Virtual College Handbook

Student Handbook

Welcome to NTC!

We are delighted that you have selected NTC’s Virtual
College as your college of choice.

At NTC, we are committed to offering you a customized
academic experience. After all, education shouldn’t
fit in a box. It should fit YOUR life. That’s why NTC’s
Virtual College is so unique. Through flexible starts and
dedicated advising, Virtual College makes attaining
higher education an option for all.

As part of our campus community, I’d like to personally
welcome you to the virtual NTC campus. You can be
assured that you will receive the same high level of
service and instruction as our in-person students. In
addition to our excellent faculty, quality educational
opportunities and state-of-the-art learning technology,
NTC’s Virtual College offers personal attention and a
commitment to your personal and professional success.

In this virtual handbook, you will find information that will
make your experience at NTC enjoyable and rewarding.
If you are unable to find what you are looking for or if
you have questions, we encourage you to contact your
Virtual College advisor.

I wish you much success as you continue on your
learning journey. Here’s to your future!

Best Regards,

Lori A Weyers
President

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Table of Contents

President’s Welcome.............................1 Email Addresses............................5
Continuous Improvement......................3 Blackboard Access........................5
NTC Values Student Opinions.......3 Netiquette.............................................. 5
Accreditation.................................. 3 Online Posting...............................5
FERPA...........................................3 Manage Your Time........................5
Student Resources ...............................3 Assignment Deadlines...................5
Academic Advising........................3
Bookstore...................................... 3
Counseling Services......................3
Disability Services.........................3
Financial Aid..................................3
Financial Aid in Virtual College......3
Disbursement of Aid......................3
Graduation Planning......................4
Help Desk......................................4
Hours............................................. 4
Job Placement...............................4
Library...........................................4
Military Veterans and Families......4
Registration...................................4
Safety and Security.......................4
Sexual Assault and Harassment...4
Student Guidelines/Procedures.....4
Student Life...................................4
Transfer to a Four-Year College....4
Tuition & Fees...............................4
Tutoring......................................... 4
Information Technology.........................5
Help Desk......................................5
my>NTC Passwords......................5

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Continuous Improvement

Northcentral Technical College (NTC) NTC Values Student Opinions Annual Notification of Rights Under
continuously works to improve the programs, NTC welcomes students to submit comments The Family Educational Rights and
offerings and services provided to students or concerns online: www.ntc.edu/contact-us Privacy Act (FERPA):
and the community. NTC periodically surveys NTC notifies students of their rights under
students and alumni and they are encouraged Additionally, customer comment boxes FERPA on an annual basis. This annual
to provide feedback. are located in each department in Student notification will be available on the College’s
Services, allowing individuals to provide website here: http://www.ntc.edu/sites/
feedback regarding services received. default/files/pdf/policy/Privacy%20and%20
Access%20to%20Student%20Records.pdf
Accreditation
http://www.ntc.edu/accreditation.html
NTC is regionally accredited by the Higher
Learning Commission (HLC) of the North
Central Association (NCA) and is an Academic
Quality Improvement Program (AQIP)
participant.

Student Resources

Academic Advising sessions at no charge on the NTC main Applications can be completed at any time,
www.ntc.edu/current-students/academic- campus, at the agency’s office (located at but it is highly recommended that students
advising 1720 Merrill Avenue, Wausau) or via phone/ apply at least six weeks prior to the start of
NTC’s Advising Specialists are available to polycom. All services will be provided by classes. The FAFSA is free and available on
assist students with academic goal setting, a Master’s level licensed mental health the web at www.fafsa.gov.
course registration, resource referral and can therapist. 
help monitor progress toward graduation. Financial Aid in Virtual College
Additional services are offered in the areas of Disability Services Virtual College Associate Degrees and
minority student and non-traditional student www.ntc.edu/current-students/disability- Technical Diplomas are eligible for financial
support. services aid. The census date (the point at which a
NTC provides accommodations that allow student’s enrollment is “locked” for financial
Brandy Breuckman is the academic advisor students with disabilities to fully participate in aid purposes) for NTC Virtual College
dedicated to all Virtual College students. the technical college environment.  Disability students is the 14th day of each individual
Brandy can be reached at breuckman@ntc. Services (DS) works individually with qualifying course for which a student intends to begin,
edu, by phone at 715.803.1700 or via Skype students. Students are supported through a including weekends. A student’s financial aid
at brandy.breuckman. variety of services to encourage successful award will be based on the number of credits
completion of their education. Requests for the student is enrolled in. The census date will
Bookstore services are voluntary. Disclosure of this determine when financial aid disbursement
bookstore.ntc.edu information will not affect a student’s enrollment will occur.
NTC students can find their course textbooks status, placement into programs, classes or
as well as all the supplies needed to be financial aid. Disbursement of Aid – Virtual College
successful at NTC. Students will also find an Financial aid funds are initially disbursed per
assortment of NTC gear that shows school Financial Aid the published schedule on the NTC website
pride. www.ntc.edu/current-students/paying-college/ provided the student has demonstrated
financial-aid attendance. Thereafter, disbursements will
For the convenience of our students, the NTC NTC’s financial aid program helps students occur no later than 14 days after the first
Bookstore does provide an electronic book pay for their education by offering grants, day of a course for which a student has
option when available. These e-books will be loans, work-study programs and/or demonstrated attendance (attendance for
listed on the bookstore website in the same scholarships to students who qualify for online students is determined by students’
location as the hard copy books and can be assistance. When a student applies for aid, engagement in an academically related
purchased through the NTC Bookstore. their own savings and earnings in addition to activity). For Virtual College there may be
their family’s financial resources will be used multiple disbursements if a student intends to
Counseling Services to determine their need for financial aid. begin courses at different times. Loans will be
www.ntc.edu/current-students/counseling disbursed for students once a student attends
NTC offers counseling services through To apply for financial aid, students must (completes one academic assignment) in at
a partnership with Peaceful Solutions complete and/or update the Free Application least 6 credits. If a grade of NS, W, U or F is
Counseling. Peaceful Solutions will provide for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually posted for a student or if a student receives a
NTC students with the opportunity to meet after Jan. 1 for the following school year. 100% or 80% refund, a student’s financial aid
with a counselor/therapist for up to three award may be reduced accordingly.
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Student Resources (continued)

