DISTANCE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
 

PHONE NUMBER    713-718-5275    Press 1 for the Distance Education Office 
                                                                Press 2 for Blackboard Vista or Webct Login assistance only
                                                                Press 3 for the Technical Support  
                                                                Press 4 for the Distance Education Counselors 

DISTANCE ED OFFICE HOURS

REGISTRATION

You MUST complete the HCCS admissions procedure, register and pay for classes before beginning the coursework.  Simply completing the orientation form (Data Form) in itself does not mean you are enrolled in the course.  Registration is NOT complete until you have paid and received a receipt.

To verify enrollment go to the Distance Education homepage and select the "Registration and More" link to enter online student web services. Under column 2 "Register" click on Registration (online).  Enter your "Web User ID" and "Password" (if you have never used online student services, click on "First Time Student Users" to obtain a User ID and Password).  Click on Login and then click on "Your Class Schedule" option to view current class schedule.

For registration  assistance, please contact the Distance Education Counselors at  de.counseling@hccs.edu  or at 713-718-5275 option 4

TECHNICAL SUPPORT:

The HCC Distance Education Department has compiled a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for students.  Please check this page for technical troubleshooting prior to contacting DE Technical Support.

If you are having difficulty with Blackboard Vista / Webct login or are in need of a password reset, please email:  desupport@hccs.edu

TESTING LOCATIONS:

PLEASE NOTE: Not all instructors use the testing centers listed below. Please check with your instructor to see if you will be using the Distance Ed Testing Locations. If you are, then the testing schedule for your testing weekend is as follows:

                 Friday,       Drop in between       4PM - 7PM,    Central Campus - Fine Arts Bldg - 3517 Austin Street
                 Saturday,   Drop in between      10AM - 1PM,   Katy Campus - 1550 Fox Lake Drive
                 Sunday,     Drop in between      10AM - 1PM,   Eastside Campus - 6815 Rustic 

Note that the "drop in times" are the times that you may show up to take your exam. If the drop in time is 4pm-7pm  you may show up at any time between 4pm and 7pm and you will still be given 2 hours to take your exam. Please plan for additional time if you are scheduled to take more than one exam that day. (see section on Testing).

HOWEVER, if  you show up late (even 1 second) you will not be given your exam. SHOW UP EARLY! Don't forget, you must bring a picture ID in order to receive your exam. Click on the  above testing location for a map. For more information on testing procedures click here.

FINAL EXAM:

Final Exams will be the weekend of August 1st, 2nd and 3th at the above testing centers, unless notified otherwise by your instructor.

Proctoring Information: Students who live outside the Houston area and cannot take a test at one of our testing locations MUST make arrangements for a proctor.  An acceptable proctor is someone employed as an administrator or as a faculty member at a local community college, a university, or a high school who is not a friend or relative of the student.   The name of the proctor and the affiliated institution must be furnished in writing to Eva Gonzalez in the DE office by the end of the first week of classes.  The proctor will need to provide a secure testing environment and possibly (depending on the course) a computer with Internet access.  Proctor information, the proctoring contract, and the proctor approval form MUST be received 2 weeks prior to the scheduled exam.  All fees associated with proctoring are the responsibility of the student.  Distance Education and or the instructor must approve the proctor before exams will be sent.  We will send the exam via fax, email or US mail directly to the proctor with instructions for administering the exams; however, the fees associated with returning the exams to the instructor are the responsibility of the student.  (It is important to note that in some cases, i.e. the final exam, students might be required to send exams back via overnight express, etc)  A valid picture ID must be presented to the proctor when taking the exam.

