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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM
CCCONLINE SESSION II COURSES
The last day to withdraw from your CCCOnline Session II (C21) courses is November 19.

Withdrawing from courses (dropping the course later in the term) must be done through your home college – either by contacting the registrar or accessing your home college account online (the same way you did to register). Your instructors cannot drop your courses for you, nor can CCCOnline. Be aware that by Withdrawing you more than likely will not receive a tuition refund (policies vary by home college). (NOTE: A Withdrawal will show on your transcript as a grade of "W.")

If you are receiving financial aid, you'll want to make sure that you speak with your financial aid advisor before Withdrawing from any course(s)!

To Withdraw from your course(s), follow the instructions at - Student Wiki: How do I Drop/Withdraw from a course?

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Friday, November 7, 2008
LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM CCCONLINE SESSION I (C11) COURSES
If you realize that you're not doing as well as you want to or you feel the timing just isn't right for you to be taking an online course, you do have the option to Withdraw from your course(s). The last day to withdraw from your CCCOnline fall session I (C11) course(s) is November 11, 2008.

If you are receiving financial aid, you'll want to make sure that you speak with your financial aid advisor before Withdrawing from any course(s)!

To Withdraw from your course(s), follow the instructions at - Student Wiki: How do I Drop/Withdraw from a course?

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Monday, November 3, 2008
WE DON'T WANT TO SCARE YOU, BUT . . .
Almost everything you need to know about CCCOnline is on the site under either Future Students or Students. However, we receive frequent contact from students who state they didn't know they had to pay their tuition to their college by the college's due date, when a drop or withdrawal date was, they didn't know our courses are not self-paced or independent learning, the list goes on and on.

While you do have certain responsibilities as a CCCO student (in other words, you should take it upon yourself to ensure you know how your courses work, where/how to pay your tuition, what important semester dates are, etc.) we thought we'd give you a "leg up" (so to speak) and put together information that every CCCOnline student should know – located on our Student Wiki under General Questions – But I didn't know that!

We suggest that you might want to print this out and keep it handy so that, "You do know that!"

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Thursday, October 23, 2008
TIPS FOR COMPLETING LABS
For those of you taking courses that include labs, here are some great tips from Aarthi Ramesh, one of our biology course instructors.

If you are spending 15+ hours on labs, it'll probably help if you modify the way you complete it! Labs are meant to give you a thorough knowledge of the subject, so you should not feel at the end of the lab that you've been through a rigorous ordeal where you emerge totally overwhelmed. You are on a quest for knowledge, so staying scheduled is the best way to go about labs.

Since our labs are based completely online, a big advantage you have over a traditional classroom setting is that you can divide up the lab rather than trying to complete it in one sitting. Take advantage of this!

[You might] typically allot an hour per step of the lab. I call it the "lab-to-go" method!
Spend the first day of access going over the entire lab question. This should take you 20 minutes maximum. Check to see if all the links on the lab are working. Mentally allot how much time you may need for each step and divide up this time over 4-5 days.
On day 2 of access, look over step 1. Spend around 15-20 minutes reading and performing this step and the same amount of time to draft your write-up.
If you see some other web link that may help with steps of future labs, bookmark it in a separate folder. We are all pioneers in the field of online education, so make the most of the Internet. With references on hand the work usually gets very easy.
Read through the previous step on the next day before you proceed so you can keep up on the continuity.
Continue on with each step of the lab in a similar fashion.
For the really "elaborate" steps split up the time over 2 days.
Try to schedule one step, maximum of two per day. I recommend not more than that! Then move on with your life, read a book, participate in discussions, go out for dinner...there's so much more to do!

Hopefully, by taking the advice above, you'll have a fantastic and enriching learning experience, which is the purpose of the lab. Enjoy what you are doing - this will make a difference between completing the lab vs. enjoying and completing it!

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Friday, October 17, 2008
COMMUNICATING WITH OTHERS IN YOUR COURSE, ETC. (Also known as Netiquette)
Remember the Golden Rule. Don't correspond with anyone (fellow classmates, instructors, others you may contact regarding your courses) in a manner that you wouldn't want them to correspond with you. Keep in mind that there's a real, live human being with feelings on the other end of your phone call, email, or discussion posting--if you were sitting in front of that person would you say to their face what you're saying in your phone call/email/discussion posting? Remember that your words are written in an email or discussion posting-- you can't take them back.

Review your emails/discussion postings before you send them. Ever send an email to someone and have them misinterpret what you said? It may be that what you think you're "saying" and how you come across are two very different animals! While technology is a wonderful tool, it's very hard to emote in writing - the person receiving your email/discussion can't see your expression, hear the tone of your voice, or observe your body language, so it's very important that you ensure your email/discussion correctly expresses what you're saying.