Graduation Planning NTC’s Safety and Security Department is • Student Bill of Rights
www.ntc.edu/current-students/graduation- dedicated to providing a safe and secure • Student Catalog
planning learning environment for NTC students, • Student Complaints
All graduating students must apply for employees and visitors. The NTC Wausau • Student Planner
graduation through myNTC. The form allows campus has campus security officers on duty • Student Printing Procedure
students to indicate whether they plan on during campus operating hours. • Veteran Benefits
participating in the graduation ceremony and
is required to receive a diploma. Sexual Assault and Harassment Student Life
www.ntc.edu/security/sexual-assault www.ntc.edu/studentlife
Help Desk NTC prohibits sexual assault or harassment of NTC’s Student Life offers students
www.ntc.edu/helpdesk or by students, visitors or employees. This is opportunities to become part of the NTC
NTC’s Help Desk allows students to get consistent with NTC’s philosophy of concern community. Students are able to explore
prompt assistance with the problems they for the well-being of others. and develop as individuals by participating
may encounter with online course(s) such as in co- and extra-curricular clubs, Student
log-in issues, browser settings and software/ Student Guidelines and Procedures Government Association (SGA), social events,
download issues. myNTC, NTC email and on- www.ntc.edu/current-students/guidelines- leadership opportunities within Phi Theta
campus computer issues are also supported. procedures Kappa and intramural athletics.
NTC establishes guidelines and processes to
Hours help students be successful. In addition, Student Life recognizes its role
www.ntc.edu/hours.html Student Behavior Guidelines: in helping students find jobs after graduation
NTC sets standard hours for each NTC campus • Academic Honesty and partners with Placement and Transfer to
and many of the College’s service areas. • Children on Campus offer a variety of workshops and other learning
• Computer Use Policy opportunities geared to enhance employment
Job Placement • Discrimination and Harassment and related “soft” skills.
www.ntc.edu/current-students/placement • Drugs and Alcohol
NTC’s Transfer and Placement office provides • Safety and Security Transfer to a Four-Year College
career advising, assistance with writing a • Student Code of Conduct www.ntc.edu/transfer
resume and a cover letter and advice on • Student Due Process NTC’s Transfer and Placement Office provides
how to make the most of a job interview. • Tobacco-Free Campus assistance to students interested in taking the
Students can also set up a job shadow or Student Academic Procedures: next step in obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
an informational interview to confirm their • Academic Achievement Services are available to help students
program/career choice. • Academic Appeal explore the many possibilities for continuing
• Academic Forgiveness their education after NTC.
Library • Academic Probation
www.ntc.edu/library • Academic Retake Tuition & Fees
The NTC Library supports College programs • Add/Drop a Class www.ntc.edu/current-students/paying-college/
by providing resources, research help, study • Apply for Graduation tuition-fees
space and computer access.  • Auditing a Course NTC’s Tuition and Fees are established
• Challenge Test annually (June 1 through May 30) by the
Military Veterans and Their Families • Changing Career Programs Wisconsin Technical College board. For
www.ntc.edu/future-students/military-veterans- • Exceptions/Overrides 2013-2014 (June 1, 2013 – May 30, 2014),
their-families • Grades the Wisconsin resident tuition rate is $122.20
NTC offers military veterans and their families • Grading System per credit, plus a minimum of $4 material fee
support in obtaining benefits earned through • Graduation Requirements and $9.65 per credit activity fee. A $10 per
active military service. Students may be • Refunds credit online course fee will be assessed for
certified to receive these benefits through • Transcripts all online-Internet (I) courses. Out-of-state
the Financial Aid Office or County Veterans • Work/Life Experience Credits resident tuition is $183.30 per credit. All
Service Office. General Information: students who take courses at an NTC campus
• Academic Calendar are assessed a $6.00 mandatory accident
Registration • College Accreditation insurance fee.
www.ntc.edu/registration • Emergency School Closing
NTC offers courses in a variety of flexible • Equal Opportunity Tutoring
learning options including online, day, evening • Parking www.ntc.edu/current-students/tutoring
and weekend classes. Students can enroll • Public Assembly NTC’s Tutoring Services offers peer, group,
online via myNTC, by phone, or in person. • Refunds professional and online tutoring to NTC
• Religious Accommodations for students who may be struggling with their
Safety and Security coursework free of charge. Tutoring Services
www.ntc.edu/security Students are available to students on all NTC campuses.
• Student Accident Insurance

