How much time should I set aside for online classes?
Successful students log into class at least three hours a week for a 3 credit hour course in the 16-week term. The average is about five hours a week for a similar course in the 8-week format. For the 4-week term, plan on at least 10 hours a week for a 3 credit hour course.
How will I contact my instructor?
When you log into class, click the Syllabus tab on the left hand side of the screen. Instructor contact information should be clearly listed there. You can also message your instructor through the messaging app in the Canvas system.
How will I know my user name and password?
We will e-mail you your credentials at whatever e-mail address you applied with. If you didn’t get the communication, just e-mail
How will I know when assignments are due?
Most instructors use the Canvas calendar feature which means you can click on Calendar on the left hand side of the screen to see all due dates for all classes. You can also see due dates when you click on Syllabus and scroll to the bottom of the screen.
What if I need a tutor?
The college has purchased 15 hours of online tutoring support for you. Click on Brainfuse Online Tutoring inside any course to get started. Southwestern’s tutoring office can also assist you at a distance by setting up a Skype or Zoom session with a campus tutor: https://www.swcciowa.edu/campus-services/tutoring-academic-support.
It has been a long time since I took a math class. What do I do?
Southwestern has purchased a tool from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that is excellent. Go to http://iccoc.edready.org, create your own login and password, and click Get Started. Take the ICCOC math test; it should take less than an hour. The system will then create a custom plan for you to increase your math skills complete with videos, examples, and lots of practice. It is free to you and you can go at your own pace.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. You’ll need to fill out a FAFSA at the studentaid.gov website. Southwestern's School Code for the FAFSA application is 001857. SWCC will need official copies of all college transcripts you have attended. NOTE: Visiting students are only eligible for financial aid at their full-time college or university. Contact SWCC’s financial aid office.
What is an articulation agreement?
An articulation agreement is an agreement between two schools about how courses will transfer. You can find specific course transfer information in a document called a course equivalency guide. Course equivalency guides for many of schools that Southwestern has articulation agreements with can be found at: https://www.swcciowa.edu/academics/transfer-planning/course-equivalency-guides.
What is a visiting student?
A visiting student is defined as a student who is enrolled at another college who plans to transfer credits back to his/her home college, or a student who takes a course for personal or professional development and is not degree-seeking.
How can I find out how my credits will transfer to another college?
If you have questions about how your courses might transfer to one of the colleges or universities Southwestern has an articulation agreement with, you can check with Southwestern’s Director of Student Development Deb Pantini,
How do I transfer my credits to another school?
Students may request an official transcript be sent to another college by completing the Transcript Request Form.