Distance Learning Policies and Procedures-7

Distance Learning Policies and Procedures

All policies listed below are specific to Hinds Community College but will provide guidance for all students.

Textbooks

In classes where a textbook is required, students must be in possession of the book during the first week of class. Unapproved or late financial aid is not a reason for not purchasing the book.  Students have the option to place Distance Learning textbook orders by submitting an order form to the online bookstore via email. Please visit the Hinds eLearning Website Links to an external site. and click on "How do I get started?" for more information.

Attendance for Online Courses

Please be aware that attendance is counted weekly for online classes.  Failure to complete work in a course will result in an absence for that week (please refer to your instructor's syllabus for specifics concerning attendance for a course).  Once a student has received two absences (for fall or spring term) they will be sent a Notice of Absence (NOA).  They will have seven days to respond to their instructor and are not allowed any more absences.  Once the student receives the third absence they will be dropped from the course with a grade of F.  Please be sure to stay up-to-date in all courses.

Online Holiday Policy

Instruction in online classes may continue through fall/spring breaks with flexibility; please check with your individual instructor as to your course schedule during holidays.

No-Show Policy (for online courses)

Students MUST participate during the first week of class in order to remain in the course. Unapproved or late approved financial aid is NOT a reason for not participating. Any student who wishes to remain active in the course, regardless of financial aid status, must participate in the first week (according to course deadlines).

No shows for online courses should be determined by the following criteria but are ultimately determined by the instructor:

  • A student who has never logged in to the course in the course management system and has not communicated an intent to participate to the instructor
  • A student who has logged in to the course but has not completed the “check-in” assignment and has not communicated intent to participate to the instructor

Proctored Testing Policy

All online courses taught by Hinds Community College are required to have at least one proctored exam.  A proctored exam is scheduled with a "proctor" in a secure testing environment.  The proctor will receive a password that will allow the student to test for their scheduled course.  In order to successfully complete an online course, each student must take and pass at least one proctored exam per course. Please see your course schedule for when to schedule these tests.

All scheduling at any Hinds' campus will be done through the Proctored Test Registration System Links to an external site.. Students MUST schedule exams at least 48 hours in advance. Appointments will no longer be taken by email or phone.

Hinds students taking MSVCC online courses can test at any of the approved MSVCC testing sites in the state (all 15 community colleges will have testing sites). If you wish to schedule a proctored exam at another location other than Hinds, you will need to contact that specific school to schedule the exam.  Here is a list of locations Links to an external site..  If you are a Hinds, out-of-state student and need to schedule an outside proctor, please contact the Distance Learning office at 601.857.3834.

Proctored Testing Lab Rules:

  • No food, drinks or tobacco products allowed in the building.
  • No children allowed in the building.
  • NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED, even to be used as calculators!
  • Students suspected of cheating may be recorded and reported. Proctors may or may not notify the student. Instructors will determine consequences of any suspected cheating.
  • Students are NOT allowed to leave the testing lab during the test for any reason. Tests will be closed if a student leaves the lab.

Withdrawal Policy (for online courses)

Beginning Summer 2012, Hinds students can withdraw from online classes through MyHinds.  Please visit MyHinds Links to an external site., login, and click on Register and Drop Sections under the Registration header.  Students may begin to withdraw from an online class beginning the first day after drop/add. If you are requesting to withdraw from school, you will need to contact the Counseling Office to request a "Complete Withdrawal" form.  Please remember to read the section concerning funding and financial aid. Financial Aid may be affected by withdrawal. Students must continue to participate in the course until the withdrawal can be processed.

 If you are NOT a Hinds' student, but enrolled from another institution, you will need to contact your Registrar's office at the host institution.

The last day to withdraw from a Fall 2013 full-term online course is Friday, November 8, 2013.

The last day to withdraw from a Fall 2013 8-week online course is Friday, November 29, 2013 .

 

Help & Support.

For assistance with Canvas please click the Help button in the top right corner of the screen to receive 24/7 support.

For assistance with your Go.Hinds email or My.Hinds, please contact the Hinds Support Center at 601.857.3344 or email them at support@hindscc.edu.

For assistance with course access codes for resources outside of Canvas, please contact your instructor to find the appropriate support personnel.

General Hinds Community College offices:

Records/Admissions 601.857.3212
Counseling Services Click link to view campus info Links to an external site.
Financial Aid 601.857.3223
Business Office 601.857.3205
eLearning Department (Distance Learning) 601.857.3257