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Information Technology

Help Desk my>NTC Passwords Blackboard Access
This technical support service allows students A student’s user ID is their student ID number. Blackboard is a tool used at NTC to provide
to get prompt assitance with the problems Their password will consist of the first two course materials online. If you have never
they may encounter with their online course(s) characters of their first name, the first two used Blackboard you are strongly encouraged
in Blackboard and SkillSoft such as log- characters of their last name and the last four to take the Blackboard Orientation for Online
in issues, browser settings and software/ numbers of their Social Security number ( e.g. found here www.ntc.edu/current-students/
download issues - myNTC, NTC email and on- John Doe is jodo5555). blackboard
campus computer issues are also supported.
Students changing their login password for To access your Blackboard please go to
The Help Desk is staffed during the fall and the campus computers will also change their elearn.ntc.edu/webapps/login/
spring semesters: my>NTC and Blackboard passwords and vice
Monday-Thursday, 7:30a.m.-7:00p.m. versa; however, changes in these places will A student’s username and password are set
Friday, 7:30a.m.-12:00p.m. not affect their student email password. up as follows:
Saturday, 7:30a.m.-12:00p.m. Username: 9-digit student ID
If a student has questions, they can contact
The Help Desk is staffed during the summer the Help Desk at 715.803.1160. (Example: 200022128)
semester: Password: First two characters of first name
Monday-Friday, 7:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Email Addresses
Students are assigned an email address + first two characters of last
Incidents after normal office hours can at NTC when they register for one or more name + last four digits of Social
be reported 24 hours a day via email or classes. Their NTC email account will be the Security number (e.g. John Doe is
voicemail. Students can request help with only email address used by the College. jodo5555). Passwords are lower
their technical problems by: case.
Students should go to studentemail.ntc.edu
Calling 715.803.1160 and speaking to a Help or www.ntc.edu and click “Student Email,” to If you are unable to login to your account you
Desk Technician that may be located off access their student email account. can reset your password. Here’s how:
campus.
Emailing the Help Desk at help_desk@ntc. A student’s username and password are set 1. Click on ‘Log in to my>NTC’ on page
edu or submit a ticket at myhelpdesk.ntc.edu/ up as follows: that says password and username was not
helpdesk/WebObjects/Helpdesk.woa Username: 9-digit student ID accepted

The student will automatically receive an (Example: 200022128) 2. Click on Activate/Reset Password in box
email notification informing them their request Password: First two characters of first name below sign in box
has been logged. When a solution is reached
by the Help Desk Technician, the resolution + first two characters of last 3. Enter Student ID or Social Security Number,
is placed in the incident and the system name + last four digits of Social then Date of Birth
automatically notifies the student via email Security number (e.g. John Doe is
that the incident has been closed. jodo5555). Passwords are lower If you continue to have problems, please
case. contact the Help Desk at 715-803-1160.

Netiquette

Online Posting Manage Your Time Assignment Deadlines
Be aware that messages you post may be read Some students may find it helpful to set aside While Virtual College has flexible assignment
by others and that the messages you read have a regular amount of learning time every day schedules, you must begin your course and
been posted by others. Many times in an online until your task or course is complete. Many complete one academic assignment within the
world it is easy to forget that real people exist instructors will give their Virtual College first week of your designated start date (e.g.
behind posted words. Make sure your postings students suggested schedules. It is a good an assignment is an academic discussion
are appropriate and any comments made to idea to stick to this suggested schedule as post, quiz, exam or submitted assignment). If
another post are as well. At NTC we encourage closely as possible. Be sure you have a plan one academic assignment is not completed in
positive learning environments and all students for completion, check in with your courses this first week, an “NS” grade will be assigned
are expected to contribute to a positive online regularly, look ahead at what is required by by your instructor. Financial aid will not be
learning environment. the end of the course and ask for help when disbursed until you complete at least one
necessary. If you need assistance with a plan assignment.
In an online environment, respect people’s time for completing your courses please reach
by getting your point across in a concise manner. out to your instructor or your advisor. Your All course work must be submitted by the final
Also, understand that you will be judged by the Virtual College advisor is Brandy Breuckman date of the semester for all Virtual College
quality of your writing, so take your time and read and she can be reached at 715.803.1700 or courses. For information on grading and drop/
it over for grammatical errors. [email protected]. withdraw policies please visit www.ntc.edu/
current-students/guidelines-procedures

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