Online FAQs

What is online learning?
Online learning provides UCI Division of Continuing Education students access to many of the courses offered on the campus, but in an online format. Online courses carry the same unit credit as the classroom courses. Online courses utilize new technologies to foster learning.
Fully online courses will administer all content and interaction online. Communication is generally through online messaging, online discussion forums and email. While some courses will require real-time (synchronous meetings) using software such as WebEx or Zoom, most online courses interact through the discussion forums and audio/video tools within the learning management system.
Online courses require the same amount of effort and dedication as their in-class equivalents. They will have deadlines for assignments and may even have proctored exams.
All participants in online courses are bound by the University of California Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline. For more information on student conduct, please visit the UCI Division of Continuing Education student resources page.
UCI Division of Continuing Education uses the learning management system Canvas by Instructure.
Is online learning for me?
Unlike a traditional classroom course, there are no set dates and times when you need to come to campus and sit in a classroom. In a typical online course, you will get a series of lessons by text or video, discussion prompts, and assignments. All of this requires a significant time commitment. It is very similar to the time you would need to spend for a classroom course.
You’ll be required to work unsupervised and you should identify ways in which you can motivate yourself to stay on track. Use your peers to stay focused. You’ll also want to be comfortable with the technology that you’ll be using. While the learning management system is built to accommodate all users, you will need to be able to possibly update your internet browser, browser plugins, and have the ability to use your audio and video computer tools.
Online learning gives you the flexibility to access and participate anywhere where internet is readily accessible.
What technology is required?
Online Course Technical Requirements
- Active email account.
- Browser and computer requirements for Canvas
How much time do I need to devote to my online course?
Similar to a classroom course, to get the most out of any type of learning you must commit a certain amount of time. You will most likely spend approximately ten hours a week going over class lectures, assignments and discussion forums. Time required for each course will vary.
The instructor will set individual due dates for your graded and non-graded activities.
Are there specific dates and times that I need to log in to my online course?
Online courses have a set start and end date. There may be graded activities with set due dates and times that you must submit, complete or participate in.
Your online course may utilize an online synchronous conferencing and training application which will require you to download software. There will be set dates and times associated with these real-time meetings online.
Can I access my course from anywhere?
You can access the course anywhere that you have Internet access. Some companies have firewalls that prevent you from participating in the chat sessions and posting to discussion forums. Please check with your company’s technology department before you attempt to access your online course.
Assignments, quizzes and discussion forums are conducted through the learning management system. You will not be required to come to campus for a fully online course to complete/submit your assignments, quizzes and discussion forums.
Is my online course instructor led?
Like a traditional course, your online course has an instructor that will conduct the course by giving and grading assignments, answering questions, and leading discussions. Most graded and non-graded items will be required to be completed by certain dates assigned by your instructor.
Generally, content is presented week/topics by week/topics. Very similar to a traditional classroom course.
Can I enroll or join an online course at any time?
Each course has a unique start and end date. Students are required to enroll in a course by the enrollment deadline. Courses are closed to registration after the enrollment deadline. Enrollment deadlines are determined by the format and length of the course as follows:
Online – Students may enroll up to 7 calendar days from, and including, the official start date. For example, if the online course begins on Monday, the enrollment deadline is the following Sunday.
A $25 late fee per course will be applied three days from, and including, the official start date. For example, if the online course begins on Monday, the late fee will be assessed on Thursday.
What should I do after signing up for an online course?
Be sure to review your enrollment confirmation. Your confirmation will have information about access to your online course and any textbook, software or special requirements.
Here is a short video on how to log in to your online course
In most cases, your online course will be visible to you on the course start date, however you will have access to your account at the UCI Division of Continuing Education Canvas page about two hours after you receive your confirmation of enrollment. You can access your online course by logging into your UCI Division of Continuing Education account.
For more information about adding/dropping, late enrollments, changing grade options and refunds, please visit the UCI Division of Continuing Education student resources page or contact the student services office at dce-services@uci.edu or (949) 824-5414, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm (Pacific).*
*Please view the administrative holidays on our Academic Calendar for exceptions to our usual office hours.