What you write is how you're perceived - Spelling and Grammar do count! In addition to the tone of your email, pay attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. (you can use the HTML editor within your course to check spelling, among other things. Click on HELP - located on the dark blue bar [the one with the CCCOnline logo on it] at the top of your page and then choose HTML editor from the list of topics). Many people are under the assumption that spelling, grammar, etc. don't matter - well, they do - especially in your courses! You're taking a college-level course and it is assumed that you know how to spell, use correct grammar, punctuation, etc. An email, discussion posting, etc. is a representation of you. So, remember to dot those i's and cross those t's!!

Pay attention to the content of your writing. Be sure you know what you're talking about. Make sure you have all the facts. If you're quoting somebody make sure you attribute the quote to them. The same goes if you're using information from a source other than yourself -make sure you give credit where credit is due. Check out the Student Handbook's information on plagiarism.

Perhaps a phone call would be better? If you find that your email to your faculty doesn't clear up the issue, it's okay to ask for a phone conference - this could save a lot of frustration on both sides.

Bottom line? Just remember you are in a classroom -- albeit a "cyberspace" one -- and conduct yourself accordingly!

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Monday, October 13, 2008
HELP!!
The CCCOnline Student Wiki is a valuable resource where you will find known issues and fixes for your WebCT courses. If you experience any issues or have questions, please check out the Wiki first!

We want your experience as a CCCOnline student to be a good one! However, if you do encounter issues or just have questions, the information below tells you who to contact for what.

Call your Home College if you:

• Need to pay for your course(s)
• Are having trouble updating or changing your personal information on your student account (mailing address, email address, etc.)
• Are having trouble adding, dropping or withdrawing courses within the scheduled time frames

Contact your Instructor if you:

• Have any type of problem with the course - although your instructor may not be able to solve the problem, you should always let him/her know that you are experiencing difficulties
• Believe that instructions or assignments are unclear and you are having difficulty completing assigned tasks
• Need assistance with problems involving course content, assignment due dates, online tests and other similar issues

Send your instructor an email from within the course first - then, if you feel the situation needs further clarification/discussion, request a phone conference with your instructor.

If you still need further assistance please contact 24x7 Technical Support at 1-888-800-9198. You may also send in a support request form - just click on "Submit Problem" at the top of the page.

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Wednesday, October 8, 2008
LAST DAY TO DROP REMINDER
If you find that you need to drop your CCCOnline Session II (C21) course(s) please make sure you do so by the drop deadline date indicated on the CCCOnline Academic Calendar – October 8 -. Dropping by the deadline will ensure that you receive a tuition refund from your home college (minus any applicable fees).

If you need instructions on how to drop your course(s) please go to Student Wiki: How do I Drop/Withdraw from a course?

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Monday, October 6, 2008
OUR VOTES COUNT!
by Al Turner
On November 4, Americans will have the opportunity to choose the office of the President. Issues like the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the mortgage crisis, the government bail out of Wall Street, health care costs, education and dozens of other concerns will be decided when you cast your vote. And just think, our votes are going to influence the future of our country. So, please vote.

IMHO, here’s why we should vote:

• We want to elect our representatives.
• We want a "change" in our government and country.
• We are showing candidates that our vote counts.
• It's our privilege.
• It's our right and duty.
• Voting protects our liberties.
• Voting keeps us free from totalitarianism.
• Voting maintains our government.
• Our vote counts. So, please do your "homework" before you decide.

Also, IMHO, we need to encourage those citizen's that use the following reasons not to vote:

• "My vote does not count so why vote at all?" Oh yes it does!
• "I don't have the time." Please find the time. Voting is important!
• "I'm not interested." Please remind them of "We the people...?"
• "I'm not informed on all the issues." Then please get informed.

We also need to let our younger voters know/feel that their views and concerns are important too. If they respond with a negative reply, just ask them how many times they recently voted for their favorite singer on American Idol.

Please remember, we have three choices to cast our votes. By mail, early voting and on Election Day. And for those of you living in Denver, you can always login to www.denvervotes.org, or call 720-913-8683. And for those of you living outside of Denver, please visit www.elections.colorado.gov/DDefault.aspx?tid=147 (This site lists all the Colorado County Clerks offices).

Next, here's the national site for voter information: www.canivote.org (Per its home page information, "This nonpartisan web site was created by state election officials to help eligible voters figure out how and where to go vote.").

