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Lifelong Learning

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General Information Links

• Admission to the University
• Lifelong Learning Tuition & Fees
• University Policies
• Textbook Information

• Important Forms
• Computer Requirements/Protection
• Academic Calendar

• About Internet Courses
• About ITV Courses
• About Blackboard
• About Buzz In
• About Your ESU Email
• About Horizon Wimba

• Weather Announcements
• Student Resources & Services
• Frequently Asked Questions
• About Our Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

I Have Questions About...

Blackboard

Blackboard is an e-Education platform designed to enable educational innovations everywhere by connecting people and technology. For login instructions and a list of frequently asked questions, visit About Blackboard. Questions answered include:

  • How do I access my Course?
  • How do I Change my Password?
  • If my instructor has made my class unavailable, how do I know the course is in Blackboard?
  • My course is listed in the My Courses section of Blackboard but I am unable to access it?
  • Why are last semester's classes still appearing in Blackboard?
  • Why is a class I dropped still appearing in Blackboard?
  • Can I remove a class from Blackboard?
  • What are some concerns for Mac users?
  • My instructor says he gets an error message when trying to view my assignment I uploaded.
  • I cannot view any threads on the discussion board. I get this message after I click on the first posted thread “Click Here to view alternate content for browsers that do not support IFRAMES.” When I click, I get nothing.
  • I’m trying to access a quiz, but I get a message that the quiz is already in progress.
  • I am unable to access the Virtual Classroom.
  • I created a posting on the Discussion Board and clicked the "Save" button.  I can’t find what I posted. It isn’t there.
  • My instructor has asked us to submit an assignment using the Digital Drop Box. Where do I find it and how do I use it?
  • While taking a quiz, the screen will freeze up but the time will continue to countdown, leaving me with little or no time to move on to the next question. What can I do?
  • How do I get help?

Buzz In

Buzz In is Emporia State University's web portal that serves as the single point of entry for the university's information assets. For information about accessing Buzz In and other details, visit About Buzz In.

Courses Offered

In addition to offering Internet courses, Lifelong Learning offers ITV and face-to-face courses at several locations throughout the state of Kansas. Some of our programs have homes at our Metro Learning Center in Metro Kansas City, at Kansas City Kansas Community College in Kansas City, and at Butler Community College in El Dorado. We also offer credit for workshops, conferences, and special elective credit classes. Visit our Online Course Catalog for a complete listing of classes available to you.

Distance Programs

ESU’s innovative distance learning programs embody the latest technology to customize the educational experience for place/time bound adults faced with the challenges of juggling work, family and school responsibilities. Visit Programs and Degrees Offered at a Distance for Bachelor's Degree Completion Programs, Master's Degree Programs, Graduate Certificate Programs, and Licensure Programs.

Enrollment Verification

You may request an official enrollment verification from Academic Records.
Visit Verifications for details.

ESU Email Accounts

Emporia State University students enrolled in Lifelong Learning distance courses are REQUIRED to maintain an email account through Emporia State University. Visit About Your ESU Email Account for login instructions, password information, how to forward your email to another account, details on using email clients, and a link to the ESU Email Policy.

Full Time Status

Undergraduate students must be enrolled in 10 or more credit hours to be full time. Graduate students must be enrolled in 7 or more credit hours to be full time. Full-time status for financial aid purposes is calculated differently. See Financial Aid Enrollment Status for details.

Instructors

You can locate your instructor's email and/or other contact information by:

Internet Courses

For answers to many questions regarding Internet courses, visit About Internet Courses and Online Learning. Questions answered include:

  • What is Online Learning Like?
  • What Can I Expect When Taking an Online Course?
  • Can I Start My Class Anytime I Want?
  • How Does Online Learning Work?
  • What is Blackboard?
  • What Determines Success in an Online Course?
  • What Level of Computer Skills Do I Need?
  • What Kind of Computer Equipment Do I Need?
  • Do I Need to Maintain an ESU Email Account?
  • What Internet Courses are Available?
  • Where Else Can I Find Internet Courses?
  • What If I Need Help?

ITV (Interactive Television)

ITV classes consist of interactive audio and video conferencing between ESU and one or more sites. For more information, visit About ITV.

Lifelong Learning Staff

For our address, contact information, and details about staff members, visit About Lifelong Learning

Registration

There are many options for registering for Lifelong Learning courses. Visit Lifelong Learning Registration for registration instructions and links.

Resources & Services for Distance Students

As a part of the academic community at Emporia State University, the Office of Lifelong Learning offers students a number of resources and services unique to adult and distance learners. These resources and services are provided to assist students in their pursuit of academic and personal success. Some of these resources and services include:

Responsibilities of Distance Students

Visit Post Enrollment Information for a list of your responsibilities. Among others, links include textbook ordering, instructions for Internet courses, and aids for finding your schedule and dropping courses. WE RECOMMEND THAT STUDENTS VISIT THIS SITE EVERY SEMESTER FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.

Student ID Numbers

Student ID numbers have been assigned to all ESU students to replace the use of social security numbers for conducting university business including registering for classes and requesting transcripts. 

To look-up your Student ID, use our ID Look Up Form.  You will need your username and SSN.  If you did not provide a SSN at time of application, contact the Help Desk at 1-877-332-4249 to learn your ID.

NOTE: Students who applied before March of 2007 will have an ID starting with several zeros. You may continue using that number or begin using your new Student ID that starts with an E.

Teaching Distance Courses

Instructors should visit Information for Instructors Teaching at a Distance for general information and site-specific information about teaching Lifelong Learning courses.

Testing for Distance Students

Testing is available at both the main ESU Campus and at the ESU Metro Learning Center in Overland Park for CAAP, MAT & MFT tests. Visit Distance Testing for details.

Textbooks

Textbooks can be reserved or ordered through the Memorial Union Bookstore web site or by phone.  Textbook delivery to the ESU Metro Learning Center in Overland Park is also available. Visit Textbook Information for details.

Tuition & Fees

Visit Lifelong Learning Tuition & Fees for more information.

University Admission

Students do not need to be admitted to ESU to take a course offered through Lifelong Learning. However, students who plan to seek admission are encouraged to apply no later than the second semester of enrollment. Please note that some courses are limited to students who have been admitted. For more information, visit Admission to the University.

University Policies

Visit University Policies for details. If you need explanation of any of these policies please contact us directly for assistance.

Updating Address & Phone

If you have an address or phone number change please use our Update Address/Phone Form.

Viewing My Grades

Grades are not sent by mail to students. For courses in Spring 2007 or earlier, login to STING (STudent INformation & Grades) and select Current or Past Class Schedule. For courses in Summer 2007 or later, login to Buzz In, go to the Academic Life tab, and select the correct term under Student Grades.

Viewing My Schedule

Summer 2007 or Later:
Go to the Student Grades section on the Academic Life tab and select the appropriate term. If you would like a more detailed schedule including dates, locations, instructors, etc: 1) select Midterm under Student Grades, 2) go to the Student and Financial Aid tab, 3) select Registration, and 4) select Student Detail Schedule.

Spring 2007 or Earlier:
Use STING (STudent INformation & Grades).

Weather & Class Cancellations

Please check the weather announcements link located on the homepage OR call Lifelong Learning at 1(877)332-4249. Courses are cancelled when site facilities are closed or at the instructor's request.

Last Updated May 2, 2007