Delivery of Instruction
To meet changing student needs, Richland Community College offers alternatives to the traditional classes on campus. For those courses offered through the Internet, students must be self-directed, have Internet access and general computer skills, and have sufficient time to complete the work for these sections.
Online Instruction
Students are expected to possess the computer skills necessary to type papers, browse and search the Web, access College information, and communicate through e-mail. Beyond these basic expectations, online, hybrid, and enhanced traditional sections offer alternatives to traditional face-to-face classroom instruction. Additional information is available at www.richland.edu/academics/online-learning/.
Online Courses
In an online class, all of the instruction is provided online and no face-to-face classroom instruction is required. Students are required to complete and pass a one-time online orientation before being allowed access to their online class. Students may also be required to take proctored exams on campus or at an approved location near the student; please refer to the course schedule for more information.
Hybrid Courses
A hybrid class is a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction and online instruction. A portion of the instruction is provided online, but some regular face-to-face instruction is still required. Face-to-face time requirements will vary between hybrid courses and sections; please refer to the course schedule for more information. Students are required to complete and pass a one-time online orientation before being allowed access to their hybrid class.
Enhanced Traditional Courses
In an Enhanced Traditional class, all of the instruction is provided in a face-to-face classroom setting. However, students are expected to supplement their learning through the use of technology. Examples include sections with online assessments, homework, or discussions.
Note: Students any of these course types are required to complete a one-time Online Student Orientation to Canvas. More information about the Orientation can be found by going to www.richland.edu/academics/tlc/canvas-online-student-orientation/ or by contacting Student Tech Support at www.richland.edu/academics/tlc/student-help-desk/.
Independent Study
Participation in a classroom setting is an important part of college education. However, Richland realizes that sometimes scheduling or other conflicts make attending a particular class difficult. An independent study option might be available for students meeting the following conditions: the course must be required for graduation or professional certification, and the requested term for independent study and the term of graduation must be the same. Students must complete the Independent Study form with their Success Coach, who will then forward the request to the appropriate Dean. If the request is granted, regular meetings in person or online between the student and instructor are held during the arranged term of the course. Only those courses included in the Richland Catalog are available for Independent Study.
Course Audit
Any credit class offered by Richland may be taken as an audit unless otherwise specified. Students wishing to audit a class will be assessed the credit hour rate and other applicable fees and must complete an audit form in the Student Success Center, Room N117, by the tenth day of the fall/spring semester. Change to the grading status cannot be made after the tenth day, and a grade of AU will be assigned. No credit will be awarded for auditing a course. If auditing summer term courses, the form must be filed within the first 3 days of the term.