Do you have questions about online learning at Johnson & Wales University? Use this FAQ to find your answers.
If you still have questions, contact Online Learning, 401-598-2778. For admissions-related questions, call 401-598-2300.
What is online learning?In online courses at Johnson & Wales University, the instructor and students are connected through ulearn, JWU's online learning course platform.
Through ulearn you receive instruction, review course content, submit assignments, ask questions of the instructor and other students, discuss issues, and actively participate in the class from your home, office, or wherever a computer and Internet connection is available.
Although you can participate in the course on your own time, you must stick to a course schedule and complete activities, assignments, exams, and participation requirements according to their deadlines. Online courses are equivalent in content and rigor to JWU’s traditional face-to-face courses.
What is expected of me in an online course?Each course has a syllabus that outlines expectations and requirements for the course. Each online course has activities, assignments and assessments required throughout the course according to a schedule.
Participation requirements may include posting a certain number of original messages, responding to a certain number of other posts, or logging in and contributing a certain number of times each week.
It is important that you stick to the schedule for the course. The schedule exists to make sure you and your classmates are engaged in the same content and online discussions as the same time, which leads to a quality online learning experience.
What is ulearn?ulearn is the University's online learning course platform. In ulearn, you will access course materials for online courses, communicate with your classmates, and engage in learning activities.
How do I get access to ulearn?Beginning three days before the first day of each term, use your JWU username and password to log into jwuLink and then click on the ulearn icon. An email will be sent to you a few days before the term begins to remind you to log in. It will provide information about participating in your online course.
How do I use ulearn and how do I get help?Many features of ulearn are intuitive to use. Prior to starting your first course you will have an opportunity to run through a ulearn orientation that will give you information on features you will use and opportunities to practice using those features.
If you need assistance using ulearn, the ulearn Help Desk provides support 24/7 via email, chat, and phone, and has step-by-step instructions for using its features.
Do I have to be online at a certain time in order to participate?You are not required to be online at any given time. All course work is completed on your own time. Occasionally the instructor may offer live chat meetings or web conferencing sessions, but you will not be required to attend them.
How will the instructor know I am participating in the course?Each course includes several required activities with deadlines for completion. The activities may include completion of assignments, taking exams, participating in discussions, etc. The instructor is able to track whether or not each student has completed the activities.
What kind of time and attention will I receive from the instructor?In the course syllabus, each instructor outlines how s/he should be contacted and their expected response time. Many instructors check in to courses daily during the week to respond to emails, review discussions and assignments and provide course input.
Many instructors also offer virtual office hours via live chat and are available via phone during office hours. You may also leave voice messages for instructors.
How are online courses graded?Online courses are graded in much the same way as face-to-face courses. Assignments are turned in online and graded by faculty. Tests are created and delivered online. Fixed answer questions (true/false, multiple choice-style questions) are graded automatically and open-ended questions (essay, long answer) are graded by the instructor.
Some faculty grade participation in discussion forums, blogs, and journals. Collaborative work on group projects may also be graded.
How do I take exams?Most exams are completed online in ulearn. The ENG 0001 Writing Workshop course and challenge exams (if applicable) require proctored exams/assessments. A proctor is a person who administers the exam or assessment. For ENG 0001 and challenge exams (if applicable to you), you must make proctoring arrangements.
If you live close to a JWU campus, you may make arrangements for the proctored exam or assessment on the campus. If you are not able to visit a JWU campus, you must make arrangements for an independent proctor. See Proctoring Policies for details.
What is the timeframe for online courses? Courses follow the same term calendar with the same beginning and ending dates as other courses. Undergraduate courses last 11 weeks. You will receive access to the online course(s) that you are registered for three days before the first day of the term.
How will I know what books I need? How will I purchase them?Textbooks for online courses offered to on-campus students are available at the four campus bookstores. The textbooks for the online sections may be different than the textbooks for the on-campus sections, so be sure to look for the online section that you are registered in before purchasing your textbooks.
Textbooks for courses in the online degree programs are available only from the JWU Bookstore at the North Miami campus and may be ordered online.
Will I ever have to visit a JWU campus?No you won’t need to attend class on campus. All courses in the BS in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management and the BS in Baking & Pastry Arts and Food Service Management may be completed online.
What hardware and software do I need?See Computer Requirements.
What if my computer or Internet connection breaks during a course?Most instructors will not accept excuses related to broken equipment or Internet accessibility. Students in all courses are expected to deal with technology challenges and meet deadlines accordingly. Students are encouraged to have a backup plan in case of a computer breakdown.
What if I need help with the course?Students are urged to seek assistance from faculty if they need extra help. Faculty may determine appropriate steps for providing the student with the required assistance, which may include contacting the Center for Academic Support to arrange for tutoring services.
The Center for Academic Support can also help with accommodations for students with learning disabilities, physical challenges, or chronic medical conditions.
If you have a question about ulearn, the ulearn Help Desk also resources for learning about ulearn and contact information for requesting 24/7 assistance.
Is my online degree the same as a degree offered on campus?Yes, you receive the same degree that you would receive if you attended classes on campus. Your transcript will not reflect that the degree program was completed online. JWU is fully accredited through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, including its online programs.
What is jwuLink?jwuLink is the university’s website for secure transactions. Through jwuLink, you can access unlearn, print schedules, register for courses, view grades, determine holds, make payments, review financial aid information, and more.
How do online courses appear on my transcript?Online courses appear no differently on your transcript than courses taken in a campus classroom.
How do I obtain grades?The university does not mail term grade reports. Although grades for online courses are available in ulearn, all official grades are available online via jwuLink, where you may access your grades securely and print them at your discretion. You will receive a notification in your JWU email each term when the grades are available in jwuLink.