Web Access Policy: As online students, you must maintain access to your Internet courses at all times by maintaining a good operating computer system and reliable Internet Service Provided (ISP). Please read carefully the following course policy:

As an Internet student, you are committed to having regular web access or, if your service is interrupted, to have an alternate web access available. Online active learners are proactive and therefore have a backup plan in the event of a computer or ISP failure. Realize that your instructor is NOT going to accept lack of access as an excuse for late work or missed exam/quiz access. So before this class begins, formulate your backup plan for a possible service interruption. Each student must have a backup plan in place and ready to carry it out, if web service is interrupted for any reason for more than 24 hours (power outage, Virus attack) during an exam, or during an assignment submission period.

Some Helpful Access Suggestions:

  • Identify a computer support technician to help you resolve problems specific to your computer. Make sure you have the correct telephone number or email address to contact the technician BEFORE this course begins.
  • Know how to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) technical support. Locate their phone number and have it readily available.
  • ACCD and SAC has limited technical support available for online students:
    • The ACCD Support Central may be able to help you identify and correct a virus or computer problem. You may call them at (210) 220-1616 or email them at: helpdesk@accd.edu. The Help Desk hours are M-F 8 am to 12 midnight and Saturdays & Sundays 1 - 5 pm. See also the ACCD Virus Information Center.
    • Internet students who need technical support related to software or hardware problems can also contact the SAC Tech Support during the hours of 8 am - 5 pm M - F. The phone number is (210)-785-6330 or email at sachelp@ranger.accd.edu.
  • If your computer crashes or your ISP is interrupted and you have an assignment that is due before the problem can be fixed, then you need to make a plan to use another reliable computer. Here are some suggestions:
    • Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC) has an open computer lab that you can use to complete Internet course assignments. The SLAC is open on weekday evenings and during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. Check their website or call 210-733-2106 for specific hours.
    • You can go to any ACCD college SLAC or another local college or university open computer lab - call or check their website first to find out their hours. Be prepared to show them your college ID.
    • Locate a 24 hour Kinko's (check cost and test access).
    • Make arrangements with a friend to use his or her computer as back-up.
    • Check out Internet access at your nearest public library and find out the hours.
  • Complete and submit your work early. Do not wait to take a quiz or test during the last hours that the quiz or test is open, as you are really taking a risk that there will not be a technical problem.
  • Review Strategies for Success: Study Skills for Online Learners, a guide to student achievement in the online classroom and beyond.
  • Finally, remember you do not have to work at home (although it is more convenient). Plan ahead. Keep the course calendar handy at all times. You will be asked to compile and print the course calendar during the first week of class.

This Access Policy is a modification of Dr. Carol Keller's Access Policy. This page was created by Dr. Pamela Hill on: August 2, 2004 1:05 PM