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Freqently Asked Questions

1. How do I register for distance learning classes?
Distance learning students who are admitted into a specific program of study may register online by following the instructions on our Registration page.

Unclassified students must complete and fax a Registration Form.

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2. Are distance learning courses the equivalent of main campus courses?
Yes, distance learning courses are of the same academic quality, rigor, and equivalency of main campus courses.

Prior to any distance learning course/program’s initial delivery through the Division of Academic Outreach & Continuing Education (AOCE), the University Committee on Courses and Curricula and administrative approval must be obtained.

All distance learning courses/programs delivered via AOCE are held to applicable university/IHL regulations.

All distance learning course/programs offered through AOCE are certified annually by the respective college, AOCE, and Academic Affairs to verify the integrity of course content, quality of instruction, and sufficiency of enrollment.

Distance learning course/programs delivered through AOCE are included in thehome academic department’s five-year review process.

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3. Can I get a degree through distance learning?
Yes, there are many distance learning degree programs available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Please visit our Degree Programs page for a full listing, as well as our Certificate Programs page.

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4. How much do distance learning courses cost?
Distance learning course are assessed the applicable in-state per credit hour tuition rate. Tuition rates are subject to change without notice per the State Legislature and IHL approval.

Distance fees may apply to distance learning courses and are non-refundable under any circumstances.

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5. What are distance fees?
Distance fees are those fees assessed by the Academic Department/College above the applicable in-state per credit hour tuition rate.

All distance fees must be approved at the Departmental, Dean, and Provost level prior to being assessed and must include a written justification as to how they will beused to support distance learning courses, programs and/or endeavors, such as investments in technology, human resources, personnel support, marketing andrecruitment, and infrastructure, to name a few.

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6. If I am a main campus student, can I enroll in distance learning courses?
Yes, if you are a main campus student, you are welcome to enroll in distance learning courses; however, additional tuition and distance fees will be assessed to your student account. Please be sure to obtain permission from your Academic Advisor prior to registering for any distance learning course.

7. If I am a distance learner, can I enroll in main campus courses?
Yes, distance learners can enroll in main campus courses should extenuating circumstance arise; however, please be sure to obtain permission from your Academic Advisor.

You will need to submit your shots records to the Longest Student Health Center, as well as be responsible for the applicable out-of-state per credit hour tuition rate if you are not a Mississippi resident.

You will be charged additional main campus fees, including energy surcharge and athletic fees.

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8. What is the admission process?
All distance learners must meet admission/readmission requirements of MississippiState University prior to enrolling in any distance learning class. Distance learningstudents may begin the admission process online by following the instructions on our Admissions page.

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9. Can I get an official student ID card as a distance learner?
Yes, you may obtain an official Mississippi State University ID card as a distance learner.

If you are in the Starkville area, you may obtain your ID card by visiting the Campus Card Office in 108 Allen Hall.

If you are unable to obtain your card in person, contact the Campus Card Office toll free at 888.678.5621 or at 662.325.3387 and identify yourself as a distance learner. You will be required to fax identifiable information prior to your card being issued and mailed to you.

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10. When are distance learning classes offered?
Start and end dates of online distance learning courses follow the same Semester Calendar as main campus courses.

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11. Where can I see a list of available distance learning classes?
To view all available distance learning courses offered in a particular semester,please visit theMaster Course Schedule.

On the Campus drop down box, please select Distance Education.

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12. How do I find out what textbooks I need for my distance classes?
Distance learning students may purchase textbooks directly from Barnes & Noble at Mississippi State University by following the directions on the Textbook page.

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13. Am I eligible for financial aid as a distance learning student?
Yes, distance learning students can determine their financial aid eligibility by contacting the Department of Student Financial Aid.

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14. What do I do if I have technical issues?
Technical support is available for you should you encounter any problems in your online class environment. Information is posted within each course regarding common problems and solutions, including contact information. If you are unable to access these resources, please contact our Technology Office at tcraven@aoce.msstate.edu for immediate assistance.

If you require assistance outside of the 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST hours, you may contact Information Technology Services (ITS).

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15. What are the technical requirements for online classes?
The technical requirements for all online classes offered via distance can be viewedon our Technology page. Please note that these are minimum requirements.

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16. What student support services are available to distance learners?
Distance learners are afforded the same student services available to main campus students and can be viewed on our Student Services page.

Should you require assistance beyond what is listed on the Student Services page, please contact us at help@aoce.msstate.edu.

