Capella University instructors use several forms of correspondence with students.  Within the classroom the instructors will post responses to student discussion answers.  Through moderation and input the instructors are able to determine the different levels of knowledge for each student and inject comments where necessary or to clarify a point.  On occassion an instructor will like a student's post enough that they will request that everyone look at the post.

Within the courseroom there are several catergories (or forums) within the courseroom for correspondence.  There is a section for "Ask the Instructor."  This section is used for students to post their courseroom questions, that they think will benefit themselves and all the other learners.  The instructor will then respond to the question in this section.  Therefore, if you do not want your answer shared witht he courseroom as a whole, use individual email to correspond.

There is also a Student Lounge section, where fellow learners can share thoughts, bounce paper ideas, or correspond about coloquims.  The instructor generally does not monitor this forum, but students are still expected to follow appropriate correspondence ettiquette.  Another section is the Faculty Expectations and Student Handouts and Reference Material.  The instructor uses both to post additional courseroom information and share stuff that was not originally published in the courseroom syllabus or learning posts.

Within the courseroom the instructor will use the courseroom email to correspond with the learners as a whole (i.e. my current instructor posted a group email to tell us that our three week grades were posted) or they will correspond individually for late assignments or assignments that were completed incorrectly.  Within the courseroom there is an additional information button where you can save personal files, check grades, and utilize a courseroom calendar.

Finally, the university, and occassionally the instructors, will correspond with you on the personal email that you have registered with the school.  Generally, the instructor will only do this if you have an extended absence from the courseroom or there is a problem that cannot be resolved in the courseroom setting.

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I cannot say too much on the topic of dealing with academic advisors.  Mine is there and available.  The few times that I have had a question they are quick to respond.  I can count the number of times that I have worked with my advisor on one hand – not from a lack of their tryingJ

When I started at Capella I submitted my academic plan to an advisor.  Once they reviewed and approved the plan it was returned to me for my records.  At some point about eight months ago I realized that I needed a course for this last quarter, I had taken all the required classes and the one I still needed was not offered until the fall quarter.  I used my academic advisor’s knowledge to select a course that best suited my interests and academic goals.

The next time that I used an advisor was during this last term when I was seeking guidance on finishing up my degree.  Once I finish this current class I will apply for my integrative project and graduation.  I found out through my advisor that I need to submit all of this early enough this term that they can review my records and make sure that everything is in order, then they will assist me in registering for my last class and getting me through the graduation process.

In my few short correspondences with the advisors I have been pleased with their professionalism, knowledge, and expertise at helping the learner’s through the nuances of online learning.  I look forward to working with them again in the coming months to prepare for graduation and my final class.

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Education, with any institute is a one step at a time process.  Capella University has been wonderful about making those steps very easy to accomplish and they offer different programs along the way for assistance.  I have enjoyed my experience with Capella.

In looking back at my undergraduate program I am really disappointed that the brick and mortar institute that I attended did not offer more of the programs that Capella, and other online institutes offer.  Granted the University had student assistance programs, available registrar sites, online registration, etc and the computer age was not advance 10 years ago as it is now.  However, none of the offices or personnel were as friendly or accomodating as the personnel at Capella.

I have had great luck working with everyone from the person who initially processed my application through to the registrar, to instrructors and acadmeic advisors.  I have also received tremendous support from the online library service - which I was very skeptical about.  I will get into the librar another time, but suffice it to say that the turn around on inter-library loan items was awesome.

Due to the ease and support available through Capella I have had very few issues and the minor ones that have occured were not the fault of the University but the result of dealing with military tuition assistance porgrams.  I can only hope that everyone has as wonderful of an experience as I have.

Nickel

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