Online Classes

A computer with a reliable internet connection is a must. Perform a basic system check by going to the Brightspace System Check before the start of each semester.

External webcams are required for all online exams proctored with Respondus.

Need help? Access Brightspace Help for Learners or contact the WCJC IT help desk at 979-532-6568 or submit an IT Support Request Form.

You’ll also need to purchase your textbooks and other course materials. Find information about course textbooks by visiting the Bookstore.

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 Learn how to use Brightspace and explore the program for yourself before your classes start.

• Online classes use a learning platform called Brightspace. Help and instructions on signing in can be found on the My WCJC Portal sign-in page. 
• After you are registered as a student, the "WCJC Student Resources" course will appear on the "MyWCJC' widget under the "Training and Resources" tab.  This course will teach you how Brightspace works and how to get help if you are stuck. 

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Required Course Materials:

You will need a computer, an external webcam and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and access to the WCJC Brightspace site. External webcams are required (built-in laptop and computer monitor webcams are NOT acceptable).  iPads cannot be used for test taking.

Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor

All major exams taken online at WCJC require the use of Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor. The Lockdown Browser software prevents a user from accessing other applications or going to other websites during an exam. The external webcam records the student during the exam to ensure they are only using resources that are permitted. Together, these tools make it possible for students to take online exams from any location, and at times that are convenient. It also creates a fair testing environment for everyone in the course.

How to Test with Respondus provides additional information, such as instructions for downloading and using the software, frequently asked questions, and test taking tips.

Acceptable Forms of Identification (must contain student name and photograph):

• State issued driver’s license or other government identification
• Passport
• Military ID
• WCJC student ID
• High school ID (only for current Dual Credit students)

You will be required to present a photo ID during the exam start-up process.

If you are concerned with privacy, you may cover everything except your full name and photo on the ID. This is how the college verifies that the right individual is taking the course.

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You should be confident about your computer and study skills. Review the following list of requirements to assess your readiness to take online classes.

• I know how to connect to the Internet using a browser.
• I can navigate around the Internet and know how to use search engines.
• I know how to send and receive e-mail.
• I know how to do basic word processing, including cutting and pasting.
• I know how to open, save, and manage files.
• I have access to a computer with an internet connection at least 3 days a week.
• The computer I will use meets the  Basic System Requirements listed below.
• I have 6-9 hours a week to work on each online class.
• I am motivated to log in to the virtual classroom at least 3 days a week.
• I am a self-starter and can manage my course workload efficiently.
• I have good reading comprehension and written communication skills.
• I am able to ask for help when I need it.

If you can't answer "Yes" to all these questions, you may not be quite ready for online learning. Take our Distance Education Online Learning Assessment to learn more about whether online learning is for you.

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Students who have questions about Brightspace or their online courses should contact the Student Help Desk, administered by the WCJC IT Department:

• Phone: 979-532-6568
• IT Help Desk Hours & Live Chat
• Request for IT Support Form

Or you can troubleshoot your problems with these resources from Brightspace:

• Brightspace Learner Videos
• Frequently Asked Questions

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If you are enrolled in an online or hybrid course, you must have access to a computer with the following requirements: 

• Computer: As a general guideline, a computer three years old or less is best. It should be running at least Windows 8, Mac OS 10.12, or Chromium OS.
• Internet Access: A satellite, DSL, or cable connection or higher is best. Dial-up connections are not recommended and will be problematic. If relying on an employer's Internet connection, be aware that firewall restrictions and policies may exist that prevent access to all or part of the course, using the college's online tools.
• Web Browser: For an optimal experience that offers better performance, accessibility, and security, Brightspace recommends that all users access the Brightspace Learning Environment with the latest version of a supported browser.  Tip: By default, most browsers automatically update to the latest version. To ensure you are running the latest browser version,  Brightspace recommends that you set your browser to auto-update.  It is also recommended that you install multiple browsers when possible. Chrome browser is the recommended browser of the college on all computers and operating systems.  List of supported browsers: Brightspace Documentation Page
• Cookies and JavaScript: Regardless of the browser being used, Brightspace requires the use of session cookies and JavaScript enabled in the user's browser to provide the right experience for teaching and learning.
• Pop-up Blockers: While using Brightspace, if you are unable to view discussion postings, quiz windows, and download links, then you may need to disable pop-up blocking for the WCJC Brightspace site.
• Administrative Rights: If you are not using a computer provided by WCJC, you must have the administrative rights necessary to download and install the required programs and plug-ins on the computer you use to access your online courses.