NOTE:  Friends, colleagues, or relatives, regardless of the position with any institution, WILL NOT be permitted to proctor exams under any circumstances.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

           Proctor Form

BOOKSTORE INFORMATION:

Textbooks for DE courses can be purchased at the Central Campus bookstore. Call ahead to ensure that your text is in stock. Books can also be transferred from the Central Campus bookstore to any other HCC bookstore. Textbooks may also be purchased online or reserve your textbooks online for in-store pickup
go to the HCCS bookstore webpage for more information http://hccs.bncollege.com

                       Central Bookstore:   713-718-8255
                       Eastside Bookstore:  713-640-1441
                       Stafford Bookstore:  281-499-6413

In the past, telecourses, videocassette, print-based, and computer courses were part of a major educational movement toward "distance education." In an effort to make education more accessible to those people who found it difficult to attend classes two or three times a week; for example, people with an unusual work schedule, working mothers and students with disabilities, Distance Education was born. Distance Education courses today appeal not only to the above student, but also to mature students who like to work independently.

Although Houston Community College aired its first telecourse in 1972, it wasn't until the Fall of 1985 that Houston Community College System's Distance Eduucation Department began offering a regular schedule of telecourses. Today the programs aired on KTUH, Channel 8 are often multi-million dollar productions that bring national figures in the field of study into "the classroom." The visual presentation is combined with text material to provide an independent study course of superior quality.

The Houston Community College System (HCCS) today offers 516 courses via Distance Education. These courses are approved by the State Coordinating Board and are equivalent to on-campus courses and earn three or four semester hours of credit. No distinction is made on the college transcript between on-campus and Distance Education courses..

The State of Texas Coordinating Board removed the 1/3 restriction on the number Distance Education courses a student could apply towards a certificate or degree in 1993.
 
 

The first Internet courses were offered in Summer 1998. Those courses were Introduction to Philosophy and U.S. History after 1877.  These courses can be accessed from home, on-campus lab, or anywhere in the world via a web connection and browser. It is strongly recommend that students use either Netscape or Internet Explorer to gain access to the web-based course. Other browsers, such as AOL, will cause problems with accessing and interfacing with Internet courses.
 
 

                                                                                         Distance Education Secretary:

                                                                                        Distance Education Technicians:

                                                                    Distance Education Department Hours & Location:

                                                         Administration Building - 3100 Main at Elgin             
                                                         Monday - Thursdays  8:00am - 6:00pm                        Distance Education / MC 1740
                                                         Fridays                      8:00am - 4:30pm                         3100 Main Street (3rd Floor)              
                                                                                                                                              Houston, Texas 77002
                                                                                    
                                                        Telephone: 713-718-5275 (press 1)     
                                                        Fax: 713-718-5388
    

*(Additional locations as selected by Professor)

                                                            CENTRAL COLLEGE, 1300 Holman--------------------713-718-8255
                                                            EASTSIDE CAMPUS, 6815 Rustic----------------------713-640-1441
                                                            STAFFORD CENTER, 9910 Cash Road----------------281-499-6413
                                                            NORTHEAST CAMPUS, 555 Community College Dr.--713-670-0930
                                                            KATY CENTER, 1550 Foxlake Dr.---------------------281-492-7198
                                                            WEST LOOP CENTER, 5601 West Loop South--------713-218-0391

BOOKSTORE HINTS:

Know your books. Come with a list (your syllabus lists required texts). Your Distance Education books may be different from the on-campus books for your course (this is usually the case for telecourses).

Textbooks may be purchased online or reserve your textbooks online for in-store pickup, go to the HCCS bookstore webpage for more information  http://hccs.bncollege.com

With Distance Education courses, students have testing flexibility. Below is the test schedule for the semester, for each test you take through the Distance Education Department:

You have the option to take your exam at any of these times and on any of these days. There is a two hour time limit for each exam. Under no circumstance will any student have unlimited time for testing.  Do not bring children to the testing campus.

Drop-in means that you can go to take the test any time between the designated hours. The last admittance times are strictly upheld. You must pick up your test by this time.
 

If you are taking more than one course: We strongly recommend that you take only one test per day. However, if you must take more than one test per day, please note these two (2) things:

1. You can only pick up one test at a time at a time and you must pick up your last test no later than the last admittance time.

