Frequently Asked Questions about Online Classes

I do not see my course listed in Educator. What do I do?

Your instructor must activate your course shell. We ask instructors to activate course shells for online courses by the official first day of classes. If you do not see your course listed in Educator before classes officially begin, this is completely normal. It does not indicate there is a problem with your course.

Can I take an online course at my own pace?

While online courses offer the convenience of learning when it is convenient for you rather than having to be in class at a certain time, there are still deadlines. Coursework is due when designated by the instructor (typically on a weekly basis), and the course follows the MMCC calendar.

Do I have to come to campus for my course?

Some courses require students to take proctored examinations, usually at the Academic Support Center on either campus. If you do not live near an MMCC campus, make arrangements to take tests at a different proctored location such as a testing center at another college, university, or high school. You must make these arrangements with your instructor and mail a completed Proctor Contract (PDF 648Kb) to Distance Education.

When does my online course start?

Online courses follow the MMCC semester calendar, and online courses begin the first day of the semester. Your instructor makes the course shell available. You will not see your course within Educator until your instructor makes it available.

How do I talk to my instructor?

Instructor contact information is listed under the Course Information section when you log into your class on Educator. All instructors may be reached through the Educator E-mail system. Instructors may post on a discussion board in the class, and many instructors hold chat sessions throughout the semester.

How much time do I have to finish my work?

Instructors assign deadlines for class work. It is up to you to follow these deadlines.

Am I required to be on my computer at a certain time?

Some instructors host mandatory chat sessions. If you are unable to make a required chat session due to work or other obligations, please contact your instructor about ways to work around the issue.

Do I need a textbook and/or other materials? If so, where do I get it?

Yes, online courses require textbooks and possibly other supplemental materials. Check the MMCC Bookstore for a list of requirements for your course. You may also order books and supplies directly from the MMCC Bookstore and have them shipped to your house.

What if my computer breaks down?

If you experience technical difficulties, you must discuss the problem with your instructor. It is your responsibility to have access to a computer in order to do your class work. MMCC has computer labs on both campus that are available for student use during regular building hours.

How do I take online courses?

To take an online course, you register in the same manner you would for an on campus or hybrid course (partially in class on campus, partially online). If you have less than 12 credit hours earned at MMCC, you will be required to see an academic advisor prior to registering.

How are online courses taught?

At MMCC, we use a Course Management System called Educator. Educator can be directly accessed at http://midmich.ucompass.com. A username and password will be needed to log into the website. Once you have logged in, you will see a list of the courses available to you. Any course can then be accessed by clicking the enter course button.

How do I obtain my username and password?

To obtain the username and password, you will need to visit MidWeb at https://midweb.midmich.edu/ and choose "MidWeb for Students". Choose "I'm new to MidWeb" and follow the prompts to obtain your user name and password. Your user name and password are the same for Educator and MidWeb.

What do I do if I cannot obtain my username and password?

If you have just registered, you may have to wait up to 48 hours to have access to the information. If it has been more than 48 hours, please contact the DistEd Help Desk by email at online@midmich.edu or by phone at 989-773-6622, Ext. 211

What are the computer requirements to take online courses? Do any courses require special software?

Review our technical requirements HERE.

Does my online course require books? If so, how can I purchase them?

Online courses do require books. You can purchase books through the bookstore on either campus or order online at https://forms.midmich.edu/BookExpress.htm. If you have any other questions regarding books, you can call the bookstore at 989-386-6639 in Harrison or 989-773-6622, Ext. 235 in Mt. Pleasant.

When will my online course be available?

Online course are available the day the semester opens. All online courses run the full length of the semester. Refer to the Academic Calendar.

How do I contact my instructor?

Communication with your instructor usually takes place via email. In some situations, you may also be able to meet your instructor on campus if needed.

How do I hand in my homework?

There are several ways to turn in homework. One way is by email attachment. Another way is by uploading documents to your student folder (all students automatically have access to a student folder).

How do you take exams for online courses?

Most online courses will require you to come to the Academic Support Center on either campus to take your exams. These exams can be on the computer (you will need to log into your classroom to have access) or by paper-pencil method. NOTE: You must have a picture id in order to take your exam.

If you are unable to take your exams at either campus, you may make arrangements with your instructor to use a proctor. Acceptable proctors may include another college or university testing center, or a college, university, or public school official. They must send us a signed copy of the Proctor Contract (PDF 648Kb).