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Frequently Asked Questions
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Here, you can find answers to some of the most common questions we get about the Mississippi Virtual Community  College (MSVCC).

General questions about MSVCC

Questions about MSVCC Courses

Questions about admissions and registration
Technical support questions

General Questions about MSVCC

What is MSVCC? How does this work?
How much does it cost? Is MSVCC accredited?
Where do I get a list of courses? How long do courses last?
Do I have to be online at a specific time? When do courses start?
Can I use financial aid with these courses? Where is my host college?
Will I have to go to campus? Will more courses be available in the future?
Can I take courses on-campus and online at the same time? Can I take more than one course at a time?
  How do I contact someone at my college?

Technical support questions 

What if I have AOL or CompuServe as my ISP? How do I know if my computer will work for this?
I've logged in but I can't get to my class. What should I do? I've registered for my class and wanted to get an early start. When I try to access the course, I can't log in. Why?
My Internet connection disconnected me in the middle of my test. How can I access my test again? Why is it not a good idea to use AOL or CompuServe with my online course?
I am unable to log in using the username and password provided to me. What should I do? When I log on to Blackboard and enter my course, I am prompted to enter a second code. What is this second code and where can I find it?
Do I have to log on to Blackboard at a certain time to access my course? I've tried to email my instructor but can't get a response. What should I do?
I'm trying to log on to Blackboard but I keep getting a message that states, "page not found." What is going on?  

Questions about admissions and registration  

How do I apply? What are the admission requirements?
How do I register for courses? Do I have to live in Mississippi?
Can I take courses while I'm still in high school? Can I start a course at any time?
How do I transfer credits to my college?  

Questions about MSVCC Courses  

How do I know what courses to take? How do I go to my course?
How do I get my Username and Password? How do I withdraw from a course?
If my course requires a lab, how does it work? How do the courses work?
How do I get books? I'm having trouble in my course, how do I contact the instructor?
How much work is there in a typical course? How do I take tests?
Are courses ever cancelled?  

What is MSVCC?
The Mississippi Virtual Community College brings together the resources of the states 14 community colleges to expand program offerings giving you more educational options than ever before. You get the same high quality instruction and course content that these colleges provide to traditional students, minus the barriers of time and place that prevent so many from pursuing educational opportunities.
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What if I have AOL or CompuServe as my Internet Service Provider?
First you must download either Netscape or Internet Explorer.  You can add the Netscape Navigator or the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser to your AOL software and use it for your browser while online with AOL.  

Once you have installed either Netscape's Navigator or Microsoft's Internet Explorer, the following procedure should be used:

  1. Run the AOL software which dials up the AOL service and establishes the connection in the usual manner.
  2. Once the AOL connection has been established, click on the "INTERNET" button to start the Internet Services.  Once the Internet Service has been started, you can minimize the AOL program to an icon.
  3. Invoke Navigator or Internet Explorer.  It will use the Internet Connection you have established via AOL.
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How does this work?
MSVCC allows you to register at one of our colleges, while taking courses online. In most cases,  you never have to go to the campus, however, please check the course details to check for proctored exams or other possible campus, or software requirements. First, a student submits a college application.  Then your host college will send you details on how to complete the application process.  After acceptance to a participating college, you can register to take courses online.   After you have finished your course(s), your grades will be transcripted by the host college you enrolled with for the course, not by the MSVCC.
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Where is my host college?
Students select their host college from among MSVCC's participating colleges. If you are already a student at one of the participating colleges, then you can take courses through MSVCC. If you are not a student at one of the participating colleges, you will need to complete an application for the participating host college of your choice. 
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Do I have to live in Mississippi?
No. You can live anywhere and take courses through MSVCC. As long as you have access to the Internet, you can participate in our courses.  Out of State students will pay additional tuition.
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How do I go to my course?
After you have registered for your course, you will receive log in instructions from your host college.  You can also view our login instructions page for help.   Courses are accessible on the first day of the MSVCC term. You will need your Username and your Password to get access to your course. It is recommended that you access your course within the first couple of days. 
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How do I transfer credits to my college?
Credit earned through MSVCC does not have to be transferred, your host institution will transcript your credit for any MSVCC courses you take. 
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How do I get my Username and Password?
After you are registered for a course, your host college will provide you with information regarding your Username and Password, as well as the web address (URL) where you will begin your course.  You can also view our login instructions page for help.
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How do I withdraw from a course?
Please contact your host college and inquire about specific instructions for withdrawing from a course. 
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Can I use financial aid with these courses?
Yes. Your host college will administer your financial aid.
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How much does it cost?