2. This means that you must watch your time and allow yourself an equal amount of time for each exam. YOU must pick up the second exam by 7:00 p.m. on Fridays, and by 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The testing aides will not remind you to do so or issue exams after these times for anyone, even if you have a perfectly good excuse why you are late (flat tire, emergency, etc.).
 

1. Late testing does not allow students to have two full hours of testing.

2. Late testing throws the testing schedule off and we cannot hire enough instructional assistants to accommodate it or ask the campuses to stay open past their deadlines.

TESTING PROCEDURES AND STAFF

Your Professor will not be administering your exams. You will receive your exam at the designated site and table from the instructional assistant within the Testing Center.

 Note: When picking up your exam please have the subject,  Professor's name and class number ready.
(Example: HRPO 1311, 46852, Professor Sherman or SPAN 1411, 47711, Professor Hetrick)

• Problems have occurred at testing are when students show up and find that their names are not on the class roster or were dropped from their class. To prevent you from being turned away, please check your class schedule before coming to testing and be sure you are registered in the class.

• To verify enrollment go to the Distance Education homepage and select the "Registration and More" link to enter online student web services. Under column 2 "Register" click on Registration (online).  Enter your "Web User ID" and "Password" (if you have never used online student services, click on "First Time Student Users" to obtain a User ID and Password).  Click on Login and then click on "Your Class Schedule" option to view current class schedule.

• Once you pick up your exam, you must go directly to your assigned room. You may not carry your test around the building, into the restrooms, or outside. If you must leave a testing room during the testing process, you must leave your test and other materials, including books and bags, with the testing proctor in the testing room.

• Bring your own sharpened pencils, pens and erasers. Hi-Polymer erasers by Pentel are recommended. Your instructor will inform you which you need. Paper and Scantrons are provided by Distance Education. Students are not allowed to bring blank Scantron sheets to testing. Students completing a Scantron Sheet with a writing implement other than a pencil may receive a zero on the exam.
  

• Instructional assistants and proctors follow the testing procedures of the Distance Education Department, which are designed to ensure that the tests are administered fairly and that the testing gives you added flexibility. Upon arrival at the selected campus for testing, always look for signs indication the location of the testing. (Exam locations at a given campus can change.) When you get to the location, look for signs showing exactly where the exams for your course are given to students..

• Phones and pagers must be turned off and put away in the testing location. You may not make or receive calls while you have an exam signed out. Some Professors do not allow any mechanical device while taking exams. Anyone having specific questions concerning an exam must contact their Professor prior to the testing day.
  

• Work as quietly as possible so as not to disturb those around you.

• Students must place all non-essential materials (books, purses, bags, etc.) where the proctor designates while taking an exam.
  

• If problems arise during testing, th instructional assistant will write a summary of what happened for the Distance Education Department. Common reasons for writing reports are: comments from students about a room being to cold or hot: students late for testing; and problems about particular test questions. 
  

• If problems come up during testing, the assistants will write out a summary of what happened for the Distance Education Office. Common reasons for writing reports are: comments from students about a room being too cool or hot; students late for testing; problems about particular test questions.

• There will be a COMMENT FORM available to you at each session. Feel free to use it for anything you'd like to say to us in the Distance Education Office or to your Professor - or you may call us!

• Instructional assistant and proctors will also be monitoring student behavior to prevent cheating. If there is suspicious behavior, the instructional assistants or proctor will write a description of this conduct, and take the test away from the student. The Distance Education Office will then send the written report to the Professor, who will make a determination as to how or if to test the student at a later time. The Professor has the option of giving a grade of 0 or F for the test, failing the student in the course, and/or recommending the student for suspension or expulsion to the College Dean of Students. (These are all possible punishments for scholastic dishonesty as described in the HCCS Student Handbook)

• Copying from another student's test paper; using materials during a test not authorized by the person giving the test;

• Collaborating with another student during a test without authority;

• Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of an unadministered test;

• Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.

