Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Online Course?
   • All material is viewed through your computer or comes from the book for the course.
   • All assignments are receieved and turned in through the computer.
   • Most quizzes are given online.
   • Most times you will only come to a campus when it is time to take the mid-term and final.
   • Please note that not all online instructors run their course this way. You should contact the instructor to find out how they run their specific class.

   The section number of a Southwest Online course will consist of a "L", such as L01, L02, L03. Example: Music Appreciation - MUS 1030 L01

   If you are enrolled in an Online class, make sure you read through the Online Orientation
   

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2. What is a Telecourse?
   • Material is viewed through the TV. Course material is shown at certain times of the day and week.
   • The instructor will have you come to the campus to take quizzes, tests, mid-term, and final.
   • Depending on the instructor, work can be turned in through email, postal mail, fax, or in person.
   • Contact instructor for more information.

   The section number of a Southwest Telecourse will consist of a "T", such as T01, T02, T03.
   Example: Music Appreiciation - MUS 1030 T01

   For more information about Teleocurses, please contact Ruby Wilburn: 901-333-5571
   Or visit the Distance Education Website.

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3. What is RODP (Regents Online Degree Program)?
   • Regents Online Degree Program (RODP) Courses are designed for in an interactive, asynchronous (accessing courses at your convenience) format. These courses contain the same content and rigor as courses on campus.  However, there are a few courses that are designed for the Regent program only and will not apply toward a Southwest degree. 
     Check with the Department Chair to confirm your RODP course is appropriate. 
   • To go to class, start by going to this page and then follow the directions for User ID and Password to log in:   http://webct.rodp.org 
     Your RODP instructor will not contact you.  You must log into the course and follow the directions on the Home Page.
   • Textbooks for RODP courses are NOT in the Southwest bookstores. They should be ordered from the RODP bookstore Web site.
     Select ‘Buy Course Materials’ / select option 2. Universities and Colleges / select your textbooks.
     
   • To obtain more information about your RODP course please complete a RODP Student Profile: https://www.tn.regentsdegrees.org/stu_pro/default.asp and see the Southwest RODP Campus contact:
     
     Selena Grimes
     Director of Distance Education Services
     sgrimes@southwest.tn.edu
     (901)333-4109
     

   RODP courses are not maintained by Southwest.

   The section number of a RODP course will consist of a "R", such as R50 or R51.
   Example: Music Appreciation - MUS 1030 R50

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4. Who do I contact if my instructor doesn't return my emails/phone calls?

You will need to contact the secretary for the department the instructor teaches in.
If you still are unable to contact your instructor your next step will be speaking to the department chair. Secretary numbers and Department Chair numbers will be located on the Faculty Directory soon.\

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5. How do I get my My.Southwest username & password?

   New students will be mailed a My.Southwest username and password.  Please be sure that the addresses you have on record are correct. If you have not received a mailer, go to the following URL and fill out the form to receive your username and password on the spot.
   https://apps.southwest.tn.edu/self-identify/

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6. What is my My.Southwest student email address?

   You can access your student email account by logging into My.Southwest.
   Your email address is YourMy.SouthwestUsername@students.southwest.tn.edu

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7. Why can't I send email to PAWS?

   PAWS has it's own self-contained email program. A student can only use PAWS e-mail to contact their instructor or other students in the course.

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8. How do I contact my instructor?

   There is a searchable Directory at the following URL: http://www.southwest.tn.edu/directory/
   You can look a person up by last name or department. The directory will provide you with a phone number and an email address.

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9. My class isn't in PAWS. Where do I go?

   It is good practice, whether your class is in PAWS or not, to contact your instructor. Your instructor will not contact you first.

   Email (or phone) your instructor. Let them know your name, what class you are in (including the section number). Ask him for the username/password to access the class and also the URL to the class. If you have any questions or concerns about the class, now is a good time to let the instructor know.

   If you have not heard from your instructor within 24 hours contact the department chair for assistance in contacting your instructor. You can find the department chair's contact information by using our list of Departmental Contacts.

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10. When does my online class start?

    Online classes begin on the same day as on-campus classes. You will not be able to access your course until the first day of school.

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11. How do I tell what type of course I'm in?

    Online: The section number of a Southwest Online course will consist of a "L", such as L01, L02, L03. Example: Music Appreciation - MUS 1030 L01

    Telecourse: The section number of a Southwest Telecourse will consist of a "T", such as T01, T02, T03. Example: Music Appreiciation - MUS 1030 T01

    RODP: The section number of a RODP course will consist of a "R", such as R50 or R51. Example: Music Appreciation - MUS 1030 R50

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Last Updated on: 9/26/07