MSVCC course tuition costs are the same as traditional courses.  Books and materials are additional and there may be additional fees for some courses. Tuition rates are more for non-Mississippi residents.  Check with your host college for more specific cost information.

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How do I register for courses?
Your host college will guide you through the registration process once you have been admitted and advised. 
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Can I start a course at any time?
MSVCC courses start according to pre-defined college semesters.  Check the MSVCC calendar to see when the next semester begins.
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How do I know what courses to take?
You can find a listing of courses on the course offerings list.  You will be assigned an advisor by your host college. 
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How do I apply?
To apply for MSVCC, you must follow the application process of your host college.
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How do the courses work?
Once the semester begins, you will have access to your course with the information provided to you.  The information will guide you through the log in process.  Once logged in, click on a course link to enter that course. Once inside the course, you will see a  menu that will allow you navigate around your course. You will be able to communicate with your instructor through e-mail, and virtual chat sessions. You will also be able to post questions and comments to your course's, asynchronous threaded discussion forum. This forum allows you to hold virtual conversations with other classmates and your instructor, without having to be online at the same. You will also be able to post assignments through your course's web site and read lessons. You may have to visit other web sites and even participate in online labs! Finally, you will be able to take exams online and get feedback from your instructor through your course's grade book.
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Will more courses be available in the future?
We are always looking to add more courses.   You should check the web site periodically to look for new courses.
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What are the admissions requirements?
There are admission requirements to each of the community colleges in Mississippi.  Check for specifics with your host college.
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Can I take courses while I'm still in high school?
If you are a current high school student, you should check with your parents and/or high school counselor before taking any college level course.  Your high school and the community college that you choose as your host will advise you of the eligibility requirements.
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I'm having trouble in my course, how do I contact the instructor?
Instructors can be contacted by e-mail or through the courses online, web forum. MSVCC instructors have developed a great reputation for being responsive to student questions and they will usually get back to you within 24 hours. However, if you are having trouble contacting your instructor, you can contact the distance learning office at your host college and they will help you contact your instructor.
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How much work is there in a typical course?
A typical course will involve 8-10 hours of work per week. This includes at least 5 hours of work online per week.
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How do I take tests?
Tests are done online in most cases. You will be able to look at the syllabus to find the method of testing used for your particular course.. The tests can be multiple choice, short essay, or long essay in format. Tests may also be timed and graded automatically. Each course will be different in the type of tests required, with some courses not requiring tests at all. Once completed, your instructor may provide feedback on your test through the course's grade book.  You may also have to travel to a testing center for some testing.  You can find a listing of testing centers and test center information here.
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Do I have to be online at a specific time?
No, in most cases you will not have to be online at a specific time.  You choose the hour of the day (or night) to attend classes. Except for turning in assignments when they are due, your schedule is totally up to you. You can review lectures, ask questions, and participate in discussion groups at a time and from a place that's convenient to you.
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How long do courses last?
MSVCC spring and fall  courses are 15 weeks long.  Summer courses are 8 weeks long.  The course structure will require that you keep to these schedules in order to successfully complete the courses.  Finishing earlier than the scheduled time can only be done with the permission of the course's instructor.
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When do courses start?
Courses start in the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. Check the calendar for dates.
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How do I know if my computer will work for this?
Visit the distance learning website of your host college.  Most colleges post technical requirements that you can review and compare your computer with  to make sure your computer and web browser are compatible for MSVCC courses. 
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Is MSVCC  accredited?
MSVCC is a consortium of colleges and therefore is not eligible for accreditation. However, all of our participating colleges are accredited by their national and/or regional accrediting agency. If you have questions about a specific college, you should contact them directly.