• Plagiarism means the appropriation of another's work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one's own written work offered for credit;

• Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit;

Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F on the particular assignment, failure in the course,  recommendation for probation, and/or dismissal from the College System with a written statement placed on the student's transcript as to why he/she was expelled.
 
 
As with on-campus classes, all students in HCCS Distance Education courses are required to follow all HCCS Policies & Procedures, the Student Code of Conduct, the Student Handbook, and relevant sections of the Texas Education Code when interacting and communicating in a virtual classroom with faculty and fellow students.  Students who violate these policies and guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action that could include denial of access to course-related email, discussion groups, and chat rooms or being removed from the class.

Grades are sent to students via Blackboard, the learning web or Webct, within two weeks of the last testing time (the last testing time is Sunday of each testing week). Your Professor usually lists the grades along with comments about how everyone did on the exam, noting things done well and points for improvement. Because of the legal requirement for student privacy, WE CANNOT GIVE GRADES BY PHONE.
 
 

If you have problems with the exam or course content, you need to speak with your Professor. Make an apointment to see her/him during her/his scheduled office hours.
 
 

DVD's for the entire semester will be checked out to students at the beginning of the semester. These programs are not broadcast and the DVD's are not at the libraries. Students must return the DVD's to the Distance Education, 3100 Main Street, during Final Exam, or to any HCCS library before you can receive your final grades. Students who do not return the DVD's will have a hold placed on their records and they will not be allowed to register for further courses..
 
    

Resources and library services are available though out Houston Community College System. Through a daily library delivery service and a listing of all materials belonging to HCCS libraries, books may be requested from and delivered to any campus library. HCCS also has cooperative borrowing agreements with the University of Houston libraries and provides a copy of the Houston Public Library catalog at each library. These arrangements provide students with access to over 4 million volumes.

Special services provided by the library system include photocopying facilities; specialized equipment for disabled students; group and personalized instruction in library use, including a self-instructional media program to orient students to the use of the HCCS libraries; a "term paper" workshop; and online bibliographic search service.
 

As a Distance Education student, you have the same access to the first-rate information resources that the HCCS Libraries make available to all HCCS students. A special website pulls together all the tools you will need to get your research rolling. The Address is:

http://library.hccs.edu/library_services/distance.php

Online tutoring services are available to HCC distance education students taking Internet based courses. Currently, two services are available:

• "Smarthinking" connects students to online e-structors. Tutoring services are available in a variety of subjects as well as online writing critiques.
• "AskOnline" offers online writing critiques only from HCC faculty.
  

Stay calm. If you need help with anything, you can usually find it.

• Call your Professor if you are having problems with the course content or need additional information about what you're studying.

• Call the Distance Education office for administrative details:
  

DISTANCE EDUCATION,  713-718-5275    
Press 1 for the Distance Education Office
Press 2 for Blackboard Vista or Webct Login assistance only
Press 3 for the Technical Support
Press 4 for the Distance Education Counselors

Information Technology Help Desk (for HCCS network problems only) ........713-718-8800

Admissions and Records, 713-718-8500
    Provides information on admissions, registration and residency.

Counseling
Administration Building, 3100 Main Street.........713-718-5275 option 4
   
All HCCS students may seek counseling assistance from any HCCS counselor. However, Distance Education students are encouraged to seek counseling services from the D.E. counselors, Dr. Angela Berveiler and Ms. Carmen Gentry. Distance Education counselors are available via phone, email de.counseling@hccs.edu, in person at the HCCS Administration Building, or at other HCCS locations upon request.

Financial Aid
Telephone Information..................................713-802-3744
Central Campus, 1300 Holman.....................713-718-6120
Eastside Center, 6815 Rustic........................713-718-7030
Northline Mall Center, 401 Northline Mall....713-718-8080
Stafford Campus, 9910 Cash Rd..................713-718-7785
Town & Country Square, 1010 W.Sam Houston Pkwy N.......713-718-5710

Veteran's Affairs, 3100 Main......713-718-8520
Provides all information for veterans attending college and for Veteran Certification.

