Course Format Options

This may involve completing both individual and team assignments online. You will have 24/7 access to your course, meaning you can log on and complete assignments at your convenience.

Online courses are offered in a 16-week or 8-week session for fall and spring semesters, and a 10-week or 8-week session in the summer. One week prior to the start date, also known as Preview Week, you will receive access to your course in Canvas. This gives you an opportunity to review the content of the course and complete the required participation policy.

Course Offerings

Online courses are offered in three terms: fall, spring, and summer. Course availability varies by semester. See our undergraduate online course offerings and graduate online course offerings for more details. Winterim courses are not available.

Enrollment

Review the registration instructions for your courses before you register online. Check the calendar for registration and financial aid deadlines.

Distance Students: Distance students are eligible to register for online courses during open registration periods, given the prerequisites for the course have been met. Prior to registering each semester, you must complete the registration agreement hold found in your to-do list in PASS, along with any other holds. To complete your registration, a payment covering your tuition will need to be completed by the registration/payment deadline. If you have questions, please contact your advisor. Your advisor can be found in your PASS student center.

Special Students: Those who are taking an online course with a prerequisite will need to submit an unofficial transcript. This will allow us to determine if the prerequisite has been met. If prerequisites are not an issue, please follow the same process as distance students.

Tuition and Fees

Review tuition and fees for graduate and undergraduate courses and the payment options.

Special Requirements for Online Classes

Students enrolled in online courses will be required to demonstrate active participation in their coursework prior to the census date.

Proctoring: Online course instructors may choose to utilize Respondus LockDown Browser and Respondus Monitor  for their exams. Respondus LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the testing environment within a learning management system and requires the student to download the free Respondus Lockdown Browser on the computer where exams are taken. Respondus Monitor builds upon LockDown Browser, using a student’s webcam and video analytics to prevent cheating.  

Minimum System Requirements: Our online course delivery system has minimum system requirements for your computer's hardware and software. Verify that your computer is able to perform all the functions you will need in an online class; phones and tablets will not be appropriate substitutes.

Notice regarding phase-out of the print-based course modality:

• The 12-month enrollment option will be closed starting summer 2022. 
• The Standard Term enrollment option will be closed starting fall 2023. 
   

Students receive a course manual that guides them through the course and outlines reading and writing assignments and projects, and also provides direction on submitting these materials to the instructor for grading.

Most courses have exams that are proctored. Instructors work with the students as they progress through the course to review homework, answer questions, grade exams, and give feedback.

Enrollment

Students must work with an advisor to register for print-based courses. Visit our course offerings to review courses offered in the print-based format.

Print-based Course Policies

Prior to enrolling, it is important that you review the print-based course policies for 12-month enrollment or standard term enrollment, which include the print-based student engagement policy.

There are limitations on how quickly you can complete a print-based course and this specific policy outlines requirements to pass a print-based course. Completing substantial amounts of coursework at one time is not allowed.

Standard Term Enrollment

If you use financial aid, you must enroll in standard term print-based courses. You can enroll in three terms throughout the year: fall, spring, and summer. Enrollments will have start and end dates that reflect the standard term and instructors will issue a grade at the end of the term. There are no extensions. Registration and payment deadlines follow the standard term deadlines. See academic calendars or contact your advisor for this information.

Students enrolled in standard term print-based courses will be required to demonstrate active participation in their coursework by completing the UW-Platteville Participation Policy activity for each of their courses prior to the census date. 

Review and understand all financial aid policies prior to registering for print-based courses or you can contact the Financial Aid Office directly for more information.

12-Month Enrollment

Students paying full tuition out of pocket, or using employer or military benefits, and utilizing no financial aid, may enroll in 12-month print-based courses. There are no extensions. Twelve-month print-based courses start on the 2nd of each month. The registration/payment deadline is the 15th of the prior month.

Course Materials

Course materials will be mailed prior to the course start date and will include the following:

Course Manual

The course manual will be your guide as you work your way through the course. It includes your reading and homework assignments and instructor commentary. It will also let you know at which points in the course it is time to take course examinations. All assignments should be submitted to your instructor by mail, fax, or email. Check with your instructors about their preferences for receiving assignments.

Welcome Letter

This letter provides the name of your instructor for the course. Please note that some courses have more than one instructor, so it is important that you review and retain this information for your reference.

Print-based Course Guide

This guide includes:

• Checklist of items to complete when you receive your course materials
• Suggested tips to help you be successful with this course format
• A course completion worksheet designed for you to outline a schedule for completing your course within your enrollment period
• Frequently asked questions

Progress Report

Progress reports provide you with an opportunity to update your progress and ask questions or express any concerns to your advisor. The progress reports are to be completed on a monthly basis and submitted to your advisor.

Proctored Exams

Most print-based courses will require proctored examinations. Completing the proctor approval process should be one of the first things you do when you enroll, so that you have an approved proctor when you are ready to take examinations.

Textbooks

For information on obtaining textbooks visit the distance education textbooks.

Tuition and Fees

Review the tuition and fees for undergraduate print-based courses.