How can I maximize my success as an online student?
Time Management: You will have to complete assignments on time and prepare for tests, the same as students who meet in person for classes. But without a regular in-person class schedule, you will need to take more responsibility for viewing lectures and learning new material. Many students find it beneficial to set their own regular "class" times throughout the week. Include time to review course materials (read a textbook, watch a lecture) and complete assignments before the due date.
Keeping up with class material also makes it easy to manage stress, which can affect both online and onsite students. Be proactive with studying and asking for help if you need it. Working steadily in a class is better than rushing to complete work at the last minute.
Communication: Reach out to the instructor when you have a question about your class, the online learning management system/technology, the course materials, or even about working in the field. Also let your instructors know when life gets in the way. If something happens that will impact your studies, contact your instructor and let them know you need help.
Build Community: You don’t need to have regular in-person contact in a building to build community. Make it a point to connect with other students in your course. Take time to get to know other people taking your online class. Offer to meet others virtually for study sessions or even to view lectures together and offer help to other students if you can.
Important resources to support your success
Know key dates and how to find them
Do you know the last day to drop a class or withdraw? It is important you keep track of key dates for your courses. The key dates for each course may be different, so it is important you know what they are. It should be in your course syllabus and can be viewed Academic Calendar | Northeastern Junior College
Tutoring can help you succeed
Are you having trouble completing an assignment or understanding a concept in an online course? Need to do research for a paper and not sure where to start? Do you need help reviewing a paper? Math, writing and specific subject support like business, sciences or history is available via tutoring.
Online: Free, accessible and online tutoring is available. Pear Deck Tutor, a third-party partner, allows currently registered students to meet with a qualified tutor online at any hour of the day. You can find the Pear Deck Tutor link in D2L, under the Resources tab. Students are eligible for up to 5 hours of services per week and it is available 24/7.
Free tutoring is available in NJC’s Monahan Learning Center (MLC) on the first floor of Knowles Hall at Northeastern. From Animal Science to Chemistry to Speech -- the instructional specialists and student learning assistants provide tutoring for virtually all courses offered on the Northeastern campus. Tutoring and study group sessions are provided at no cost to Northeastern students.
To make an appointment, email mlctutoring@njc.edu or call 970-521-6791 and leave a message. Students can request to schedule an appointment at a time convenient for them, and the MLC will take care of the rest.
Library resources can help you succeed
Students have access to online library resources including research databases, streaming video, e-books, research guides, and a 24/7 virtual reference desk that is staffed by human librarians.
Visit NJC’s Library Services page for more information at MLC-Library-Services and Policies | Northeastern Junior College
The online library webpage can also be found in the Resources drop-down menu in D2L.
Advising and career planning for that next step
Make sure you have an academic plan that leads to your next step – whether that be a career or seamless transfer to one of our many four-year partner institutions. Need help making a plan, finding a career path, learning about internships? Learn more about advising and career services here: Student Success Center | Northeastern Junior College
I have accommodations or had accommodations previously in school, how do I get them in college?
The Community College System of Colorado and all colleges are committed to ensuring accessibility. Do you need an accommodation support you as a learner? You can request these accommodations by meeting virtually or in person to learn about the college accommodations process. You should start this process early as soon as you apply or enroll in courses as the process may take some time to determine how to best meet your needs. Visit NJC’s Accessibility Services here: Accessibility Services | Northeastern Junior College
Does my financial aid apply to my online courses I take through CO Online?
Students don’t need to apply separately for financial aid for online courses. If you qualify for financial aid at your college and your online course is a part of your degree program, it will qualify for financial aid. Please make sure you have filled out the FAFSA or CASFA and are regularly checking your Financial Aid status by logging into the NJC portal and the NJC website here: Financial Aid & Assistance | Northeastern Junior College. You must complete a FAFSA or CASFA for each academic year – don’t leave money on the table!
What technology do I need to access my online courses?
You will need reliable access to a computer and the internet to access your online courses. While you could possibly do your course on a mobile device, like a phone, it will present challenges and could prevent you from being successful in your course.
Consider using headphones if accessing your course in a public setting. This not only allows you to focus on materials/recordings but minimize disruption to others around you.
What if I don’t have access to a computer or laptop?
You will need a plan – will you borrow a computer? You may be able to get a loaner laptop from (insert school) or the local library, and there are often waitlists and limited supply. What is your plan if there are not any loaner computers? Can you go to the local library? What are the hours, and will that align with your schedule?
Make sure you have applied for financial aid – funds remaining from financial aid can be used to purchase laptops after tuition and fees have been covered.
Internet access assistance may be available in your local area. Wi-Fi access is available on the NJC campus, including residence halls and parking lots.
Your local public library near you may also have resources for laptops or Wi-Fi. You may search for your closest public library in this statewide directory.
