Frequently Asked Questions

If you are a current student, enroll online using your myMCCKC account and enter the 5-digit class number.

When searching for classes, be sure to select any campus when searching for a specific class. Click on "Additional Search Criteria" and choose "Internet" for the "Mode of Instruction."

If you've never been an MCC student visit apply now for step-by-step instructions.

Follow those instructions or call our office at 816.604.4490 or  816.604.1000 for assistance.

Like other campuses, MCC-Online has several staff dedicated to student services. All online students have a dedicated assigned academic advisor that is available to meet over the phone or email.

We also have an online financial aid advisor. Check Starfish to see who your advisor is along with the rest of your network. Of course, you are welcome to call MCC-Online at 816.604.4490.

In addition to administrative supports, online instructors are always available through email or Canvas messages. See your instructor syllabus or "Instructor Information" in Canvas for contact information.

Canvas Help is available 24/7 for general questions regarding Canvas, our LMS (Learning Management System). Through Canvas help, you can search for frequently asked questions regarding many topics regarding Canvas, chat with an agent or call for hands-on assistance. Their number is 888.296.6136.

No, it is important to note that online classes offer the same quality and rigor that you can expect from on-ground classes. Online classes may in fact be harder, as more reading and comprehension is often required. However, many students find online classes to be a convenient option, since the classroom can travel with them. There is also a lot of support available for online students.

No, just like on-ground classes, online classes have schedules, due dates and deadlines. Online classes often have a deadline every week or even multiple times in a week. While you can't work at your own pace, online classes do offer you more flexibility than traditional on-ground courses, since you aren't required to be in a classroom at set times during the week. You have a bit more freedom to structure your learning with online classes, but you still have to adhere to the course schedule.

Yes, just like with on-ground classes, the instructor determines the specific attendance requirements for a class.

Please note that for online classes, students must login and submit an assignment within the first week in order to avoid being dropped for non-attendance. Federal guidelines further require online students to regularly login, participant and complete assignments to remain as attending. We recommend that you login to a class several times a week to keep up with assignments and homework.

Online classes:

• Are more work than you expect them to be
• Can be confusing until you learn what's expected
• Require of more time management
• Need your attention on a daily basis (or at least every other day)
• Require basic computer skills
• Require self-motivated students
• Require more time than you expect them to be

Successful students of online classes are able to adapt to the online class. Here's what some MCC students have said about online courses:

• Online classes are excellent, but can be confusing and appear overwhelming when you first begin.
• When I first started online classes as I am a full-time online student, I was very overwhelmed and lost. Now that I have talked with my professors and have a schedule down to complete work, balance my grades and stay in touch with my professors, I am doing very well with online classes.
• Online classes take good communication skills, organization and effort.
• You learn a lot with online classes. Often people don't understand the amount of work the professor will assign to make up for the time lost in class.
• Online classes allow you to work 9-5, have your family life and still get your education.
• Online courses are not for everyone. If you are a dedicated person with enough time to check Canvas daily, then online classes might be good for you.
• It (online classes) take a lot of self motivation.

We have both traditional 16 week classes and 8 week accelerated classes. To determine what is best for your financial, academic and personal needs, we recommend you talk with an academic advisor to determine how many classes are best for your needs.

The amount of time you can or should devote to your course will depend on many factors. What course are you taking? What grade would you consider successful? How often will you login to class? How often do you plan to study?

If you are working full time, chances are you will not have the time to take a full academic load (12-18 credit hours). At minimum, for a 3-credit hour class an online student should plan to commit a minimum of six hours a week for online activities, research and testing.

Credit hours	Minimum hours per class per week
3	6 hours
6	12 hours
9	18 hours
12	24 hours

• Regular access to current computer technology with up-to-date software
• Reliable broadband connection to the internet
• Note: Some employers and public access computers may have firewalls in place that prevent logging in to an online course
• Most classes require a proctored exam on campus or an alternate approved location.

You should be able to:

• Access sites and navigate online.
• Use a word processor (i.e. Microsoft Word) to open and save in common document file formats.
• Send and receive e-mail, including attaching and downloading files.
• Read and post to discussion/messaging boards and blogs.
• Use a supported browser and adjust browser settings as required.
• Save a URL as a bookmark/favorite.
• Perform online searches using Google or other search engine.
• Cut, paste and copy information from the internet or files and save to the computer or other storage device.

Textbooks for internet courses should be ordered online or picked up in person at the MCC-Penn Valley campus. Order textbooks here.

Options for textbook delivery:

1. Books can be shipped to your home address.
2. Books can be shipped to an MCC campus close to you. This will take a minimum of two extra working days for delivery.
3. Books can be picked up at the MCC-Penn Valley campus bookstore.

Textbooks for hybrid and streaming online courses can be ordered at the campus bookstore where the class is held. Please visit the bookstore in person or online.

Students can contact their assigned academic or financial aid advisor using Starfish.

Students can contact their advisor and schedule appointments with them through Starfish, which is linked in the menu on your myMCCKC account homepage. All advising appointments for MCC-Online can take place over the phone or virtually. You do not need to show up in-person; simply call your advisor at the scheduled time.

Please see MCC's tuition page to check out the tuition and fees for in district, out of district and out of state. Online classes do have additional fees.

Yes, students may apply for and receive financial aid when enrolled in MCC-Online classes. In most cases, financial aid applies the same to online classes as it does to on-ground classes.

You can get more information about financial aid at MCC Financial Aid.

Yes. Please visit MCC Payment Service.

Classes won't be visible until the start date of the course.