Frequently Asked Questions: Drexel On-Campus Students
What is the difference between courses offered via Drexel Unversity Online and those I can take online as a regular, on-campus student at Drexel University?
Our courses are regular Drexel University courses offered by the Colleges and Schools of Drexel University. They are taught by Drexel faculty, follow the same standards and lead to the same accredited degrees and other credentials as other programs offered by Drexel University either on campus or online. Drexel University Online is the online education subsidiary of Drexel University – a separate entity from your College. The students in courses offered via Drexel University Online are primarily working professionals (average age is 36). They attend entirely online (never have to come to campus), usually part-time, and may live anywhere in the US or abroad.
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I am a regular, on-campus student at Drexel University . Can I attend one or more of the courses featured in the eCatalog of Drexel University Online? How do I register?
In general, yes. Our eCatalog features regular Drexel programs offered by the Colleges and Schools of Drexel University. Certain restrictions may apply in some colleges and programs. So, you will need to talk to your academic advisor first and get your College's permission. You register the same way as for any other Drexel course, either through BannerWeb or through your advisor. Look for the sections designated as “Online-DeL”.
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How do I login to a Drexel course offered via Drexel University Online?
Most of the courses featured in our eCatalog run on the Blackboard learning management system (as opposed to the WebCT system that is used for many Drexel University web-enabled, on-campus courses). The Blackboard login page is http://drexel.blackboard.com. Students login with their normal Drexel username and password. You will not be able to login to Blackboard until shortly before the beginning of the term for which you have registered. If you register right before the beginning of the term, or after the term begins, there may be a delay of up to 48 hours between the time you register in Banner and when the course shows up in Blackboard. WebCT is used for our Engineering Management courses. LeBow College courses run on the eCollege platform. Please contact the LeBow College for more information.
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Do I need a textbook? How do I order textbooks?
Most courses we offer require one or more textbooks. The official site for ordering textbooks for our courses is the Drexel University Online Bookstore located at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/drexelelearning.htm. Some textbooks may not be available in the campus bookstore. Online courses offered via other Drexel colleges are available from the campus bookstore, or as otherwise indicated in the course syllabus.
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How will I receive official communications from Drexel University Online and my online course instructor?
Official communications will be sent via your Drexel e-mail account and/or within the Blackboard system. It is very important for you to have access to your Drexel e-mail account and to check it often.
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What is the schedule for courses offered via Drexel University Online?
Our courses follow the academic calendar of Drexel University. All programs run on the quarter system (click here for the university quarter academic calendar) except for the Advanced Physician Assistant program through the of the College of Nursing & Health Professions and the Certificate of Study in Clinical Research and the MS in Clinical Research Organization and Management through the College of Medicine which run as semester-based programs (click here for the university semester academic calendar). They start on the first day of the term and end on the last day of the term. Within the term, most courses follow a week-to-week schedule with readings, assignments, quizzes and other activities due at specific deadlines set by the instructor. Our classes are not “self-paced”. You must keep up with your assignments as the term progresses.
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Is there an orientation program for students new to online learning and/or the Blackboard system?
Yes. All students have the opportunity to take an online orientation course on Blackboard. The orientation course includes a browser test to make sure your PC meets technical requirements.
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How difficult are courses offered via Drexel University Online? Are they easier than regular Drexel University courses?
All the courses we offer are regular Drexel University courses. They are just as rigorous as Drexel courses offered on campus. Each course has been developed by and is taught by Drexel University faculty. And they lead to the same, accredited degrees or other credentials you would earn on campus.
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How does tuition and billing work for a course offered via Drexel University Online?
Currently enrolled Drexel students that register for one of our courses will be charged just as they would be for the same course offered on campus, with the exception that all undergraduate classes are charged at the regular “day” part-time rate, not the lower Goodwin College rate. Full-time undergraduate tuition covers Drexel University Online courses in the same way as it covers any other Drexel course. Charges for Drexel's online courses are included in the regular bill you receive from the University Bursar's Office – you will not receive a special bill.
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Why can't I get the special tuition rate I saw on the Drexel University Online Web site?
From time to time, we may offer special tuition rates to new students enrolling in entirely online degree or certificate programs. If you wish to enter such a program, you can get the special rate. If you are an on-campus student taking an occasional online course, you pay the Drexel tuition rate that normally applies to you, not a special rate.
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Can I use my Drexel University scholarship, grant or other special benefit I have received for attendance to an on-campus program at Drexel, to attend one of the online programs featured on the Drexel University Online site?
You need to check with your College or other provider of the financial assistance. For instance, government aid programs are available to students pursuing online degrees and taking at least six credits per term. In general, if you take advantage of a special rate or other benefit we offer for attendance in our online programs, you cannot combine this with other Drexel University financial benefits. For more information, you may also contact: Drexel University Financial Aid Office 215-895-2537, or Drexel University Bursar's Office 215-895-1445/1446.
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I am a Drexel employee. Does tuition remission apply to your courses?
Yes, tuition remission currently covers courses offered via Drexel University Online.
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Where do I go for technical support?
Contact information for help resources may be found at www.drexel.com/help/.
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Where do I go for answers to additional questions?
Contact Drexel University Online at 877-215-0009 or customerservice@drexelelearning.com.
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