Frequently Asked Questions



Who can take online courses at NHCC?
The Office of Distance Education has an open enrollment policy. Anyone may participate in the courses without regard to their previous college experience. However, we highly recommend that the student have the ability to do college level work. Distance Education students do not need to go through our normal college admission procedures. Rather, each student is required to submit a course enrollment form along with their course fees each semester. Distance education students desiring to enroll in a residential program must meet all requirements for admission as stated in the New Hope Christian College catalog and make formal application through the Director of Admissions. Acceptance as a distance education student does not imply acceptance as a residential student.

Where will NHCC courses take place?
For students participating in a cohort model, classes will be held in a designated meeting space at a church or other facility. Classes will be taught via pre- recorded on-demand video. Individual learners will be able to participate in on-demand courses wherever a computer and high-speed internet connection is available. Besides required books, all course material will be accessible to distance learners online.

What opportunities are available for internship?
One of the great things about the LIM program is that it allows students to study without having to leave their current church ministry context. Churches with LIM students are encouraged to organize internships for their students as is fitting for their ministries and calling. Online students have the option of fulfilling a social science elective requirement through a supervised church internship. Details for interns and supervising churches may be found here.

Is financial aid available for the LIM program?
Due to federal regulations, US Federal Student Aid is not available for distance education courses. Certain discounts and/or scholarships may be available to some distance learning students through our Financial Aid Office. Students should contact that office for further information.

What is the deadline for applying for online courses?
On-demand courses are available for application through the Office of Distance Education at any time. Upon acceptance, individual students will receive access to will to register online one week before the start of the upcoming semester. The 2012-13 semester dates are listed below. Individual students wishing to participate in courses during the 2012-13 school year must register by the deadline listed below. Approved cohort groups may be allowed to offer a course within a different timetable arranged through the Office of Distance Education.

SEMESTER DATES REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Summer 2012 May 14th - August 3rd May 18th, 2012
Fall 2012 August 28th - December 14th August 31st, 2012
Spring 2013 January 8th - May 3rd January 11th, 2013

Library resources?
Much of the resources for online courses will be provided for in the required reading and course guides. Other resources are available through the Flint Memorial Library online database and application services. Access to these services will be given to distance education students taking course for credit upon registration. Other resources that distance learners deem necessary will be, in general, the responsibility of the learners to provide for themselves locally. This may be done through the Internet, purchasing new and used books, and utilizing public and private library resources local to the student.

Work load?
The work load of online courses is commensurate with those offered to on-campus students. In addition to required text book reading, distance learners should expect to spend 4-5 hours/week online (cohort learners may be offline) each week listening to video lectures, and reading lecture notes, taking quizzes and tests, and participating in discussion.

Which delivery system is right for me?
NHCC is committed to help you find the best delivery system for you given your own personal learning style and practical needs. Traditional online course options provide the greatest amount of interactivity and participation with on-campus instructors. However, traditional courses also allow for less schedule flexibility as they require students to login at multiple designated times during the week. Students and groups unsure about which delivery system to choose may contact the Office of Distance Education for consultation.

What are the technical requirements for distance education courses?
A detailed list of technical requirements for cohorts and individuals can be found here

What technical support do you offer distance education students?
Technical support for distance learners will be provided by the Office of Information Technology at NHCC. This includes support for assessing the minimum technical requirements for participation in online courses, managing student access to MOODLE and troubleshooting access to and viewing of on-demand video resources.

What student support services are available to distance education students?
Academic and financial advising will be provided by the Office of Distance Education. Due to geographical location some limitation may occur in providing student activity opportunities, but full options will be provided in the basic services of financial aid, enrollment, advisement, information and communication, and any appropriate service needed to complete the LIM Certificate Program.

Can high school students enroll in NHCC distance education courses?
The Office of Distance Education at NHCC has an open enrollment policy, which allows high school students to enroll in our college-level distance learning courses. This is an excellent way for high school students to get a head start on college. Many high schools will also give high school credit to students who complete college-level courses (similar to Advanced Placement programs). We encourage the high school student to request that their school allow them to have that high school credit when they do our courses. If the high school needs further information, they may feel free to contact the Office of Distance Education.