Career Center – Mandatory Class Orientations for all DE Courses

Getting started in a Distance Education course is simple, but students must be familiar with the process. The information below will help guide you through this process.

After course registration and payment, your next step is to verify the instructional mode of delivery and course start date. Refer to your course schedule. If you do not have a copy of your course schedule, access your enrollment summary through the online Registration link or visit an Admissions & Registrar's Office.

Every Distance Education course requires a mandatory orientation. Your class “orientation” is your first class day. You will either attend an orientation on campus or online. Check the HCC Credit Schedule.

1. DE Courses via Internet; Orientations – What's Included
2. DE Courses via Internet; Accessing Online Orientations
3. DE Courses via Videocassette; Orientations
4. DE Courses via Videocassette; Newsletters
5. Personal Data: Change of Address or Name for Students Enrolled in Videocassette Courses

1. DE Courses via Internet; Orientations – What's Included
   If the course is online, the orientation will be made available online at least three days prior to the start of the course. If you are living out of the Houston area and will need to purchase your textbooks before the “first day” of class to ensure timely postal delivery, please contact the Distance Education Department at 713-718-5275 and select option 1.
   
   The Orientation includes:
   1. A Welcome Statement from Your Instructor
   2. Course Syllabus Which Includes Required Textbooks and Testing Information
   3. WebCT Tutorial
   4. DE Information
   5. DE Data Form; the form must be completed prior to accessing the course
    
2. DE Courses via Internet; Accessing Online Orientations
   Students will access the Online Orientations at - http://de2.hccs.edu/courses/.
   
   - Or -
   
   1. First, go to the Distance Education Homepage.
   2. Secondly, click on Access DE Courses/Orientations
   3. Lastly, select “Enter Online Orientation”
   
   Tip: You will be prompted to enter the course number. The course reference no. (CRN) is the five digit number that identifies each individual class section.
    
3. DE Courses via Videocassette; Orientations
   Videos will be checked out to students during the on-campus orientations. The instructors will handout the class syllabus which will include required textbooks and outline the overall structure and expectations of the course, which may include information regarding assignments and testing.
   
   Check the eSchedule or the Distance Education Webpage for day(s), time(s) and location(s).
   
   1. First, go to the Distance Education Homepage.
   2. Secondly, click on “General Information”
   3. Lastly, select “Orientation Schedule”
    
4. DE Courses via Videocassette; Newsletters
   The first Newsletter should be received via mail at least two days prior to your first review session; this is also noted on your class syllabus.
   
   Communication with students enrolled in videocassette courses will be accomplished through newsletters, emails, or sometimes by telephone. Communications by newsletters or emails are primarily to announce events such as:
   
   1. Upcoming review sessions
   2. Information about exams
   3. Important information relating to the course
   4. Notification of grades from exams or assignments
   
   Another form of communication with students is through the class syllabus. Professors use the syllabus to outline the overall structure and expectations of the course, which may include information regarding assignments and testing.
    
5. Personal Data: Change of Address or Name for Students Enrolled in Videocassette Courses
   If you have a change of address or a change of name, please update your records with the Distance Education Office and the HCC Registrar’s Office.
   
   Having your personal data correct is very important because without your correct address and name, we have lost our connection to you. And you may have lost some valuable information that will help you succeed in the course.
   
   First, contact the DE Department at 713-718-5275 and select option 1. Let the person know that you are enrolled in a videocassette course and must update your address and/or name.
   
   Secondly, contact the Registrar’s Office at 713-718-8500. Or you can visit an HCC location to update your personal data.
   
   It is extremely important that your personal data is updated in the DE Department as well as your HCC student records.