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Thursday, October 2, 2008
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6 - LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR NOVEMBER ELECTION
If you haven't registered to vote in Colorado, you can still do so until Monday, October 6 in person or by mail. An application to both register and vote by mail is available at the GoVoteColorado.com website, sponsored by the Colorado Secretary of State's office. Look for the "Voter Registration" form, download the Adobe pdf file, print it out (if you don't have an Adobe pdf reader you will be prompted to install it free), fill it out and mail it before the deadline or find the closest location to register and drop by. If you need to register in another state, you might want to consult one of the many helpful websites that gather and provide links to various states, their deadlines and what is required like the RockTheVote website, sponsored by the Women League of Voters Education Fund or another is DeclareYourself.Com.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2008
WELCOME NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS TO CCCONLINE'S SESSION II (C21) OF THE FALL SEMESTER!
Your session II courses started on Monday, September 29. If you haven’t done so already, please make sure you've checked out the Student Orientation on your CCCOnline student homepage (youll see it listed along with your regular courses).

If you find that you need assistance regarding anything to do with your courses, CCCOnline offers 24x7 Technical Support that you may contact by calling 1-888-800-9198 any time of the day or night.

All of us at CCCOnline wish you the best in your courses!

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Monday, September 22, 2008
REMINDER – LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR CCCONLINE SESSION II (C21) COURSES
The last day to register for Fall Session II (C21) courses is September 25 – late registrations are allowed through Tuesday, September 30. Late registration students may register as they normally would by following the instructions at http://www.ccconline.org/register/.

If you do find that you need to register late, please keep in mind:

According to our research students who register late for more than two courses are significantly increasing their risk of failure in those courses.
You are responsible for paying any course tuition and fees and that you MUST make the payments to your home college within 24 hours of receiving confirmation of the late registration.
Any failure to pay the tuition and fees to your home college could result in your being dropped from the course(s) for non-payment.
Because of late registration, you may have missed the opportunity to submit some course assignments or take quizzes. Understand that your final grade in the course may be impacted as a result of those missed assignments or quizzes.
Your instructor is not required to allow you to make up any missed assignments or quizzes, or change course policies to accommodate your late registration.
It is your responsibility to catch up with readings, assignments or other activities so that you are at the same point in your learning as the instructor is in teaching the class.
You will not be given any extensions or exceptions to important dates as listed on the CCCOnline Academic Calendar, http://ccconline.org/courses/Calendar_and_Schedule/Academic_Calendar/.

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Friday, September 12, 2008
CCCONLINE OFFERING NEW BUSINESS ETHICS COURSE (PHI 205) THIS FALL!
(There is still time to register for the "Fall II-" term beginning September 29th!)

Want a good job? The world of business is an interesting and challenging one in which many ethical issues arise. CCCOnline is offering a new philosophy course this fall, PHI 205 – Business Ethics. This course will help you to learn more about the ethical dimension of business and ways to work through ethical problems. For more details see the course description at: PHI 205 - Business Ethics.

Demand for ethical practices (and knowledge of ethics) in business is increasing. Find out how to navigate the ethical landscape in the business environment—register today!

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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
YOU STILL HAVE TIME TO REGISTER FOR CCCONLINE SESSION II (C21) COURSES!
For those of you interested in the Paralegal field, CCCOnline is now offering PAR125 (Property Law), PAR 218 (Bankruptcy Law), and PAR 228 (Intellectual Property). You can still register for these session II (C21) courses for our fall semester (courses start September 29).

For more information regarding these courses, please see the general syllabus/course descriptions: PAR 125, PAR 218 and PAR 228.

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Monday, September 8, 2008
LAST DAY TO DROP REMINDER
"Life happens" and if you find that – for whatever reason – you need to drop your CCCOnline Session I (C11) course(s) please make sure you do so by the drop deadline indicated on the CCCOnline Academic Calendar - September 9 - Student Wiki: CCCOnline Academic Calendar.. Dropping by the deadline will ensure that you receive a tuition refund from your home college (minus any applicable fees).

If you need instructions on how to drop your course(s) please go to Student Wiki: How do I Drop/Withdraw from a course?

CCCOnline does send out reminder emails to you, but it is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of important semester dates, so please make sure you check the Academic Calendar frequently!

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Wednesday, September 3, 2008
WELCOME NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS TO THE CCCONLINE FALL SEMESTER!
If you haven’t done so already, please make sure you’ve checked out the Student Orientation on your CCCOnline student homepage (you’ll see it listed along with your regular courses).

If you find that you need assistance regarding anything to do with your courses, CCCOnline offers 24x7 Technical Support that you may contact by calling 1-888-800-9198 any time of the day or night.

All of us at CCCOnline wish you the best in your courses!

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Thursday, August 21, 2008
LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR FALL SESSION I (C11) AND FALL SESSION II (C21)
CCCOnline Fall Session I (C11) begins on Monday August 25. The last day to register for Session I is technically today, August 21, but CCCOnline is allowing late registrations through August 28. The last day to register for Fall Session II (C21) courses is September 25 – late registrations are allowed through October 1. Late registration students may register as they normally would by following the instructions on our CCCOnline: Registration Support page.

