Board's website may be visited at www.uwplatt.edu/disted/studentcent/sab/.

• Do you hold orientations for new students?

  All new students are encouraged to visit the distance learning orientation for helpful information about studying at a distance.