Online Class Policies and Procedures

Requirement for Online Classes:

Students in the online program are required to have

• An updated computer (not a Smartphone or Chromebook)

• A clear webcam

• A reliable internet connection

You can test your internet speed by going to http://www.speedtest.net/ (Ideally, the ping should be 20 or below.)

• Connect in an area with a stable strong internet. If you have the option to use a wired connection, please do. Please note, WiFi speed is affected by how many devices are running at a time. Your WiFi can appear to be strong, but if too many devices are running (Alexa, Google Home, phones.. all count) it will give you an unstable connection.

• Download the Zoom App before classes begin. This will assist with a more stable internet connection. https://zoom.us/download

• You will receive a separate link for each instructor’s Zoom class by email.

Netiquette Infractions: 

• Leaving class early without prior permission from your teacher.

• Attending class with no webcam

• Freezing or pausing your webcam during class for an extended period of time (5 minutes).

• Any distractions visible through your webcam (ex. watching a baby, cell phone) will impact your participation grade.

• Traveling in a car, airplane, walking down the street, etc. is an absence.

Please bear in mind that the degree of professionalism with which you present yourself is how your instructor will view you. Multiple infractions will impact your grade.

Netiquette for Zoom Live Online Platform:

• Student Positioning:

• Your face must be properly centered on the camera. Be sure the camera is not showing only half of your face, or a sideways view. Camera must be stable and not shaky.

• It is required that you be in a room by yourself with the door closed.  Any variation or exception to this rule must be approved in advance by the Professor.

• Lying or sitting in bed is not in compliance with our netiquette policy and you will be considered absent. 

• Sleeping during class is an absence.

• Lighting: 

• Ensure your lighting is excellent for your professors and peers to see you. 

• You may be required to use an additional light source or to purchase an auxiliary light, for example a Ring Light (available on Amazon) to enhance your appearance on Zoom.

• Participation:

• Your video camera must be on at all times.

• Mute yourself when not speaking to diminish the background noise disturbances. 

• Headphones are not required but recommended.

• Raise your hand when you have a question.  This can be done with the icon in Zoom or by raising your hand.  This will be at your professor’s discretion.   

• Some professors prefer that you send them a question via the chat function. This is at the discretion of the professor. 

• Contribute and make our Live Online classes rich and deep. We value what you think and what you have to say. 

• Information of a personal nature that is shared in any coursework is confidential.  Confidentiality will create a safe space in which you can grow from one another’s life experiences. 

• Netiquette Tech support will be provided

• You must follow the feedback and make the adjustments required to adhere to Netiquette.

Technical Issues: 

If you are experiencing tech issues, you must reach out to our tech department at [email protected] immediately. You must also notify your coordinator of the program. 

Tech issues must be resolved before your next class with that teacher. It is your responsibility to take care of fixing your webcam, internet connection, or whatever the issue may be. 

If you miss more than one class due to a tech issue, it will be counted as an absence.