* See Refund Policy in HCCS catalog
 

One hundred percent (100%) refunds will be made only when a class does not make or a college error is involved. Refunds are processed as soon as possible. They are generally mailed four to six weeks following the last day to apply for a refund.
 
 Tuition and fees paid directly to the institution by a sponsor, donor or scholarship shall be refunded to the source rather than directly to the student. Fees paid by other third parties, such as friends or relatives, will be refunded directly to the student.

Students who officially withdraw from the institution will have their tuition and mandatory fees refunded according to the following schedules: A WITHDRAWAL FEE OF $15.00 IS DEDUCTED AFTER COMPUTING ALL PERCENTAGE REFUNDS.
 
 

This recent legislation further emphasizes the need for students to understand the institutional services that are available to assist in ensuring their college success! Please contact a Distance Education (DE) Counselor for assistance in understanding such services.

If you have decided to withdraw from a DE class, you MUST CHOOSE ONE of the following options.

 Counseling and Guidance

Advising can be accomplished by telephone at 713.718.5275 - press option # 4, via email at de.counseling@hccs.edu, by visiting the Distance Education Office at the HCCS Administration Building, 3100 Main Street, 3rd floor and/or by on-site advising at other HCCS locations upon request. Confidential sessions with the distance education counselors will help students understand course transfers, college regulations or education plan options. Houston Community College counselors also maintain a local referral base in order to provide appropriate referrals to students with personal or family issues that may require long-term solutions.
 
 

Disability Notification

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the appropriate Disability Support Service (DSS) Counselor at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.

Students who are requesting special testing accommodations must first contact the appropriate DSS Counselor for assistance. Please contact the Distance Education Counselors (de.counseling@hccs.edu or 713.718.5275, option #4) in order to be referred to the appropriate DSS Counselor.

Students who require testing accommodations need to schedule an appointment for testing to ensure that staff will be available for proctoring and to arrange for any adaptive equipment that may be required. Students should contact the distance education instructor's "Instructional Support Specialist" (ISS) the week prior to each of the exams throughout the semester to confirm that the requested testing accommodations will be met. If you need assistance in determining your instructor's ISS, please contact your instructor or the Distance Education Counselors for assistance.

                                                  HCCS PHOTO ID

              The photo ID is an easy way to identify yourself as an HCCS student for use in libraries and for student discounts. Available at
              these locations:

                   Eastside Campus (SE) , Mon - Thurs, 10am - 12pm and 6 pm - 8 pm;
                                                     Fri, 10 am-12 noon                                             

                                                  GRADES ONLINE

              Summer 2008 Semester grades may be accessed via the Internet.

              To order transcripts online: http://www.degreecheck.com

              To order transcripts by phone call 1-800-646-1858
 
 

Maps for HCCS locations can be found at http://www.hccs.edu/portal/site/hcc/map
 
 

With your registration receipts, parking stickers are available to Distance Education students at the Business Office at each campus.

So far, students without parking stickers have had no problems. The one sure way, though, to get your car towed is to wrongly park in reserved parking spaces or in the spaces reserved for the handicapped. If a Police Officer oberves an individual parking in a clearly defined handicap area, the officer has the right to verify the driver or occupant is the lawful owner of the visible handicapped sticker. If it is determined that neither the driver nor the occupant of the vehicle is the lawful owner of the visible handicapped sticker, the Officer is obligated to remove the sticker from the vehicle immediately.
 
 

Board of Trustees

Members:      Mr. Jay Aiyer,  Mr. Bruce A. Austin,  Mr. Abel Davila, Ms. Diane Olmos Guzman, Ms. Yolanda Navarro-Flores,
                      Mr. Christopher W. Oliver, Mr. Richard M. Schechter, Dr. Michael P. Williams, Mr. Robert Mills Worsham

Chancellor:     Mary S. Spangler, Ph.D.