Frequently Asked Questions About Distance Education
What are distance education courses?
The term 'distance education' is used to describe courses wherein the student/teacher contact takes place via the Internet, television and/or video or in combination with traditional face-to-face classroom instruction as in the case of hybrid classes."
Do I need any special equipment or knowledge to take distance education classes?
For Internet (or "web") classes, please reference our requirements page; For telecourses you will need access to cable television or a video cassette player.
What are the benefits of taking a distance education class?
Distance education courses give students flexibility and added convenience with regard to studies. Because most distance education classes do not have set meeting times, students can choose when and where they want to engage in their course work. By taking classes on the Internet or through videotaped instruction, students can use their time most effectively.
TESTING
Do I have to take a test to get into classes?
The College Placement Test (CPT) is used to assess incoming students with regard to their skills in reading, writing and math. It is required for all students seeking to enroll full-time (12 or more credits). It is also required of part-time students (11 credits or less) wanting to take classes in reading, writing or math. If you are interested in taking less than 11 credits, none of which are reading, writing and math, the CPT is not required. See the question below for more information on how to complete the testing process.
How can I arrange to take the College Placement Test (CPT)?
If your educational goals require you to complete the CPT, there are several ways in which distance learners can meet this requirement.
1. You can come in person to complete the exam by making an appointment with the Student Assessment Office on the Albany campus, or by contacting a Center in Lebanon, Sweet Home, or Corvallis. The telephone numbers for these offices are located in the Schedule of Classes.
OR
2. If you have completed college course work in math, writing, and/or reading you may request to have the CPT waived by contacting the Admissions Office and submitting the appropriate paper work.
OR
3. Additional options are available for students who live more than 50 miles from an LBCC testing site, or have a disability which prohibits travel to campus. Contact Student Assessment at onlinecpt@linnbenton.edu for help.
ENROLLMENT/REGISTRATION
What do I have to do if I want to enroll in classes as a part-time student and am not receiving financial aid?
If you are interested in enrolling as a part-time student (11 credits or less), and those credits do not include any reading, writing, or math classes, you may register according to the options listed below.
1. If you have ever enrolled at LBCC before, you may register online following instructions listed in the Schedule of Classes.
OR
2. You may register in person in Albany or at the centers in Lebanon, Sweet Home, and Corvallis.
OR
3. If you are a first time LBCC student and want to use online registration, submit a completed Student Data Form at least five days prior to using online registration. The form is available on the Admissions website.
What do I need to do if I want to enroll in classes as a full-time student or am going to receive financial aid?
If you are enrolling as a full-time student (12 credits or more) and/or plan on receiving financial aid, you must become a fully admitted student. Guidelines for the matriculation process are listed in the LBCC Application for Admissions form, available on the Admissions website, and all LBCC sites.
Full admission is a three-step process.
1. Submit an LBCC application along with the $25.00 application fee.
2. Complete the College Placement Test (CPT) or its equivalent, or have it waived.
3. Attend an orientation and advising session.
Online orientation and advising is available for students who live more than 50 miles from the Albany campus, or have a disability which prohibits traveling to campus.
Can I get financial aid for distance education courses?
Students enrolled in 6 or more credits per term may qualify for federal financial aid. You must file the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) online from the Financial Aid website. Paper copies are available at all LBCC sites. All students seeking federal financial aid must be fully admitted.