How do I access Canvas online courses from ce.uci.edu?
Visit My Canvas (formerly My Courses) (login required). Click the "Access Canvas" button to be automatically logged into Canvas. A video walk-through is also available.
I have accessed the UCI Division of Continuing Education Canvas page but still not sure where to start?
Once you have logged in, we suggest that you make sure that you review your account in Canvas. You can edit your preferences for receiving email notifications and what your instructor and classmates can see about you.
Be sure to start by reading the syllabus for your online course. If you have any questions about what is expected from you, please contact your instructor.
You can also review the Student Resources page by clicking the Help button at the bottom left and selecting the UCI Division of Continuing Education Student Resources page. A more extensive student guide is available here.
Your dashboard will be the first thing you see when you log into Canvas. The dashboard will help you see what is happening in all your current courses.
I have access to my Division of Continuing Education account but cannot access my Canvas account or course.
It may take up to two hours for data to transfer to our Canvas system once you have enrolled in your course. If you do not see your online course after two hours, please submit a ticket by clicking onto the global (blue) navigation bar on the left side of the Canvas page and click the Help button at the bottom left and then select the Report a Problem link. Fill out the information and click the Submit Ticket button.
If your online course is not available in the dashboard, be sure to check the COURSES link in the blue navigational bar and then select the ALL COURSES link. If your course has a start date in the future, it will not be available until the actual course start date.
How do I communicate with my instructor and other students?
By default, your instructor and classmates will only see your name. Since your email is not visible to other users, Canvas Conversations is the messaging tool used to communicate. You can communicate with other students in your course at any time during the time your course is active. Canvas Conversations can be found on the global (blue) navigational bar on the left as the Inbox.
You can also post questions/comments to your instructor and other students in discussion forums.
I am accessing my online course and I have some questions.
If you are accessing your online course and have questions on content, due dates, or grading, please be sure to contact your instructor first.
For technical issues or questions, use the Help button at the bottom left and then select the Report a Problem link. Fill out the information and click the Submit Ticket button. Most submitted tickets are responded to within business hours, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm (Pacific)* and up to twenty four (24) - forty eight (48) hours during weekends and holidays*.
*Please view the administrative holidays on our Academic Calendar for exceptions to our usual office hours.
Do I need to purchase textbooks or software?
Textbook and software information will be found within your course syllabus. Textbooks and software for your course may be purchased from any vendor or bookseller of your choice.
Do I have library privileges as a Division of Continuing Education student?
Yes. Please contact our Student Services Office at dce-services@uci.edu or (949) 824-5414, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm (Pacific). We will be happy to send you an application for a library card.
*Please view the administrative holidays on our Academic Calendar for exceptions to our usual office hours.
Do I get a UCI email address as a Division of Continuing Education student?
Currently enrolled UCI Division of Continuing Education students who have questions about obtaining a sponsored UCInetID should contact the Student Services Office at dce-services@uci.edu or (949) 824-5414, Monday-Thursday, 9am-4pm (Pacific).*
*Please view the administrative holidays on our Academic Calendar for exceptions to our usual office hours.
How do I drop an online course? Am I eligible for a refund?
Please visit the Division of Continuing Education page for more information on Drops and Refunds.
What do I do if I cannot finish my online course?
We understand that certain situations can occur that would prevent you from completing your online course. Please contact your instructor and the UCI Division of Continuing Education Student Services office for drops/refunds at dce-drop@uci.edu or visit our Drops & Refunds page.
I am done with my course. Where are my grades/transcripts and how long do I have access to the content?
Final grades are due no later than two weeks after the final end date for the course. Final grades can be found at the UCI Division of Continuing Education website. You must be logged in to view your account, request transcripts and view grades. Please contact the UCI Division of Continuing Education Student Services office at dce-services@uci.edu or (949) 824-5414 for assistance.
Online courses are closed after two weeks of the final end date for the course.