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Online Student Resources

Roxbury Community College offers online learning options designed to provide flexibility while maintaining the same academic expectations as face-to-face courses. Online students should be prepared to manage their time independently, communicate regularly with instructors, and stay engaged with coursework throughout the term.

Getting Started

Course Formats

Online

A fully online course without set meeting times. Students complete coursework online and are responsible for meeting assignment, discussion, quiz, exam, and other course deadlines.

Hybrid

A course that combines scheduled face-to-face meetings with online coursework.

Virtual

A fully online course with scheduled meeting times. Students participate in live online class meetings at designated days and times.

Technology and Access

Students taking online courses should have reliable access to the internet and a computer that can support required course activities. Students should also be comfortable using basic computer functions such as creating and saving files, uploading and downloading documents, using email, and navigating web-based course tools.

Accessing Your Courses

RCC uses Canvas as its learning management system. Students use Canvas to access course materials, assignments, announcements, and other course content. Students should become familiar with Canvas before beginning an online course.

RCC Online Success Guide

Student Technology Resources

RCC provides technology resources and support to help students access and participate in online courses.

Academic Support

Library

The RCC Library provides research resources, online databases, librarian support, and a semester laptop loan program. Phone: 857-701-1380. Email: library1@rcc.mass.edu.

Textbooks and Course Materials

Students should review course requirements for textbooks, digital materials, software, or other required resources.

Student Support Services

Financial Aid

Financial Aid assists students with financial aid questions, FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and related requirements. Phone: 857-701-1220. Email: finaid@rcc.mass.edu.

Basic Needs / Student Support

Project Access connects students with resources to help meet basic needs, including food, housing, utilities, and transportation assistance. Students can also access the RoxBox food pantry through Project Access. Email: projectaccess@rcc.mass.edu.

Course expectations

What to Expect as an Online Student

Online courses can provide flexibility and convenience, but they also require planning, organization, and consistent participation. Students should expect to devote regular time each week to reading, assignments, discussions, studying, and communication with instructors.

  • Check your course site regularly for announcements, assignments, and updates.
  • Keep track of deadlines and schedule dedicated time for coursework.
  • Communicate with your instructor when you have questions or need support.
  • Stay engaged with course materials, discussions, and other learning activities.
  • Create a study environment that helps you focus whenever possible.
  • Use available academic and student support resources.
Attendance and Participation

Students are expected to follow the attendance and participation requirements outlined in each course syllabus. For courses with scheduled meeting times, students should attend class consistently and communicate with the instructor as early as possible if they need to miss a session.

Participation in an online course may include completing assignments, contributing to discussions, attending scheduled class meetings, responding to instructor communication, and other activities identified in the syllabus.

Communication and Online Classroom Expectations

Online communication should be respectful, clear, and appropriate for an academic environment. Students should communicate professionally with instructors and classmates and follow College policies related to student conduct and nondiscrimination.

  • Use clear and respectful language.
  • Review messages and discussion posts before submitting them.
  • Ask questions when instructions or expectations are unclear.
  • Use course communication tools as directed by the instructor.
  • Respect classmates, instructors, and differing perspectives.

Synchronous / Live Online Classes

For courses that include live online meetings, students should be prepared to join on time, participate as directed by the instructor, and use required technology appropriately.

  • Test your technology before class when possible.
  • Join a few minutes early.
  • Have course materials ready.
  • Reduce distractions when possible.
  • Use microphone, camera, chat, and other tools according to the instructor's expectations.
  • Contact the instructor privately for individual concerns or personal requests.
Course Policies and Important Dates

Each course syllabus includes important information about grading, assignments, attendance, participation, and course-specific expectations. Students should review the syllabus carefully at the beginning of the term and refer to it throughout the course.

Students should access each online course within 48 hours of the course start date and submit the first required coursework during the first week, by the deadline listed in the syllabus. Academic participation includes responding to course discussion questions, working on a quiz or exam, or submitting an assignment. Logging in or viewing course materials alone does not count as participation. Students are expected to complete required coursework each week throughout the course.

Students who do not participate during the first week of an eight-week course will receive a non-attended (“NA”) grade and be removed from the course. Students who do not participate during the two weeks immediately preceding midterm will receive a WA midterm grade and be removed from the course. Nonparticipation may affect financial aid and outstanding charges. Students experiencing difficulties should promptly contact their instructor and academic advisor for assistance.

Important Academic Dates

Important dates may vary by semester, session, and course. Students should pay close attention to deadlines that apply to their specific enrollment.

  • Course start and end dates: Check your course schedule in MyRCC for the start and end dates of your individual courses.
  • Add/drop deadlines: Add/drop deadlines vary by semester and session. Refer to the current RCC Academic Calendar for applicable deadlines.
  • Withdrawal deadlines: Withdrawal deadlines also vary by semester and session. Refer to the current RCC Academic Calendar for the last day for student-initiated withdrawals. Students must officially withdraw from a course; simply not participating does not constitute withdrawal.
  • Final exams and other College dates: Refer to the current RCC Academic Calendar for final exam periods, holidays, College closures, and other important dates.
Academic Integrity

Online students are expected to follow RCC's academic integrity standards. Students should complete their own work, use only authorized assistance, and properly acknowledge sources. Students who are unsure about citation, collaboration, or permitted resources should ask their instructor or an academic support professional.

Current RCC Academic Catalog: https://www.rcc.mass.edu/catalog/current/catalog.pdf.

Online Programs

Who to Contact

Not sure where to start? Use the contacts below to connect with the right RCC office or resource.

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