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17. How do I manage my student account and pay my bill?
Distance learners can manage their student accounts online by following the instructions on our Tuition/Billing page.

If you require assistance with your bill, please contact Account Services.

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18. How do I log-in to my online classes?
All online classes are located at http://webct.msstate.edu and require your Net-ID and Net-Password for log-in. Start and end dates of online distance learning coursesfollow the Semester Calendar.

To set-up your Net-ID and Net-Password, please visit our Registration page.

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19. How do I communicate with my instructor?
Mississippi State University uses email as its official means of communication with all MSU students. As a result, every student has been given a new official email address. In order to access and receive official University correspondence, you must activate your email account.

You will not be able to read and/or receive any official University email correspondence, including from your instructors, without activating your official University email account. If you are taking online classes, you must email within WebCT to communicate with your instructors.

If you have any questions or require assistance in activating your email account,please contact Information Technology Services (ITS) at helpdesk@msstate.edu or by calling 662.325.0631.

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20. What is a Coordinator?
Academic Outreach Coordinators are part of an experienced team committed toensuring the best educational experience possible for distance and lifelong learners. They are the chief liaison between the distance learners and the AcademicDepartments and Colleges, as well as the main point of contact for all distancelearning courses, certifications, and programs at Mississippi State University

If you are interested in a particular distance learning course/program and are not sure who the Coordinator is, please contact the Office of Academic Outreach at gmiller@aoce.msstate.edu or at 662.325.2677.

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21. What is a RAC number?
The first time you access registration, you will be prompted to enter your Registration Access Code (RAC), which is found in the upper right corner of your Student Enrollment Agreement. On subsequent registration sessions during theregistration period, the system will ask you to enter only your Net-ID and Net- Password.

In the event that you misplace your RAC, you will need to fax a request to 662.325.2657 or email a request to help@aoce.msstate.edu.

If you have difficulty registering for any distance learning class, please contact the appropriate Coordinator. If you are not sure who the Coordinator is, please contact the Office of Academic Outreach at gmiller@aoce.msstate.edu or at 662.325.2677.

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22. What is a Net-ID and Net-Password?
All distance learners have an electronic network identifier, the Net-ID. Your Net- Password is used in conjunction with the Net-ID. The Net-ID and Net-Password allow you to access a variety of information technology resources.

Please follow the step-by-step instructions provided on our Net-ID/Net-Password page to set-up and access your information.

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23. What is Banner?
Banner, or On-Campus, is your one-stop, personal portal where a single login usingyour Net-ID and Net-Password connects you to Mississippi State University.

Banner (On-Campus) provides you with access to online courses, a productivitycenter for accessing your email and calendars, as well as being a source for news, weather, the campus directory, and announcements.

You can also check your courses, update your directory information, register forclasses, pay bills, view your account statements, and much more.

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24. How will I know if I am registered for a class?
If you register online, you are automatically enrolled in classes. You may view and print out your class schedule immediately after submitting your classes within Banner, or On-Campus, by following the directions on our Registration page.

If you are registering via our Registration Form, you will receive a confirmation email from our Operations Office.

Please be patient as faxed Registration Forms are processed as they arrive. Courses submitted in this manner will be posted to your class schedule in Banner, or On- Campus, within 48 hours of receipt.

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25. How will I know if I my drops or withdrawals are processed?
If you drop a course online, the drop will be automatically processed. You may view and print out your class schedule immediately after dropping a class within Banner, or On-Campus, by following the directions on our Registration page.

If are you withdrawing, you will need to fill out and fax an Add/Drop/Withdrawal Form. Please be patient as faxed Add/Drop/Withdrawal Forms are processed as they arrive, and any course(s) involved in the withdrawal will be removed from yourclass schedule in Banner, or On-Campus, as soon as possible.

If you are dropping a course after the drop deadline date as set forth by the Academic Calendar, you will need to fill out and fax an Add/Drop/Withdrawal Form. Please be patient as faxed Add/Drop/Withdrawal Forms are processed as they arrive, and any course(s) being dropped will be removed from your class schedule in Banner, or On-Campus, as soon as possible.

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26. What is the process for grade appeals?
Appealing grades for distance learning courses follows the same process as for maincampus courses. Please refer to the Grade Appeals Policy.

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27. My Net Password has been disabled. What do I do?
Please go to http://www.its.msstate.edu/Services/report-problem.php to report your problem.

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