Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

1. Is Distance Education for me?

Because students have different learning styles, taking this quick assessment may help you determine whether online courses are a good fit with your learning preferences. If you have additional questions or are uncertain about your ability to participate successfully in a specific distance education program, you may want to contact the Distance Education Program Manager assigned to that program.

2. How do I qualify for in-state tuition?

For information about North Carolina Residence for Tuition Purposes including requirements, please visit the Residency Determination Office webpage.

3. Am I eligible for Financial Aid?

How can I apply for Financial Aid or Veteran's Benefits? The same financial aid and Veteran's Benefits guidelines that apply to on-campus students apply to distance education course and program students. Contact UNC Charlotte's Student Financial Aid Office for information pertaining to your particular situation.

4. How do I drop or withdraw from a course?

You should contact the Office of Distance Education immediately by phone, or email.

During the drop/add period, log in to your 49er Express account and use Banner Self Service to drop a course. Requests to drop or withdraw after the drop/add period should be made by faxing a signed, written request to the Office of Distance Education at 704-687-4305.

Withdrawal from a Course (retaining other courses)
After the drop/add period ends the only way to drop a course but to remain enrolled in other courses is to withdraw. If you withdraw from a course it will show on your transcript with the grade of W but will not count towards your GPA. This action must be taken by the deadline indicated in the Academic Calendar. After that deadline, exceptions may be requested, but only in cases where extenuating circumstances such as serious illness can be demonstrated. Unsatisfactory academic performance itself is not an extenuating circumstance.

Withdrawal from the University
This action terminates your enrollment at the University, however all courses will remain on your transcript with the grade of W. This action must be done by the deadline shown in the Academic Calendar and is effective only when the withdrawal from is accepted by the Registrar’s office. After that deadline exceptions may be requested in cases with extenuating circumstances.

5. How will I know which textbooks are required, and where can I get them?

Textbooks can be ordered through the UNC Charlotte bookstore; or, after completing course registration in Banner Self Service, select "Order Your Books On-line" within the "Registration" section.

Questions about your UNC Charlotte Bookstore online textbook order? Contact the Online Ordering Manager at 704-687-4584.

6. What, if any, special equipment and/or software will I need to enroll and complete a course or program?

Review the University’s general Technical Specification and read the materials for your specific program to determine if there are additional requirements.

7. What should I do if I run into a technical problem?

Student Computing is available to enrolled students, accessible by toll-free phone line or email.

Student Computing Help Center:
Toll Free: 1-877-396-8462
Local: 704-687-6400

Student Computing Help Desk: http://helpdesk.uncc.edu.

8. How do I communicate with my instructors, my classmates, advisor, and distance education administrators?

When you are accepted to the University, you will be provided an email account. The University will use this email account as the primary mode of communication with you. You will also be able to contact your instructors, advisor and campus administrative offices via a 1-800 phone number that the Office of Distance Education will provide in your program materials.

9. How can I check my enrollment, my grades, or get a transcript, etc.?

Distance education students, like on-campus students, access this information in Banner via the University's student portal, 49er Express. http://www.express.uncc.edu/cp/home/loginf.

For an official transcript contact the Registrar's Office.

10. Do I really have to get immunizations and health insurance?

Distance Education students are not required to meet the immunization requirements and are not eligible for health insurance. If you receive a letter from the University regarding immunizations and health insurance and you are a Distance Education student, you may disregard the letter. If you are taking on-campus courses in addition to your DE courses, please review the immunization and health insurance policy at http://www.studenthealth.uncc.edu.

11. How do I check to see if I’ve been admitted?

Once you have applied to the University, you may monitor you application status via the Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions webpages.

Undergraduate
Graduate

12. Does my program require that I come to campus?

Some online and off-site programs require an occasional visit to campus. You will be notified before you register for classes, by your academic department or Senior Program Manager if you will be required to visit campus.

13. If I come to campus, where do I park?

Parking information can be found on the Parking Services webpage. Please take note of the maps and the specific Visitor Parking information.

14. Do you have any general advice to a potential student?

Read carefully all the information provided to you by your Senior Program Manager.
Contact the Office of Distance Education as soon as you decide that you want to enroll in a distance education course or program at UNC Charlotte.
Copy everything before mailing it to the University. Please retain copies of all records and correspondence.
Take your academic courses seriously as you will be generating a college transcript.
View the Office of Distance Education staff as your primary link to the university.