Common questions among Distance Learning students

Since I am taking a Distance Learning course, will I ever have to come to a JSRCC campus? What if I live more than an hour away?

Some course may require an on-campus meeting and/or on-campus or on-site labs and clinicals.  Any on-campus meetings will be listed in the section notes of the course schedule.  Clinicals and additional labs will be listed in the course syllabus.

What if I miss the meeting?

If you missed a meeting because of a work or personal emergency, you must immediately contact your instructor to discuss any possible options

Will I have to make any other trips to the campus?

You will need to take all proctored tests at a campus Testing Center. For selected courses, you may also have clinicals, labs, special seminars or presentations scheduled for on-campus. If you live outside of the JSRCC service area, you may request to have a proctor at the community college in your area administer the tests/exams. The instructions for proctored exams are located at Proctored Testing Procedures for Requesting Off-Site Proctoring of Test.  Contact the Center for Distance Learning at the start of the semester if you need to make this kind of testing arrangement.


How do I find out who the instructor is for my class?

There are various ways to find out instructor information: Check the online course schedule for the instructor name. Check the JSRCC Contacts list for office telephone number and email address.  Call the Center for Distance Learning at 804-523-5612 (1-800-711-1628) during regular office hours or send an email to distance-ed@reynolds.edu

How do I register for Distance Learning courses?

You register for Distance Learning courses in the same way that you register for on -campus courses. Go to How to Enroll as a Credit Student for step-by-step directions.

Do Distance Learning courses cost more than on-campus courses?

The tuition and fees for Distance Learning courses are the same as on-campus courses. Check Tuition Rates for more detailed information.

What if I want a meeting with my instructor?

Most questions can be answered and advising/instructional coaching can be done by email or telephone. You may request an appointment to meet with your instructor on-campus, if your instructor is located in the Richmond area.

I can't find my Blackboard Username and Password, who should I contact?

Students can find their logins through My JSRCC.
Click on Look up your Username and set your password.
If you need additional assistance, call the Student Help Desk at 804-371-3000 or 1-800-711-1628.

This is my first Distance Learning class, how can I get help on using Blackboard?

An introduction to Blackboard is covered in the Orientation to Distance Learning at JSRCC.
To be enrolled in this free course, email distance-ed@reynolds.edu to request registration for CDL001- Orientation to Distance Learning
Sign into the web site: http://learn.vccs.edu/
Enter your Blackboard Username and Password.
Click the Login button.
On the My Institution page, scroll down in the My Courses box and look for the course titled CDL001 - Orientation to Distance Learning. Left click on CDL001 to open.
If CDL001 - Orientation to Distance Learning is not in your list of courses or if you do not know your Blackboard Username, email distance-ed@reynolds.edu with your questions.

This orientation module is useful to all Distance Learning students. However, it has been specifically designed to help the new Distance Learning student develop skills and strategies for success.

How do I Add, Drop, or Withdraw from a Distance Learning class?

Students can drop from classes using Reynolds Online by the drop date for the semester.  Students can only withdraw from a course by completing the Add/Drop or Withdrawal forms and submitting it to a campus Access Center. See the college calendar for the last date to drop or withdraw from a course.

My Blackboard Username and/or Password is not working, what should I do?

Visit the Student Support Web Page for help with many of your questions.  You can also call The Student Help Desk at 804-371-3000.

How do I get help with my course work?

Your instructor is the first and primary aid with your course work.  Your instructor may recommend that you seek tutoring or other assistance from the Academic Support Center .  For assistance with general course information, you may also contact the Center for Distance Learning at 804-523-5612 or 1-800-711-1628.
If you have difficulty in reaching your instructor, contact the Coordinator for the Center for Distance Learning at 804-523-5612 or 1-800-711-1628.

Are Distance Learning courses easier than the on-campus courses?

Students enrolled in Distance Learning courses will most often find them more demanding than learning in the traditional classroom. Distance Learning students must be independent learners who have strong critical thinking, organization, reading, writing, and time-management skills. You can anticipate spending at least 10 hours each week engaged in course related activities and study for each course.

How do I enroll as a Credit Student?

All students should follow the school's enrollment process found under How to Enroll.