Online Education Frequently Asked Questions

Q 1. How do online classes work at SUNY Cobleskill?

Answer: Online courses at SUNY Cobleskill are developed and presented completely through the Internet. Professors and students communicate in an asynchronous format through a very popular online Course Management Suite, ANGEL. This format makes it convenient for any student to receive an education 24/7, even during holidays. Instructors lecture online through ANGEL within the course site. ANGEL is a user-friendly program requiring no special training. The ANGEL system provides easy tools for students to interact with instructors and other students through emails, the Discussion Forum, or the online chatting room. ANGEL also makes it simple for students to submit their papers and check grades online anytime. Check this site to learn how to use ANGEL.

Q 2. Is there an "Orientation" for online students?

Answer: There will be no formal on-campus orientation for online students as traditional students usually have. However, instructors will contact their students through email, telephone, or even through regular mail before class. They will discuss how the class will be conducted and address any questions you may have. The “Orientation” gives you information as how to get to your ANGEL course site, how to use Cobleskill’s network, contact network support, how to order your books, and even get a head start on your first assignment.

Q 3. Do classes meet in "real time" (I.E. conference calls, web conferences, or chat room, etc)?

Answer: Typically online classes do not meet in “real time”. However, if a course is designed with a “real time” component then the student would be responsible for that course requirement.

Q 4. Do we need books and other hard copy materials? Where can I get them if we do?

Answer: Online classes use textbooks and other hardcopy materials just like any other college class does. Many times students can get their textbooks through a website such as Amazon.com or through the campus Contact SUNY Cobleskill's Bookstore:
Phone: 518-255-5227
Fax 518-255-5505
Check Bookstore's website for detail information: http://cas.cobleskill.edu/cshome.asp ​

Q 5. Are the acceptance criteria different for online students than they are for on-campus students?

Answer: The acceptance criterion for online students is exactly the same as it is for on-campus students. Visit admission office for more information: www.cobleskill.edu/admissions/.

Q 6. How can I submit an application for admission?

Answer: visit this website for the application procedures: www.cobleskill.edu/admissions/applying-to-cobleskill.asp. The cost of an online class is exactly the same as any other credit-bearing course. Information about tuition and fees can be found on this page: www.cobleskill.edu/admissions/student-accounts/tuition-and-fees.asp.

Q 7. What would be the cost for taking an online class?

Answer: The cost of an online class is exactly the same as any other credit-bearing course. Information about tuition and fees can be found on this page: www.cobleskill.edu/admissions/student-accounts/tuition-and-fees.asp.

Q 8. What online courses are offered at Cobleskill?

Answer: A list of online classes can be found in the Schedule of Classes for any given semester. They are identified by the prefix, ONLI. You can click this link: Online course listing and description to find the online courses offered for the year.

Q 9. I am a full time student at a different college. Can I take online courses at Cobleskill?

Answer: That would depend upon your intention for taking the online class at Cobleskill. Do you plan to transfer the course back to the other college? If so you would need prior permission from that college to transfer the course back before you take an online course at Cobleskill.

Q 10. I am an international student at Cobleskill. Can I take an online class in my home country during the summer?

Answer: Online courses are available anywhere there is Internet access.

Q 11. Do online courses make use of pod-casts?

Answer: Some instructors will implement Pod-casting on some ANGEL courses. The Pod-casted files are usually MP3 files. You can download the file or open it inside ANGEL if you have sound card and speaker in your computer.

Q 12. What kind of computer hardware and software do I need to take an online course?

Answer:
Internet connection: Broadband (cable or DSL)
Internet Explorer 7
Firefox 1,0,7 or better
Hardware: a desktop or laptop computer.
Software: Microsoft Office 2003, 2007 Home/Pro, 2010.
Operating System: Windows XP, VISTA, or Windows 7, 10 
OS X (10.4)
Plug-ins (free downloads): Window Media Player 10 or higher
Adobe Acrobat Reader 7 or higher; Flash Player 8, Java 1, 5, 0

Q 13. Can I access my online course from work?

Answer: Unless the place you work uses restrictive firewall, you should be able to access your course from work. Only your employer can determine whether or not you should access your course from their network.

Q 14. What kind of technical support is available if I run into a problem?

Answer: If you encounter problem with your Cobleskill’s network connection or email problem, contact help center at 518-255-5800. If you have questions or problems with ANGEL, call Jiang Tan at 518-255-5869 or email: tanj@cobleskill.edu

Q 15. How can I get advice on which degree/program I should apply for?
Answer: Call or email the Admission Office:
Toll Free: 1-800-295-8988
Local: 518-255-5525
Email: admissions@cobleskill.edu

Q 16. How are tests conducted? Are final exams given?

Answer: Tests can be conducted online and are often open book tests. Final exams are given at the discretion of the course instructor.

Q 17. Is there a team assignment for online classes? How do team assignments work? How often are they assigned?

Answer: Team Assignments are given at the discretion of the instructor who would direct students in the assignment. How often they are given is also at the discretion of the instructor. There is no set rule for this criterion.

Q 18. Before I apply for an online course, is there any way that I can review course schedules?

Answer: Go to online course listing and description for detail information.

Q 19. How do I register for my online classes?

Answer: If you plan to take online courses in summer, you can register online. If you are interested in taking online courses during other semesters, visit the Registrar's Office for more information.

Q 20. How do I contact my academic advisor?

Answer: If a student is taking online classes and/or is a part time student, they are not assigned an academic advisor. If the student is a full time matriculated student then they would contact their academic advisor through the usual channels. Advisement would have taken place before the faculty leaves campus. The student taking a summer class would not have access to their academic advisor who is not on campus for the summer.

Q 21. What payment plans are available?

Answer: Information for payment plans can be found at Students Account Office: Knapp Hall, Room 118A
Phone: (518) 255-5539
Fax: (518) 255-5844
Student Account Office
Or visit this site: Payment FAQ

Q 22. How much time should I devote each week to my online course?

Answer: During a typical fifteen week, on-campus course a student spends three hours a week in the classroom and is expected to spend an additional two hours per credit hour (six hours) studying and/or preparing for the course. Over a fifteen week time frame the total hours expected in a three-credit course would be one hundred thirty five hours or nine hours per week. In an online class however that time can be higher since the class does not meet and the burden of time is on the student. In a condensed situation such as summer classes that are held over six weeks the amount of time spent in an online class is significant.

Q 23. How do I find the course textbook information?

Answer: The Bookstore on campus has all the information of what books you'll need for the course you'll take. You can call this number 518-255-5227 to find out. Check this site for textbooks or eTextbooks.