
Online/Correspondence Courses
Taking An Online/Correspondence Course
Are you looking for a convenient way to complete your prerequisites or major requirements? Online courses may be a great option for you! Online courses require just as much dedication and work as face-to-face classes but are typically completed in a self-paced fashion. If you’re interested in signing up for online courses, check out some of the information below and then reach out to one of our advisors today at 605-274-9500 to get started.
A number of factors determine the classification of a course. Click on the terms below to read more in-depth descriptions of the class formats.
Term-Based Courses
Term-Based courses are courses that ARE eligible for financial aid and follow the regular semester dates for start and end time. For example, a Fall Term-Based course will start in September and end in December, and a Spring Term-Based course will start in January and end in May. Additionally, these types of courses could be online or by correspondence. See your financial aid advisor for more on the cost of these courses and eligibility for financial aid.
Non-Term Based Courses
Non-Term Based courses ARE NOT eligible for financial aid. These courses do not follow the standard semester schedule and could be either online or via correspondence. Generally, these courses last for two semesters (a full year). Please see our financial aid advisor for more on the cost of these courses and eligibility for financial aid.
Online Courses
Online courses are offered entirely via the Internet in Desire 2 Learn (D2L). The D2L system is a secured access website that is only available to current students. To access this system, you will need to have access to your HOME school e-mail account. Once the semester begins, the course will show in D2L (syllabus, assignments, chat features, class notes, etc.).
Correspondence Courses
Correspondence courses are courses delivered entirely by mail. These courses offer students an alternative learning experience that is more self-driven. All necessary course materials and information is sent via the US Postal Service to your indicated home address. Students complete various assignments and then send them back to the university (distance education department) offering the course. The assignments are then graded and returned to the student via mail; moreover, instructors provide feedback on class assignments and exams via mail. Many correspondence courses are delivered via a two semester time frame (not eligible for financial aid); however, some are offered within the semester time frame (eligible for financial aid).
Hybrid Courses
Hybrid courses are courses that have an online component while also requiring a traditional face-to-face meeting. For example, you may take a chemistry course face-to-face at University Center (or your home campus); however, the class may “meet” a few times online instead of in a class. At point of registration in Webadvisor, there will be notes in the Meeting Information area indicating whether or not the course is in this format.
Finding Courses and Programs
Follow these instructions to search and register for courses. You can also see what programs might be available entirely online by visiting the websites of each partner institution below.
- To find or register for a course, visit Banner Student.
- Select locations in order to find the course in the location desired.
Taking The Course
Online or hybrid classes are delivered in the D2L system. You can access the system via this address: . This secured-access system is designed to promote learning in and out of the classroom. To gain access to D2L, you must have access to and regular interaction with your home school e-mail account. If you do not know your home school e-mail address or are unsure how to access the account, click here.
Books and Course Materials
If you take a course that is completely delivered via online/correspondence, the Center Shop at University Center will NOT have your books/materials. Instead, you will need to contact the bookstore of the university providing the course to have books/materials delivered to you. See the links below.
Proctoring
It’s likely that your class will have exams that require proctoring. University Center’s Testing and Resource Center can serve as your proctor. Be sure to obtain the proctor form from your professor, complete it, and then provide it to the UC Testing and Resource Center if you plan on taking your exams at University Center.
Distance Education Offices, Bookstores and Technical Support
The University of South Dakota
USD Department of Continuing Education
McKusick Room 211
414 E Clark St. Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: 800-233-7937 | Fax: 605-677-6118
E-mail:[email protected]
Website
Bookstore
Technical Support (view D2L tutorials in the USD Portal – MyU)
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South Dakota State University
Department of Extended Studies
#506 Wecota Brookings, SD 57007
Phone: 866-827-3198 | Fax:605-688-6918
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website
Bookstore
Technical Support | D2L Tutorial
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Dakota State University
Office of Online Education
820 N Washington Ave. Madison, SD 57042
Phone: 605-256-5049 | Fax: 605-256-5095
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Bookstore
Technical Support | D2L Tutorial
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Black Hills State University
Office of Distance Education
1200 University Ave. Spearfish, SD 57799
Phone: 605-642-6044 | Fax: 605-642-6913
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Bookstore
Technical Support and D2L Tutorials
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Northern State University
Office of Extended Studies
Krikac Administration Building 116
Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: 605-626-2568 | Fax: 605-626-2542
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Bookstore
Technical Support | Tutorial
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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Office of Distance Education
501 E St Joseph St. Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone: 800-544-8162 | Fax: 605-394-1268
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Bookstore
Technical Support | Tutorial
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News & Events
Sociology in the Real World
Posted: April 23, 2019
A Teaching and Learning Exhibit Created by SOC Students from University Center Sioux Falls. Join us for this exciting exhibit Tuesday, April 30 in FSC1 2nd floor commons from 5:30-7:00p.
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