How do I access my online courses?
Log into the NJC portal here: Home - Northeastern Junior College
In the NJC portal, under the Dashboard tab, select the “My Courses (D2L)” icon. Your ‘course shell’ will appear here by the first day of when the class starts.
What is D2L and how to I access it?
D2L is short for Desire to Learn, and it is an online platform that all the community colleges in the Colorado Community College System use for online learning. It is important you are comfortable with how to use to D2L to be successful in your online course. If you have questions, please make sure you ask your instructor for assistance or so they can help you access help in understanding how to use D2L. Home - Northeastern Junior College
Having an issue with passwords or access to D2L?
Need help with your password? Having trouble getting into your online course? Forgot your S#? Having technical problems? Contact our 24/7 technology help desk to get support now:
What books or materials do I need for my online course and how do I get them?
In most cases (not all) your course materials/textbooks are embedded in your online course at no additional cost. Community Colleges of Colorado are committed to utilizing Open Educational Resources (OER) to reduce costs for students whenever possible. Some courses may require you purchase an access code, or you may need a lab kit for science courses. Visit your college bookstore Bookstore | Northeastern Junior College to know any required or recommended course materials for classes enrolled in, online or in person.
Please visit the Lab Kit FAQ for information on ordering lab kits.
My instructor said to use Yuja to create videos for assignments – what is that and how do I do that?
Yuja is a tool that allows you to record videos for assignments. Ask your instructor if you have questions or if you need help and your instructor is not available, check out this tutorial.
Feeling overwhelmed? Are you having a medical or family emergency? Are you struggling with basic needs and is that impacting your ability to learn? Need help and don’t know where to go?
Balancing life and school can be difficult. Colleges have staff dedicated to help you navigate a wide variety of life’s challenges. Resources exist to provide proactive assistance, early intervention, and if needed, caring confrontation or conflict resolution to create a safe and healthy college community.
Emergency Mental Health (after hours or not near college campus)
Colorado Crisis Services
- Local 24-Hour crisis center with counselors and trained professionals available to engage in immediate problem solving. Reach by phone, chat, text, or at one of their walk-in crisis centers across the state. 844-493-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- National crisis line that provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Dial 988 to reach someone who can provide support.
Counseling Services
Counseling is an important and often necessary resource to assist in resolving issues that interfere with students' ability to successfully navigate college and life. Services are confidential, voluntary, and covered by student fees (free to you). Click ere for more information about NJC’s counseling services: Student Success Center | Northeastern Junior College
Questions? Need support with an issue or what to do?
Life happens. Did you have a death in the family or an emergency medical situation that is making you have to drop your class? That may be considered an extenuating circumstance. Reach out to the Vice President of Student Services or learn more and complete an extenuating circumstances form (available through the VP’s Office) so we can assist you in withdrawing with a refund if possible. Click here for more information about this process: 3.12 Petition for Extenuating Circumstances-petition for tuition adjustment | Northeastern Junior College
When in doubt, please ask questions. We want you to be successful. Don’t know where to go or what to do? Reach out by emailing andrea.orin@njc.edu Even if you don’t know specifically what help you need, we will do our best to connect you to the right resources.
Feeling harassed or discriminated against in your course?
Title IX and other laws and policies are in place to ensure you can learn in a discriminatory free environment. Issues of harassment and discrimination are taken seriously and should be reported immediately. We will work with you to resolve the issue, investigate if necessary and are committed to an inclusive learning environment. You can review the student resolution process for grievances on issues of harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct here: Safety and Security - Title IX | Northeastern Junior College
Want to report a concern regarding yourself or another student? CONCERN or INCIDENT REPORT FORM
Childcare Resources
Are you parenting while you are taking classes? Childcare support can make a huge difference for student-parents facing financial and time constraints. Be sure to complete the FAFSA or CASFA and check with your college on any resources available for parenting students. Student-parents should identify themselves early in the application process to discover what childcare facilities prospective schools offer.
Basic Needs
No one should ever have to go without their basic needs like food or housing being met during their pursuit of higher education. NJC provides several students support services such as a food resources, counseling services, and connections to community resources.
Complaints/grievance process
If you have a complaint about teaching, you should first reach out to your instructor. If you are unable to resolve your concerns after communicating with the instructor, you may report your complaint here NJC COMPLAINT FORM and someone will be in contact with you.
If the complaint is beyond teaching, and involves harassment, discrimination or bias by another student or the instructor, please file a grievance specifically at your college. At NJC, you may file a grievance or discuss it with the Director of Human Resources – jeri.estrada@njc.edu
If you are unclear what to do with your complaint or concern or if it rises to the level of a grievance, please contact studentsuccess@cccs.edu for guidance.
