Utah Valley State College

Distance Education

Student Q & A

Q: Is tutoring available?
A: Yes. Distance Education students have full access to Peer Tutoring. . Click here for more information about the UVSC Peer Tutoring Lab and OPT (Online Peer Tutoring)

Frequently Asked Questions

These common questions and their answers have been compiled by the DE Service Center staff. Chances are, you'll find what you need right here. The questions are organized into the following categories to aid your search:

General QUESTIONS

Q: Is Distance Education like Independent Study?
A: No, Distance Education courses are semester based, meaning that they begin and end at the same time as on-campus classes. Most courses have deadlines for assignments and class work that can affect your grade if you miss them.
Q: Can I access a syllabus for a course before registering?
A: You cannot access the WebCT-based syllabus prior to registering. However, with the Course List tool, you can view detailed class information, including required materials.
Q: Do I have to login to my class at a specific time?
A: No. Online and TV classes can be accessed 24x7. Many of the courses do have scheduled dates for exams and assignments. It is wise to know these in advance and to put them in your calendar.
Q: What is UVLink?
A: UVLink is the online campus portal that provides students, faculty, and staff with authenticated access to web-based content and services. You can register for classes, check e-mail, access online services, use WebCT for your course content, and rece

Getting Started QUESTIONS

Q: I have registered for a Distance Education course, now what do I do?
A: To prepare for the start of the semester you can review course information and resource materials using the Course List tool. You can purchase your books at the UVSC Bookstore. If you are registered for a TV course, you will want to decide how to vie
Q: How do I contact my instructor?
A: Find your instructor in the Course List, and then call the Distance Education Service Center at 801.863.8255. You can also go to www.uvsc.edu/profpages and click on the instructor you want to contact.
Q: How do I access my class material?
A: Access to courses is through WebCT, which is reached by logging into UVLink and then clicking on the My Courses/WebCT tab.
Q: What happens if I can not login to UVLink?
A: There are several reasons why you might have problems. Your best course of action is to call the Help Desk number or to follow the provided links provided on the login page.

Registration QUESTIONS

Q: What is a CRN and how can I find them for the courses I want?
A: CRN stands for "Course Reference Number." CRNs for Online and TV courses can be found using the Course List tool.
Q: How do I register for Online or TV courses?
A: Log in to UVLink and then click on the Student Tab. If you know the CRN for the courses for which you wish to register, you can click on Add/Drop classes and enter the CRN into the worksheet.
Q: How do I register if I am a High School student?
A: Please go to www.uvsc.edu/disted/li. After you log in, you can find the CRN for classes offered at your high school. Click on the link to officially register through UVLink.
Q: How do I register if I am a Global Aviation student?
A: All Global Aviation students must register at uvscaviation.com in order to be charged the correct tuition for the Aviation as well as the general education classes.
Q: How do I register for a Criminal Justice Class?
A: The admission/registration process must be completed at www.utahcj.org. The Utah Electronic College (UEC) facilitates the processing of student registrations with the participating colleges that produce the CJ Online courses.
Q: How do I know if a class is an Online or TV course?
A: In the UVLink course registration area, the section number for online courses will begin with an X (i.e. X01) and for TV classes it will begin with a T (i.e. T01). When you perform a "Look-Up Classes to Add," select TV or Internet under the "Schedule

Financial QUESTIONS

Q: How much do Distance Education courses cost?
A: The cost is the same as for on-campus classes, plus a $52.00 fee per course. However, on-campus student fees are not added, often making the total cost less. Textbooks and any other required materials are in addition to tuition and fees. For Televisi
Q: Is Financial Aid available for Distance Education?
A: Yes. Financial aid is available to students who qualify. See the Financial Aid website.

Degree QUESTIONS

Q: Will online courses count toward my degree?
A: Yes. UVSC offers over 150 courses through Distance Education with more under development. Some courses apply toward general education requirements and others apply toward specific degrees. It is best to check with the advisor of your department to de

WebCT Technical QUESTIONS

Q: What happens if I can not login to UVLink?
A: There are several reasons why you might have problems. Your best course of action is to call the Help Desk number or to follow the provided links.
Q: I can login to UVLink, but I get an error or a blank page when I click on my course.
A: The main problems with WebCT access include pop-up blockers, personal firewalls, and some anti-virus checking. We recommend using Mozilla Firefox (www.mozilla.com/firefox) as your browser, especially if you are using a MAC.
Q: I can login to UVLink, but no classes are showing on MyCourses/WebCT tab.
A: You will be able to access the courses on the first day of the semester. If the semester has begun and no classes appear on the My Courses/WebCT tab, contact the Distance Education Service Center at 801-863-8255 or 888-425-4412.
Q: My course information does not seem to be updated while that of my classmates appears current.
A: Your computer may be storing outdated information. To remedy this you will need to delete your temporary internet files. There is a good article on Microsofts Support Site: support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;260897
Q: My online quiz will not open.
A: There are four primary reasons why a quiz would not open in WebCT:
  1. The deadline to take the quiz has expired. Please contact your instructor.
  2. A pop-up blocker is preventing the quiz from opening. You will need to disable all pop-up blockers.
  3. There have been problems loading Blackboard Vista quizzes and exams in Internet Explorer. Try Firefox
Q: I can not submit an assignment.
A: If the assignment submission feature is giving you an error, you will probably need to rename the file you want to submit. It will not accept any character other than a letter or an underscore. It will not accept a space. It is also best to use MS Wo
Q: I lost internet access while taking an online exam.
A: If you have already tried to reopen the exam and your time has expired, you can contact your instructor for permission to have the exam reset.
Q: I have taken the syllabus quiz, but my coursework is still hidden.
A: Usually there is a certain score required on the syllabus quiz before the coursework will be released. Retake the syllabus quiz until you receive 100%. If your coursework still does not appear, contact the Distance Education Service Center.

