Welcome to Continuous Entry, Quarterly Schedule & Self–Support students

Dear Continuous Entry, Quarterly Schedule or Self–Support Student,

Welcome to the Pierce College Distance Learning program. We have put your course information and materials on the web using the Pierce College Blackboard system. This is our way of communicating with students who have registered for a course with an item number in the 5600 range. If you think this doesn't apply to your situation, please contact the Distance Learning Office as soon as possible by calling (253) 964-6244 or by email distedu@pierce.ctc.edu.

It is important that you access your syllabus, print it out and read it carefully! If you are registered for one of our Continuous Entry course and you find you may not complete the assigments and exams in the quarter you started, be sure to alert your instructor. They typically certain work assignments required before a "Z" grade (in progress) can be earned. Remember, "Z" grades can impact Financial Aid, so speak to that office early in the term if you are delayed and always keep in contact with your instructor.

For Financial Aid students, you will no longer need to seek instructor's signature for the "Funds Release Verification Form". Get the details regarding when and where to pick up your award checks by either visiting the Financial Aid Web site, or looking for information in the award letter from Financial Aid. The Cashier's Office at either college hands out the checks. You will fill out the Pierce College Financial Aid Attendance Declaration form at that time. If you can not come to campus to pick up you check, send an e-mail to cashiering@pierce.ctc.edu explaining why you can not pick up your check in person. Be sure to indicate your full name in the body of the message.

It is also important that you keep in mind important dates regarding your course work and college deadlines. For example: Last date for 100% refund. Be sure to review the "Key Dates" link.

We would like to remind you of the existing Academic Dishonesty Policy. Our instructors are fully aware of the policy and the disciplinary actions that can be applied. You are in a unique position to experience learning from home, but keep in mind that you are a member of Pierce College and are governed by its policies and regulations. What is the Academic Dishonesty Policy?

There has been some concern with students not being able to receive emails from their instructor(s). Here are some suggestions to ensure a successful online learning experience:

If using a 'pop–up blocker', set it to allow 'pop–ups' for the Blackboard site (or disable it when working in Blackboard).
Make sure your e–mail program accepts/allows all e–mail from your Blackboard instructor & Pierce College Distance Learning (distedu@pierce.ctc.edu).
Make sure your e–mail address in Blackboard is correct (see instructions in How to login). This is extremely important since it enables communication with the instructor and the college.
Be advised, official messages from the college will use your Pierce-created e-mail address. If you regularly read e-mail using a different address (like gmail, Yahoo, etc.), you should setup your Pierce account for automatic forwarding to your other account to avoid missing critical information. More info/procedures on logging in and forwarding e-mail...

Finally, let me welcome you to the Pierce College Distance Learning program. You will be surprised how much you learn!

The distance learning packet of essential information is available by printing each page using a button like this:

You choose which pages you need to print. For example, try the button & print this page.

Sincerely,

Edward A. Bachmann, Director of Distance Learning
DL Staff