Q. How do I get started?

If you are a new FLO student, start by attending the College Orientation on either campus. At orientation, you will learn how to be a successful distance learning student, you will learn how to use Blackboard, student e-mail, and the SIS (student information system). You will be able to view the course syllabus at the College Orientation and be able to view a video of your instructor helping you get started in the course.

If you are a returning FLO student, go to the myRCC single signon page and login to blackboard to view your syllabus.  If the instructor has not made your course available you will not be able to see your course in the listing.  If this happens go to the syllabi page on the website and download the syllabus. Your first assignment is to email your instructor.

Q. What happens if I do not see my course in blackboard?

If you do not see your course in blackboard, check to make sure that you have registered for the course via the SIS (student information system). If you see your course listed in the SIS and not Blackboard, it could be because the instructor might have not made the course available if it is before the semester start date. If it is after the start date and you are registered for the course and still not in Blackboard, please contact your instructor and email rcchelp@rappahannock.edu.

Q. Why can't I use my personnel email to communicate with instructors?

Students must use their VCCS email account for communication and assignment purposes based on the VCCS Policy under section 6.0.9.

Q. Is it possible to have my email automatically forwarded to my private email address?
    

Yes, forwarding can be configured in the new email system by going to Options, Forwarding.  Users should be aware that forwarding is inherently unreliable do to the stringent filtering done by many ISPs to remove Spam.  It is recommended that users who choose to have their email forwarded also check the box “Keep a copy of each forwarded message” and check their VCCS mail regularly via the web interface.

Q. How long is email keep on the system?

Email is automatically deleted after 120 days unless you delete it yourself prior to that.

Q. How big is my mailbox and what is the maxium message size?

Mailbox is 20 megabytes and message size is 15 megabytes.

Q. Is there additional cost for DVD's for some courses?

Yes. DVD's are checked out for the semester at a $15 rental charge and then returned to campus when the class is completed. Based on copyright laws, these DVD's may not be sold, or duplicated, and must be redistrubuted.

Q. How do I contact my instructor?

Depending on which course you are taking, your instructor will give you important contact information during the online orientation and on the syllabus located in Blackboard.The syllabi page has a listing of email addresses for the FLO instructors.

Q. Do I have to come to campus and, if so how often?

This varies depending on the course and the instructor. Some instructors do require some on campus meeting times. Please read the syllabus for a listing of required meeting, if any. If you are a new distance learning student, you might expect to come to campus a minimum of  three times, once for orientation, and a minimum of two proctored tests/exams. Students who live outside the service region may have their exams proctored at a distance. Students should communicate with the instructor if a proctor is needed.  If you need to be proctored at another facility after communicating with your instructor, please click on the link to open the proctor agreement form.  Visit the testing center website for times and locations of our on-site testing centers. To view the procedures for distance learning testing, click here.

Q. How do I access Blackboard, student email and SIS(student information system)?

Every student that registers at RCC will be given a single sign on userid to access Blackboard, student email and SIS.  If you have registered at RCC you should be able to find out your ID, by going to the myRCC single sign on and fill in the information (look it your username) to access your account login informatoin. When you login for the first time you will use your date of birth six digits no spaces or hyphens.  You will be asked to change your password on your first login.  For more information on how to login, please visit our online resources site.

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