Testing QUESTIONS

Q: How do I take tests?
A: Exams for Internet and TV courses are taken either online or in the Classroom Testing Center (CTC) at UVSC. Check your syllabus to see how your exams are administered.
Q: What is the CTC and where is it?
A: For students with access to the main UVSC campus, the Classroom Testing Center (CTC) administers many of the exams and quizzes required to complete your course. Check your course website to find out when quizzes and exams should be taken and when th
Q: How do I set up Exam Proctoring?
A: Exams for Internet and TV courses are taken either online or in the Classroom Testing Center. Check your syllabus to see how your exams are administered. Proctored exams are only available to students who are unable to take exams on campus. Students
Q: Do I have to fill out the proctor form each semester?
A: Yes. Our office requires a newly signed proctor form each semester, whether you are keeping the same proctor or not.
Q: How do I access my exam scores?
A: For exams taken in the CTC, Testing Services downloads your scores right into UVLink under the Student tab. If you take your exams through a proctor, your scores may be downloaded directly to WebCT. If you are not able to see your exam scores, contac

High School Interactive QUESTIONS

Q: How do I register for EdNet classes?
A: Go to www.uvsc.ed/disted/li and log in. At Step #2, you will be able to obtain CRNs for classes offered at your high school. Click on the supplied link to officially register through UVLink.
Q: Who can enroll in Live Interactive classes?
A: You need to be a junior or a senior to enroll. Some courses have prerequisites and some are senior-only classes, ENGL 1010 for example.
Q: How do I apply to UVSC?
A: Go to www.uvsc.edu/disted/li. Step #1 will direct you to the UVSC admission application.
Q: Where do I buy books?
A: You can buy your books at the UVSC Bookstore.
Q: How do my assignments get to my instructors?
A: You can submit your work to the class facilitator who will mail it to the DE Service Center where it will be logged and placed in the instructors boxes.
Q: How do I contact my instructor?
A: Call the Distance Education Service Center at 801.863.8255 or go to www.uvsc.edu/profpages and click on the instructor you wish to contact.
Q: What do I do during my local high school Spring Break?
A: You are still required to attend your classes. If your site is closed, you will need to find a site that is taking the same classes and that is open during your break. Also, you are always welcome to come to UVSC campus and attend here.

Available Resources QUESTIONS

Q: What resources are available to Distance Education students?
A: A number of resources exist to help Distance Education students work through their courses. Some of these include the Distance Education Service Center, Career and Academic Counseling Center, Writing Center, Math Lab, Peer Tutoring, Online Library, U
Q: Do I have access to the UVSC library?
A:

Yes. The UVSC Library provides many services that can help distance students in their research and study. Extensive resources are available, including search databases, online full-text articles, access to online periodical indexes and abstract l

Q: Can I get help writing papers?
A: Yes. Distance students have full access to the UVSC Writing Center, including the Writing Lab and OWL (Online Writing Lab).
Q: Do I have access to the Math Lab?
A: Yes. Distance students have full access to the UVSC Math Lab and MathLab Online.
Q: Is tutoring available?
A: Yes. Distance Education students have full access to Peer Tutoring. . Click here for more information about the UVSC Peer Tutoring Lab and OPT (Online Peer Tutoring)
Q: Where do I buy my materials?
A: The UVSC Bookstore is a good source for course materials. Purchases can be made over the phone or online with a credit card and Bookmatch, which helps ensure that you are purchasing the correct materials for your registered classes. This service ca
Q: How can I sell my books back at the end of the semester if I live out-of-state?
A:

Book Buyback allows students to sell their books at the end of the semester for a partial refund. To successfully send your books for buyback, please note the following information.

To be accepted, books must arrive during Book Buyback week

Q: How can I get videos for my TV course?
A: If you happen to miss viewing or recording a telecourse episode, you may checkout a VHS copy through the UVSC Library for two days. If the video tape is not returned on time, however, you will be charged a per-day fee.

Textbook Buyback QUESTIONS

Q: Can I sell my Distance Education textbooks back after I'm done with them?
A: Yes, check out the instructions at http://uvsc.edu/disted/student_support/bookbuyback.php