A: Always use your Mustang Express username. The first time you log into Canvas use your W-number as your password. We recommend that you change your password immediately upon entering Canvas for the first time. Step by step log-in instructions are here. Online courses are accessible to registered students on the start date listed on the WNMU course schedule.
A: Yes, WNMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Many individual academic programs such as Business, Education and Social Work have additional specialty accreditations as well.
A: Courses listed as ONLINE on the WNMU schedule are defined as being 100% online and asynchronous. However, a few specific programs of study, such as the Master of Social Work and the Master of Occupational Therapy, require synchronous activities via web-conferencing or periodic on-campus labs. If you plan to pursue a degree online it is very important to clarify these requirements with the specific program before you commit.
Yes, there is an online course fee of $30 per undergraduate credit hour and $40 per graduate credit hour. These fees are attached to courses identified as ONLINE on the WNMU course schedule. There are also occasional fees attached to individual courses, and these are noted on the course schedule.
A: The minimum skills required include the ability to navigate the Internet with a web browser, use email and send attachments proficiently, download and install plug-ins, create files and folders, and use word processing skills. View a list of computer skills here. Additional skills may be required for more advanced or technical courses. Check with the instructor well before the class begins.
A: You must have access to a fairly new computer with reliable, high-speed Internet access. You must have word processing software (usually Microsoft Word) and course specific software as required by your professor. Specific technology requirements are listed here.
A: Your answers to these five questions will help you decide if you’re ready to take an online class.
A: Prior to the start of each semester, WNMU offers a short non-credit course, IPS 010 Introduction to Canvas, that provides an orientation to our course management system. The course is free, and no textbooks are required. Through a variety of assigned activities, students become familiar with Canvas navigation, how to post discussions, how to submit assignments and use the grade book, along with and other Canvas features. View Canvas help tools here.
A: Textbooks can be purchased online from the WNMU bookstore or from other online vendors.
A: The course schedule lists a start and end date for each course. Be sure to note the start date for each course you are taking and log in on that day.
A: Students must access online courses frequently to keep up with assignments, discussions and assessments. Class requirements vary, but most successful students access their online courses five to seven times each week. Plan to spend 6-15 hours per week on an online class depending on the number of credits.
A: Online classes at WNMU have specified start and end dates as well as due dates for all assignments and assessments.
A: All WNMU students have access to Smarthinking, an electronic tutoring service. Live tutors provide assistance with specific assignments in subjects such as writing, math, biology, business and many more.
A: All online students are eligible to use the University library. The library provides a wide variety of electronic resources and services. Visit the library’s website for links to electronic resources and services.
A: WNMU offers several options for technical support. Technical questions can be addressed to WNMU’s Help Desk or to the Canvas 24-hour tech support desk at 888-332-6994. The instructor of the IPS 010 Introduction to Canvas course also provides technical assistance throughout the semester for those students who are enrolled in the course.
A: Typically exams are given through the Canvas learning management system and do not require a proctor. However, certain exams may require a proctor as determined by the instructor.
A: You may be eligible for benefits if you’ve served on active duty for at least 90 days, whether continuous (all at once) or interrupted (for shorter periods over time), after September 10, 2001. Note: If you choose to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) instead of the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD, or Chapter 30), you can’t switch at some later date to use MGIB-AD.
A: In some cases, the dependent or surviving spouse and children of a Veteran can get educational assistance through a GI Bill program. Also, if you haven’t used all your Post-9/11 GI bill benefits, you may be able to transfer up to 36 months of benefits to your spouse or a dependent child.
A: You may be eligible to use transferred benefits if all of these are true-The Defense Department (DOD) approved the service member’s request for a transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) AND you’re enrolled in a Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) AND You’ll use the transferred benefits during the required timeframe.