FAQ Cowley College Online

Frequently Asked Questions from Future Students

Enrolling
Where can you find a schedule of online courses?
Go to Online Class Schedules portal for links to Online Classes sorted by Semesters or go to Class Schedules, click on a semester (example:”Fall Schedule 2010”). Find the drop down menu under “By eLearning Mode”. Select "Online".
Do you have to be admitted to Cowley College to take online courses?
Yes. Go to Online Academic Advising & Enrollment for instructions on how to apply and enroll online.
Can International students take online courses?
Cowley College Online invites students living outside of the United States to take online courses and earn Cowley certificates and degrees. There are currently Cowley Online students residing all over the world, representing a large number of countries. Go to the International module for more information.

Language Proficiency
All Cowley College Online courses, including course instructions, are conducted in English; a proficiency in English is required for all students. If you wish to apply to Cowley but your native language is not English, you must complete the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam and score at least a 500 on the paper version, a 173 on the computer version, or a 61 on the online version. Learn more about the TOEFL exam. Scores from TOEFL exams taken within the last two years will be accepted.

Technology Requirements
Each course may have specific technology requirements, which are listed on the Class Schedules. You should have an active Cowley e-mail account and reliable connection to the Internet for successful completion of online courses.

Applying and Enrolling in Cowley College Online
Go to Online Academic Advising & Enrollment for instructions on how to apply and enroll online.

Tuition, Fees, & Books
How much do Cowley College Online courses cost?
Online courses have a $55 fee per class in addition to the regular tuition.
Do you need to purchase textbooks, software, hardware, or other materials for online courses?
Please visit the Class Schedules. Select the correct semester. One the drop down menu under “By eLearning Mode”, select "Online".
Under the title of the course in bright red you will see meeting times and possible software requirements for each course, anything in red are required.
Each course will also have specific textbook requirements for that class. Check with the Cowley bookstore for information about your particular class.
Books and access codes for your online course(s) may be purchased from the Cowley Bookstore in Arkansas City KS, Eastside Center in Wichita KS or the Cowley online bookstore.
Get your books early so you will be ready to go when the classes start..

Financial Aid
Can you receive financial aid for Cowley College Online courses?
Yes, qualified students can apply for financial aid just like you would for a traditional class. Go to Financial Aid for further instructions.

Transfer Credits
Are online courses transferable to other colleges and universities?
Yes .Because Cowley College Online is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association, most OK and KS colleges and many online and campus colleges will accept Cowley College credits. Go to Transfer Credits for more information.
Will your transcript show that you took courses via Cowley College Online?
No, your transcript will only list the course name and number and will not indicate if the class was taken as a traditional class or via online.

Questions about Cowley College Online
What is Cowley College Online?
Cowley College Online provides students with a flexible, convenient way to earn college credit without having to go to a Cowley College campus or center.
What are some advantages to taking online courses?
Students take online classes for a number of reasons. Some of them may include:
1. Convenience/Flexibility – The fact that you can access an online course anywhere and anytime is major factor to consider. A student can work on their course at 4 a.m. in their pajamas or halfway across the world!
2. One-on-One Instruction – Unlike an on-campus course, the instructor is able to answer your questions individually without the interruption of other students.
3. Cost Effectiveness – Students do not have to worry about child care or gas costs when taking an online course.
What should you consider before taking an online course?
Online students must be self-motivated, disciplined and, college-level readers. Online courses require that you have good computer skills and have access to a computer with internet service.
Are online courses easier than face-to-face courses?
NO! Online courses are neither more difficult nor easier than face-to-face classes. Students will be expected to work just as hard. It’s important to note that a successful online student must be SELF-MOTIVATED and cannot PROCRASTINATE. You may be able to log into the class and complete the assignments at any time, but you still have deadlines.
Is there an instructor and how do I communicate with him/her?
Each online course has a specific instructor. You will communicate with the instructor through the Online College interface.
Do you have to be online at a certain time each week?
Most online courses do not require you to be online at a certain time. If the instructor requires you to be online at a certain time, it will be noted in the course syllabus.
Is attendance taken in online courses?
Cowley instructors record your online attendance each week for your online course(s). In order to be counted present in your course, you must log in and complete your instructor's attendance requirements for the week. Individual instructors may have additional requirements before attendance requirements are satisfied. The week for attendance usually runs from 12:00 A.M. Sunday through 11:59 P.M. Saturday. Please check the individual course syllabus carefully for these requirements or check with your instructor. If these requirements are not satisfied, you will be counted absent for the week!
Are online courses self-paced?
No, your class will have specific requirements each week for assignments and attendance. You cannot complete an course course early or try to make up for lost time at the end of the semester.
How do you turn in assignments?
You will upload your assignments in ANGEL using the Assignment Drop Box.
Do you have to go somewhere to take tests?
Each online course is different and some instructors may have you go to a convenient location to take some tests. See your course syllabus or contact your instructor for information about testing requirements.
What if you need help with an online course?
Contact your instructor first. Then, if he/she can't help you, contact the Cowley Helpdesk for any technical problems you may have.

Questions about Getting Started
Can you start your online course before the first day of class?
Unless otherwise notified, an online course is not available in ANGEL until the first day of class for that semester.
Do you need to have a computer and know how to use it?
You must have access to a personal computer and have some basic knowledge of how to use it. If you do not have basic computer skills, you may want to consider taking Cowley’s Beginning Computers course.
You must have an active Cowley e-mail account and reliable connection to the Internet for successful completion of online courses.
Do you need any special software for online courses?
Go to Class Schedules and select the correct semester. From the drop down menu under “By eLearning Mode”, select "Online". Under the title of the course in bright red you will see software requirements for each course.
What is your log in information?
You will log in using your last name and first initial and the last six digits of your Cowley ID. Go to Login Instructions for more information.