If you do find that you need to register late, please keep in mind:

According to our research students who register late for more than two courses are significantly increasing their risk of failure in those courses.
You are responsible for paying any course tuition and fees and that you MUST make the payments to your home college within 24 hours of receiving confirmation of the late registration.
Any failure to pay the tuition and fees to your home college could result in your being dropped from the course(s) for non-payment.
Because of late registration, you may have missed the opportunity to submit some course assignments or take quizzes. Understand that your final grade in the course may be impacted as a result of those missed assignments or quizzes.
Your instructor is not required to allow you to make up any missed assignments or quizzes, or change course policies to accommodate your late registration.
It is your responsibility to catch up with readings, assignments or other activities so that you are at the same point in your learning as the instructor is in teaching the class.
You will not be given any extensions or exceptions to important dates as listed on the Student Wik: CCCOnline Academic Calendar.

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Monday, August 18, 2008
CCCONLINE ANNOUNCES NEW COURSE OFFERINGS!!
The CCCOnline Business program, which includes disciplines in business, finance, management, marketing, and economics, is proud to announce three new, 5-week (1 credit) course offerings in the field of Small Business Management (SBM).

SBM 101 Starting a Small Business (5 weeks, 1 credit)
SBM 108 Marketing for a Small Business (5 weeks, 1 credit)
SBM 113 Writing a Business Plan (5 weeks, 1 credit)

Learn how to start a small business that prepares you to enter the world of business and/or earn college credits that apply to some degree programs in the comfort and convenience of your home!

SBM101 Starting a Small Business, SBM 108 Marketing for a Small Business, and SBM 113 Writing a Business Plan are online courses that examine the processes and products/services for a small business.

In an instructor-led, online learning environment, you will engage in learning by doing activities and receive feedback from an expert in the field about your small business venture.

You will also have opportunities to connect with guest speakers from the convenience and comfort of your home as experts in the small business management field present topics of interest via live desktop conferencing session(s).

What follows is a brief description for each SBM course:

In SBM101 Starting a Small Business (5 weeks, 1 credit), you will assess how to enter the marketplace, choose a business name and location, decide on a legal business structure, and determine how to secure business licenses. How to set up a bank account, and how to obtain financing are covered, as are other important aspects, such as recordkeeping, cash flow, and procuring financing. You will also learn how to market your business, including using the Internet to promote, buy, and sell products or services.
In SBM108 Marketing for a Small Business (5 weeks, 1 credit), you will focus on assessing the marketing functions for a small business. Evaluating the market, analyzing the competition, developing a competitive advantage, defining a target market, developing a marketing plan, determining a marketing strategy, and advertising and promoting your small business comprise some of the highly applicable topics covered.
In SBM113, Writing a Business Plan (5 weeks, 1 credit), you will create a winning business plan that can be used as a planning guide, feasibility study, analysis tool, forecasting guide, or plan for obtaining financing for your small business. This course is significant for those who are contemplating starting a new small business, buying an existing business, buying into a franchise, or those already in business.

CCCOnline is excited to add these new offerings, taught by small business owner, Sharon Taylor, to our wide-range of existing business classes, and we hope you will join us for one or more of our new courses expressly designed to meet your needs!

Sharon Taylor has been teaching and designing business courses with CCCOnline for more than five years. With a dissertation focus on instructional design in virtual worlds, Sharon is currently pursuing a PhD Education, Instructional Design for Online Learning. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Regis Jesuit University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a Management concentration from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

If you are interested in receiving further information, please feel free to contact Sharon Meyer, Business Chair, at sharon.meyer@ppcc.edu.

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Thursday, August 7, 2008
CCCONLINE SUMMER COURSES END AT MIDNIGHT THIS SUNDAY!!
The CCCOnline summer semester ends at midnight (MDT on Sunday, August 10. (You’ll be able to continue to access your courses until midnight (MDT) on Sunday, August 24; however, you will not be able to complete any further coursework).

Grades are due from instructors by no later than August 15 and will begin being posted to your home college records Monday, August 18.

Your home college (the college you applied to/registered with to take CCCOnline courses) issues official transcripts. If you want to have a copy of your transcript sent to a college or an employer, you may order it online or you may contact the admissions office at your home college. Please note students who have not fulfilled all financial obligations to their home college must fulfill those obligations before a transcript can be issued.

Final grades and unofficial transcripts can be viewed online for no charge. Please follow the instructions at Student Wiki: How do I view my final grade, unofficial transcript and/or order an Official Transcript?

If you have any issues regarding your grade please contact your instructor – ONLY YOUR INSTRUCTOR CAN CHANGE YOUR GRADE! It’s a good idea to make note of your instructor’s contact information (posted within your course) in the event that you do need to contact your instructor after classes end.

We hope you have had a successful semester and we thank you for letting us help you reach your educational goals.

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