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Getting Started Checklist
Follow this checklist to ensure you are registered and ready to begin you distance education course.
Course Registration
New students who have never taken an ISU class must use the "Registration Form" to register for a class. Returning students will use AccessPlus to register for a class. Registration Questions - Call 515-294-1889 (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST). For more information about the registration process please review the Office the Registrar website.
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Confirmation
Upon completion of the registration process you will receive a confirmation email from the Office of the Registrar. Please note you are not officially registered until you have received this confirmation
email.
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AccessPlus
New students at Iowa State University will receive a letter explaining the process of registering
for AccessPlus. AccessPlus allows you to: view and print grades, view a current or future
class schedule, change your address, print an unofficial transcript,
review your current university bill, view or print financial aid information,
print tax forms 1098-E and 1098-T for higher education federal tax benefits,
and register for courses. You can also gain access to your University
Identification Number through the AccessPlus ISU Identification Number's
page within the main screen after login.
To establish your AccessPlus account go to https://accessplus.iastate.edu/frontdoor/login.jsp.
The login can be done with your Social Security Number or University Identification
Number, you may choose which option you would like on the initial pull
down menu.
If you have never used AccessPlus, your default password will be your birth month and birth date in 4 digit format Ex. January 2 would be 0102.
After you have set your new password you can then login. On the first page
(upper left hand corner) you will find a link to access your ISU Identification
Number. You will use your ISU Identification Number to assist you
in setting up your ISU Net ID
(email account). Note: Your ISU email account will be the main line of communication between Iowa
State and you, therefore, it is critically you set this account up as
quickly as possible.
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ISU Net ID (email account)
After obtaining your ISU Identification Number you can then use it to set up
your ISU Net ID email account. You can set up your login on the Webmail Registration page. Follow the directions on the registration page. You should receive confirmation
upon successful completion of your Net ID email account.
Your email address will be your Net
ID followed by @iastate.edu. To check your ISU email account you will
need to log into the university's WebMail system. Your Net ID will allow access to WebCT courses.
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eLibrary
The e-Library provides access to the collections and services of the ISU physical
library. Materials are accessible by registered ISU students any time
of day or night. Images are available in PDF format and viewed using
Adobe Acrobat Reader. To access materials, you need an ISU Email address
and your ISU ID number. You will need to set your personal identification
number (PIN) to use the library site. The e-Library site is located at: http://www.lib.iastate.edu/home.html.
Distance education students help pages: http://www.lib.iastate.edu/class/distlearn/distlearn_main.html
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Textbooks
Textbooks and course materials may be purchased from any textbook source. Bookstores
close to Iowa State University include: University Book
Store and Campus Bookstore. When placing an order, you will need
the course
department, course
number, and course section. Students are responsible for purchasing the
correct edition for their course.
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Test Your Computer
Distance education courses require certain computer capabilities. You will want
to view the computer requirements to ensure your computer has all necessary features before the start of your
class. Do you have the latest version of your web browser (Mozilla Firefox
or Internet Explorer is preferred). Computers older than two years may
require additional memory. Check your Internet connection speed (you must have a minimum 384.0 Kbps connect speed to view streaming course video).
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Proctored exams
Your instructor may require a proctor for one or more exams. A proctor
is an individual who can supervise all exams taken during the course.
Please direct all questions regarding proctors to your course instructor.
Review and print the Proctor Information Form. (requires Acrobat Reader)
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WebCT
The majority of Distance Education courses utilize WebCT for communications,
testing, assignments, chat, threaded discussions, and course content.
If your class will be using WebCT you will want to login prior to the
start date of the semester.
Your Net ID ( email address) and the password is used to login to WebCT. Your
instructor will add you to the class through WebCT and you should be
able to view
the class information online usually one
week prior to the beginning of classes (Times vary on a course by course
basis). Prior to your WebCT login do a browser check to ensure your computer
is properly configured. This link is found at the bottom of the WebCT
login page. Also review the information contained under the Student Support
link.
Log in at https://webct.its.iastate.edu/webct/entryPageIns.dowebct.
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Transcripts / Grades
Grade reports are not mailed, but may be viewed on AccessPlus one week after
the semester ends. Unofficial transcripts are available on AccessPlus. Official
ISU transcripts can be ordered through AccessPlus and charged to your university
bill. Your transcript can be mailed to the address of your choice. To place
an order, sign into AccessPlus, pick the Student tab, and then select the
menu item Grades & Transcripts. You may call (515) 294-1840 to order a transcript. For more information:
http://www.iastate.edu/~registrar/info/transcpt.html
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