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Where do I get a list of courses?
You can find a list of available courses on the course offerings page.
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How do I get books?
Your host college will assist you in purchasing books through a college bookstore or an online book provider.
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Are courses ever cancelled?
Yes, courses with low enrollment. However, because MSVCC is experiencing so much growth, few courses need to be cancelled.  
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Can I take more than one course at a time?
You can take up to the maximum number of courses allowed by your host college.   However, these courses are as rigorous as on campus courses, and you should expect the same level of work or more.
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Can I take courses on-campus and online at the same time?
Yes, you can take on-campus and online courses at the same time. However, please remember that online courses are as rigorous as on campus courses, and you should expect the same level of work or more.
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If my course requires a lab, how does it work?
Lab courses are also done online through the use of CD ROMS and laboratory kits that are mailed to your home. Although, some courses may require you attend a supervised laboratory setting.
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Will I have to go to campus?
You should not have to go to campus when taking MSVCC courses. However, if you are taking a course that requires a monitored lab, you may have to go to campus. You may be required to take one or more proctored tests at the nearest community college to you.  Also, you may want to go to campus to take advantage of the services available there.
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How do I contact someone at my college?
You can contact your host college through our contacts page.
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I've logged in but I can't get to my class. What should I do?
You should see the name of your class under the "My courses" box. If you do not see the course you should be enrolled in on the list, please contact your host college to verify your registration in the class and to report that you do not see the class.
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I've registered for my class and wanted to get an early start. When I try to access the course, I can't log in. Why?
You will not have access to your online class until the first day of classes as indicated on the MSVCC calendar.
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My Internet connection disconnected me in the middle of my test. How can I access my test again?
The only way to get a test reset is to email or call your instructor.
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I am unable to log in using the username and password provided to me. What should I do?
You should contact the office of distance learning or technical support at your host college by email. Make sure you are using the exact username and password given to your account. The password IS case sensitive. Also, your instructor can help you in verifying and using your username and password.
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When I log on to Blackboard and enter my course, I am prompted to enter a second code. What is the second code and where can I find it?
This is called an access code. It is required for courses in which the instructor has adopted the course content directly from the publisher. You should have been instructed to purchase a book that comes with the user access code included. This may be sold separately in come cases. Your instructor is who you should contact if you receive the second code window.
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Do I have to log on Blackboard at a certain time to access my course?
In most cases, you can access your course at any time and any place you have Internet access. You may have times when you are asked by your instructor to access the course for a chat session or other type of interactive communication. This depends entirely on the instructor for the course.
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I tried to email my instructor but can't get a response. What do I do?
You should contact your host college to let them know that you have not been able to communicate with your instructor.
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I'm trying to log on to Blackboard but I keep getting a message that states, "page not found." What is going on?
Depending on your location, it could be the network. It could also be an unscheduled maintenance issue, but these occurrences are rare. You should double check to make sure you have typed the proper URL in the address line.  Try to log on again at a later time, and after several unsuccessful attempts, contact your host college for help.
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Why is it not a good idea to use AOL or CompuServe with my online course?
AOL and CompuServe use a specialized browser. This browser does not work well with the application Blackboard. Blackboard does not recommend or support these browsers. You can use them to dial into your Internet Service Provider and then use the Internet Explorer or Netscape browser to access Blackboard. The only problem with that is that the Internet Service Provider may not see you are still online working and will disconnect you after a period of idle time (no activity). You must use the Internet Explorer or Netscape browser to access Blackboard to ensure proper interaction between you and the Blackboard server.
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Mississippi Virtual Community College • 3825 Ridgewood Rd. • Jackson, MS 39211 
 601-432-6518 
©2003 Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges