Remote Synchronous/Distance Learning and Hybrid Delivery of Courses/Programs

ECPI offers some courses through remote synchronous or hybrid delivery formats. The tuition rate is the same for on-campus, online, remote synchronous, or hybrid courses.  

Admissions. During the admissions process, ECPI University utilizes various standardized assessment tools to determine an applicant’s preparedness to undertake college-level coursework. In addition to taking an admissions assessment, the Admissions advisor will conduct a personal interview with all candidates to assess whether the applicants have the appropriate skills and competencies needed to succeed in taking courses through remote synchronous, hybrid or online delivery.

Requirements regarding distance education vary from state to state. The initial enrollment documents are reviewed using the address provided upon enrollment to determine physical location and individual ability to complete the program requirements in the location provided. Upon enrolling the student signs an Enrollment Agreement certifying all information.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform ECPI University of address changes. It is essential that students notify the campus Student Records Coordinator and/or designee immediately of any changes to their name, address, telephone number or email address. Changing the state of residence during the course of the program may alter the ability of students to complete the program.

Remote Synchronous/Distance Learning Courses. Courses offered through a remote synchronous delivery method are conducted live using video conferencing software. Students are expected to attend and participate in class on the assigned days and hours. Attendance will be taken by the instructor and/or a teaching assistant. 

Students must have appropriate equipment to participate remotely in distance learning classes. Equipment should include PC or laptop computer (other devices may be used if approved), a camera and microphone. Students are also strongly encouraged to use headsets while participating in the class. Students who do not have access to appropriate technology will not be allowed to continue in the course.

Participation using cell phones, tablets, etc. is not recommended unless they are the preferred technology being used in the class. These devices do not support all technologies used in ECPI programs. 

Students are recorded as attended when visible on camera. Failure to appear on camera and respond when requested may result in missed attendance.

Students should participate in a private location to reduce background distractions and the potential to be interrupted during class. The video conferencing software provides background screens to filter out background activity that may be a distraction. Students may be required to use filters when in class.

Students should be aware that they are being viewed by others in the class at all times and must present themselves in a professional manner just as they would in a campus classroom. 

Students should remain on mute unless participating in a discussion, asking a question or responding to the instructor.

 
Hybrid Courses. Courses offered in a hybrid delivery format may combine on-campus (face-to-face) instruction with synchronous (live) or asynchronous (online) instruction or learning activities. The asynchronous portion of the courses follows the format and requirements of online delivery. The asynchronous (online) instruction/activities will not exceed 50 percent of all instruction/activities.

Courses have the same course outcomes, whether they are offered on-campus, online, or through remote synchronous or hybrid delivery. For each course, students are expected to complete all work and submit assignments within the time period required by the faculty member and as provided on the course syllabus. The course textbook requirements are listed under the “Course Text Book” link for each classroom in the learning management system.

All courses are offered in a five-week term format. Each week of the term runs from Monday to Sunday. 

Student Identification Verification Process. During the application and admission process, students receive a unique and secure ECPI University username and password which allows students to authenticate to most University systems. Network user account credentials are managed by authorized personnel who assist students with password resets and unlocking of accounts, upon verifying identity. The features for the secure accounts include lockout after multiple incorrect log in attempts and answering security questions specific to the user.

Visual identification of the student occurs in the live remote synchronous environment. In addition, instructors in some classes use monitoring technology, which includes the presentation of ID cards, inspection of the local testing environment, video recording of exam sessions, and automatic flagging of suspicious behavior during the exam.

Students enrolling in remote synchronous or hybrid courses are required to review the Student Electronic Communications Policy, Student Conduct Policy, and Honor Code sections of this Catalog.

Orientation. The University is committed to student success; therefore, new students are required to attend a mandatory virtual/remote orientation. This orientation is designed to orient students to the University while providing information sessions on a range of topics to include study skills, adequate internet connection, required computer equipment, sufficient computer proficiency and knowledge to navigate a virtual/remote classroom. During the orientation, students log on to the Learning Management System to enter the virtual course prior to the first day of classes.  

Student Services. Comparable student support services are available for remote synchronous or hybrid students, including access to learning resources, financial assistance, career advising, and academic advising.

Medical Assisting and Surgical Technology programs. The programs are designed to meet licensure requirements in the states in which they are offered. The University has not determined if the programs fulfill the educational requirements for specific professional licensure or certification required for employment outside the states in which the programs reside.  Students who relocate to states in which the University does not have approval to operate may be adversely impacted in their ability to complete the program, obtain credentials, or gain in-field employment. 

A student’s physical location is determined at the time of enrollment by the student attestation of their physical location in the University enrollment portal. Students are able to notify the University of a change to their physical location in the University Student Portal and/or speak with their Program Director. It is recommended that students located in or planning to relocate to a state apart from where the program’s physical campus is located research any certification or employment requirements for their intended state. All prospective and current students should be advised that due to the frequent changes to state statutes, rules, and regulations the University cannot guarantee licensure in another state.

Requirements for Hardware and Software. Students may be required to upgrade hardware and/or software if completing their program through remote synchronous or hybrid instruction.  ECPI University supports Microsoft Windows Versions 10 and 11 operating systems.  Android, ChromeOS (Chromebook), iOS (iPad/iPhone), macOS, and Unix/Linux operating systems are not fully supported.  All Business, Criminal Justice, Engineering, Health Sciences, and Information Technology degree programs use third party software that requires a Windows-based computer. 

Hardware requirements will vary, depending upon the degree program.  ECPI University requires the following minimum hardware specifications:

Engineering and Information Technology Degree Programs

Specification: Minimum Requirement:
Number of vCPUs

8 vCPUs

Installed Memory (RAM) 16 GB RAM
Free Disk Space (Storage)  256 GB (SSD Drive) 
Installed Webcam  Built-in or USB 
Available Ethernet Port  Built-in 

 

All Other Degree Programs

Specification: Minimum Requirement:
Number of vCPUs

4 vCPUs

Installed Memory (RAM) 8 GB RAM
Free Disk Space (Storage) 256 GB (SSD Drive)
Installed Webcam Built-in or USB
Available Ethernet Port Built-in