ARC FAQs

This page lists FAQs for the Academic Resource Center.

What is the Academic Resource Center (ARC) and what does it do?

ARC is the Academic Resources Center. We administer online courses offered by Chattanooga State. ARC also offers training to faculty in online delivery of course content.

How do I access my Chattanooga State online courses?

Go to eLearn and login using your username and password; the login page explains how to find your username and password.

TIP Bookmark the logon page to make it easier to find in the future.

What do I need to succeed in an online class?

Chattanooga State has many resources to assist online students. The eLearn Survival Guide is a good place to start.

What's the difference between Chattanooga State eLearn courses and TN eCampuscourses?

Chattanooga State eLearn courses originate from this campus; they are listed in Banner as Web-Asynchronous. The eLearn course management system provides tools such as email, discussion forums, quizzes, etc. that instructors use to customize their individual courses.

TN eCampus offers online courses developed by a number of schools across the state of Tennessee and provides students an opportunity to gain a degree in some disciplines totally online. TN eCampus also utilizes eLearn to manage courses but TN eCampus eLearn is accessed from elearn.rodp.org.

Do online courses cost more than lecture courses?

There is an additional $10.00 charge for each Chattanooga State on-line course; up to 4. Check with Tuition and Fees.

Are online classes easier than regular classes?

Please don't make the assumption that because taking a class via online is more convenient that the actual content will be easier. CDE and our instructors strive to make the learning experience the same in whatever format it may be presented.

Will federal financial aid fund online courses?

Yes, online courses are accepted for full funding by federal and state aid programs. For information visit Financial Aid.

How do students register for online courses?

CDE strongly recommends each student discuss with an advisor which courses they should take before registering. Visit Advising for more information.

Are online courses on the same semester schedule as traditional classes?

Yes, for the most part. Check the scheduled beginning and ending dates for each class when you register. Some classes may be on the Flex schedule. Also, online instructors reserve the right to set the ending date for their individual courses. Hence, the date could be earlier than the posted semester ending date. Also online instructors may not observe the Spring Break dates. It's important to read the syllabus and/or calendar provided for each class carefully. NOTE: Online classes are not accessible until the first day of classes each semester. If a student registers for an online class after the first day of class, it will likely be 24-48 hours before the student can access the online course content.

Are the same courses offered online every semester?

A large number of general education (composition, math, sciences, etc.) courses are offered online every semester. Some courses that follow a sequence are only offered in the Fall or Spring semesters. Some programs do not offer courses during the summer semester. Check the online course schedule for the most up-to-date list of what's being offered.

What is the success rate between online students versus traditional students?

The success rate for online students compares favorably to that of traditional students. To be successful, a student should be comfortable using computers and the internet, communicating with instructors and classmates through email and acquiring information by reading. The ability to type is also helpful. However, poor typists should not be discouraged from taking an online course, just plan to schedule extra time to complete course assignments.