ASSUMPTION/ONLINE: FAQs

Why should I take an online course rather than a traditional classroom course?

Online courses offer adult learners the flexibility to choose the best time and place to learn. Sometimes family and career obligations prevent students from attending class at specified times. Online courses provide the opportunity to earn college credits by allowing students to participate in discussions and complete assignments at times convenient to them.

Are online courses the same as traditional courses?

Assumption College online courses offer the same credits, the same course content, the same qualified instructors, and the same grading criteria as traditional Assumption College courses. The difference is the method of delivery, and the fact that online students must participate fully and keep up with the work in the online environment. A "quiet" student might do very well in a face-to-face classroom, but a "quiet" student online is an absent student.

What is the difference between online and blended courses?

Blended courses combine some classroom time with online/distance learning, adding a face-to-face component to better meet the needs of the particular course or method of delivery. Usually a blended course will meet the first night of class, and several times during the semester.

What if I need technical assistance?

If you have a problem with your internet connection, most Internet Service Providers, have a toll-free number for 24-hour support. Problems with your home computing system are not supported by Assumption College.

Technical assistance is available to enrolled students most business days, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, by calling Lynn Cooke, the Blackboard Administrator, at 508-767-7165, or email at lcooke@assumption.edu, or by contacting the Help Desk at 508-767-7060, or email at helpdesk@assumption.edu

What if I need help with the course, such as tutoring assistance or help with writing a paper?

If you are having difficulties with the course content, or if you need some assistance in writing a paper, there are two ways to get assistance, besides the first step of talking it over with the instructor:

On Campus - contact the Academic Support Center at 508-767-7000, ext. 5232, to schedule an appointment with one of our tutors, or visit the Academic Support Center web site.

Online - Assumption has partnered with the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium to offer online tutoring in the following areas:

How do I register for online courses?

IN-PERSON: You may register in-person at the Center for Continuing & Career Education, Maison 205.

PHONE: You may register by phone at 508-767-7364 if you are paying by credit card.

MAIL: You may print the downloadable registration form from our website, complete, and mail with check or credit card payment to: Assumption College, Continuing Education, 500 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

FAX: You may fax the downloadable registration form with your credit card information to 508-767-7053.

Full payment is required at the time of registration. If you are using company tuition reimbursement, you must provide the company’s approval letter and you must sign the Assumption College promissory note either in person or provide a notarized copy.

What if I decide to withdraw from an online course?

You must call the Continuing Education Office at Assumption College at 508-767-7364 to officially withdraw from a class. The refund policy for Continuing & Career Education is found at:
Tuition.html

What happens after I register?

After you register and pay for your online course, you will receive an email from the Blackboard Administrator which will include your user name, password, and directions on how to access your course through the Blackboard Management System.

What if I need academic advising?

Academic advisors are available at the Center for Continuing & Career Education. Call 508-767-7364 or e-mail tcoolberth@assumption.edu.

How do I use the library?

Students registered in online courses may access the d'Alzon Library's online resources once they are entered into the automated library system. More information on off-campus access is available at the Off Campus Access page. The Library's automated system is available on the World Wide Web at: www.assumption.edu/dept/Library

How do I get the books I need?

Students registered for online courses will be able to determine their required textbooks by accessing their course on Blackboard. They will be able to order books through the Assumption College Bookstore. Books are shipped via UPS and can be ordered by going to http://bookstore.assumption.edu, calling 508-767-7211, faxing 508-767-7212, emailing rdziczek@assumption.edu or stopping in at the bookstore. Be prepared to give your course number and your Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card number and shipping address.