Frequently Asked Questions

Is distance learning for me?

Take our fun interactive survey and find out.

 

Who is a good candidate for DDL courses?

Take a video tour and listen to other DDL students.

 

What are the computer requirements to take a DDL course at home?

View computer requirements for both PC and Mac formats.

Where is DDL located…what building?

DDL is located in Russell Hall room 203.

Office hours…when do you open and when do you close?

DDL office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What is a proctor and how does it work…who can be a proctor, proctor criteria in general?

A proctor is a pre-approved testing site that is available to students who can’t make it to the DDL office to take tests. Traditionally SwVCC site facilitators, public Librarians or other higher education testing centers will serve as proctors.   If there is not a proctor available for your area, Sylvia Dye can work with you to try to accommodate your situation.

Do I have to make contact with my instructor?

Some instructors do require you to contact them. If this is a requirement, it will be stated in your course outline.

What is my instructor’s e-mail address?

Your instructor’s email address is listed in your course outline. It traditionally is your instructors first name, then a period (.), their last name @sw.edu Ex: john.doe@sw.edu

Can I mail my homework?

You can mail your homework to the DDL office at:

Southwest Virginia Community College

Attn: Distance & Distributed Learning

369 College Road

P.O. Box SVCC

Richlands, VA 24641

Are DDL classes easier than regular classes?

DDL classes are comparable to traditional classes.  If you are a self-motivated, organized, timely student then you may find DDL classes easier. If you have difficulty staying on task, staying motivated, and being organized then you may find DDL classes to be more difficult than regular classes.

Will DDL classes transfer?

Most DDL classes will transfer, but you will need to check with the school that you plan to transfer to, to see what classes they will accept as transfer credits. 

Can another student pick up my packet for my class?

Yes, another student can pick up your packet for you. If another student comes to pick up your packet for you they will need to know the following information: Your Emplid, your address, your phone number, and they will need to have your SwVCC student library card.

Can I pick up my materials early?

Sometimes you are able to pick up your materials early. If the DDL office has received the materials from the instructor’s, they will be able to give them to you. You can call ahead to check with the DDL office to see if the materials are available. The phone number is (276) 964-7279 or 1-800-859-1513.

How do I access my grades from Blackboard?

To access your grades from blackboard, you should log onto your blackboard account.  By clicking the my.vccs.edu tab on the Southwest home page at www.sw.edu.  Enter your username and password. Click on the class that you want to check your grades. Click the “My Grades” tab on the left hand side of the screen, and your grades should be available here.

How do I set up my e-mail account?

You don’t have to set up your email account.  One is already provided for you as a student. To access you email username and password you click on the “Find Your Username” tab on the Southwest Home Page. Enter the information it asks for and it will give you the email username. After you have this information return to the home page click on the “my.vcc.edu” tab, enter the username and password. Click on the student email link.

Can I register online?

Yes, you can register online.

Can you mail my materials for my classes to me?

Yes, the materials for your classes can be mailed to you if you are not able to come by the college to pick them up. You will need to call the DDL office to give them your college Emplid, address, and phone number and let them know whether you have a SwVCC library card. They will then be able to mail your information to you.

How many credits do I have to have to be a full time student?

To be a full-time student you will need to take 12 credits. 

If I made a low or a bad grade on my class, can I take that same class again?

Yes, if you did not receive a final grade in a class that is up to your standards you can retake the class.

What is the cost of tuition?

Tuition costs are $81.65 per credit for in-state students and $256.80 per credit for out-of-state students.