1. What if I can't access the course on the first day of class?

• FIRST, assure that you are registered for the course and not on the waitlist; you can check your enrollment status by logging onto Webstar. If you have recent added yourself to the course, it may take up to 4 hours for the course to appear on your Canvas Dashboard.
• If you are enrolled in the course, remember that your course won't be available until after 7:00 AM Pacific Time on the first day of class.
• For technology support use the Service Desk ticket system. All active students may log onto the system using their IVC email address and email password.
• In addition, students may use the Service Desk at 760-355-6300. Open Monday thru Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
• For personal issues, contact your instructor. You can find his or her email address by using the IVC Directory.

2. I am on the waitlist or I would like to crash an online course. What do I do?

• Email the course instructor. You will have to use the IVC Directory to find the instructor's email. In your email, make sure to include your full name and the course (including CRN) you are interested in crashing.

3. Where do I find the class syllabus?

• The class syllabus is available within your online course via Canvas.
• You can also view the syllabus on the IVC Syllabi Site.

4. Do I need to access my course at a specific time each day?

• On the first day of the semester, it is highly suggested that you log onto your online course; some instructors have a first day activity that must be completed the first day of the semester.
  • Please note, during the first week of the semester, instructors have an activity that you must complete. Some instructors require for this activity to be completed on day one of the new semester, while others give more time during the first week. If this activity is not completed, you will be dropped from the course. Log onto your online course on the first day of class to see the instructor's criteria for completing the first day activity.
• During the semester, there is no need to access the course at an exact time since course materials are available throughout the week. However, it is important that you are aware of your individual instructor's requirements. 
• WARNING! There are due dates and times within the course, usually week-by-week or unit-by-unit; you'll need to access your course often so you don't miss a deadline!

5. How do I get the textbooks for a course?

• Check the IVC bookstore website for the bookstore hours. You can also see a list of books by instructor.

6. How much time should I set aside for this class?

• Some students have the misconception that an online course will be easier or require less time commitment since there are no class meetings. This is not true. An online course may require more time commitment. For every unit in which you enroll, you will spend approximately three hours outside of class studying. Therefore, to help determine the course load most appropriate for you, use the formula: 3 units (1 course) = 3 hours in class per week = 9 hours study time per week; total time = 12 hours. 
• Use the Daily Schedule Calculator to help you prioritize your time in a day.

7.  I have specific questions about the course and have contacted the instructor but I haven't heard back. What should I do?

• Sometimes online instructors do not begin interacting with students until the first day of class, so you will not get a response to a phone message or email. In that case, please contact the appropriate academic department for assistance.
• When contacting your instructor, use the Canvas Inbox to send your email. If you are using IVC's public directory, make sure to include your full name and the course (including CRN) you are enrolled in.

8. I am enrolled in a hybrid course. What does this mean?

• There are imporant differences between a hybrid and an online course.
  
  • An online course is held fully online. There are no required in-person class meetings. (Please note, you instructor may ask you to complete a proctored exam or assignment.)
  • A hybrid course has mandatory in-person meetings. On the first day of the semester, please log onto yoru course via Canvas. Your instructor will have clear specifications on the dates and times of the mandatory in-person meetings.