Perform a basic system check by going to the Brightspace System Check before the start of each semester.

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The College strives to provide a safe, humane and responsive learning environment for students. When conflicts arise, students are encouraged to resolve the complaint/grievance informally, first by meeting with the person directly involved with the grievance. In the case that an issue cannot be resolved informally, the student has a right to initiate a formal complaint. Student complaints or grievances may include, but are not limited to, a grade appeal, academic decision, classroom instruction, campus services or offices or issues with other students.

• College Refund and Withdrawal Policies
• Student Handbook
• Student Grievance Form

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NC SARA STATE AUTHORIZATION RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT (SARA)

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative to provide more access to online courses while maintaining compliance standards with state regulatory agencies. SARA allows institutions to provide online courses outside of their own state borders by seeking and maintaining state approvals via a streamlined process. To learn more about SARA, please visit: NC-SARA.org.

NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.

Current authorized SARA member states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Professional Licensure

Important information for prospective and currently enrolled students: SARA does not include provisions for state professional licensing requirements. It is highly recommended that you contact the licensing board in your state before starting an academic program. Academic programs and graduating students must satisfy standards that are established by that state’s licensing requirements to be eligible for a license.

Accreditation and State Authorization

Wharton County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificate, associate, and baccalaureate, degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Austin Community College. The Commission is to be contacted only if there is evidence that appears to support an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard.

No state or accrediting agency have taken adverse actions against Wharton County Junior College.

WCJC Student Complaint Procedure

The College strives to provide a safe, humane and responsive learning environment for students. When conflicts arise, students are encouraged to resolve the complaint/grievance informally, first by meeting with the person directly involved with the grievance. In the case that an issue cannot be resolved informally, the student has a right to initiate a formal complaint. Student complaints or grievances may include, but are not limited to, a grade appeal, academic decision, classroom instruction, campus services or offices or issues with other students.

• • College Refund and Withdrawal Policies
  • Student Handbook
  • Student Grievance Form

State Authorization Student Complaint Procedure

To ensure compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrity Rules, Wharton County Junior College must provide out-of-state distance learning students and out-of-state prospective students with the contact information and complaint filing process for each state’s licensing board and any other agency that would be responsible for the complaint.

Distance education students who reside out-of-state must follow the institution’s standard procedure for resolution of student grievances. If a resolution is not met by following Wharton County Junior College’s complaint process, students may file the complaint with the SARA portal agency in the institution’s home state. The state where the student resides may also resolve the complaint.

If a complaint cannot be resolved through the institution's complaint process, students may file a complaint with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Please review the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Student Complaint Process.

SACSCOC Student Complaint Process

If for some reason, the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved, the next step would be to file a complaint with Wharton County Junior College's institutional accreditor. WCJC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Associate and Baccalaureate Degrees. Students who file a complaint with the institutional accreditor should follow the SACSCOC Complaint Process SACSCOC Complaint Process. The contact information for SACSCOC is:

President
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097

Phone: 404-679-4500
Website: http://www.sacscoc.org

NC-SARA Complaint Process

If there’s a complaint that can’t be resolved at the institution, then we turn to this process. Students may also file a complaint through NC-SARA.

Reminder: this is the process for an out-of-state student participating in a SARA-specific activity at any SARA-participating institution.

Student complaints about grades or student conduct may NOT be appealed to the SARA State Portal Entity. Complaints about fraud or criminal activity can go to any state Attorney General of the Office of Inspector General or complaint unit of the Dept of Education.

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