| Question |
Answer |
| Are both Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 courses available online? |
Yes. Virtual learning is the only option available for the Summer 2020 semester, and we plan on all students joining us at James Madison University in Fall 2020. If unanticipated issues, such as visa interview delays or travel bans, prevent you from arriving in Harrisonburg on time, an online option will be available for Fall 2020. |
| How many credits will I earn for my courses I take online? |
The number of credits per course for the International Year (IY) are the same for online courses as they are for on-campus courses:
- 1-Semester: 12 credits
- 2-Semester: 9 credits
- 3-Semester: 6 credits
- IEP + 3-Semester: 1 credit
|
| Who will teach my courses? |
Your courses will be delivered online by the same highly trained university faculty who deliver our on-campus courses. |
| How will my online courses be conducted? |
Your courses will consist of high-quality interactive sessions that include live and recorded video and voice sessions. Some of our courses will be live while some courses can be completed on your own time. Some examples of interactive sessions you may participate in during your course may include
- Participating in a live discussion online
- Watching an online presentation and inserting your own video comments or questions throughout the video
- Participate in a discussion board on your own time
- Viewing a lecture and participating in a Zoom meeting with your professor to answer questions
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| Do I need to be available at a specific time to participate in the course online? |
The course material can be accessed at your convenience. There will be live interactive class sessions and recorded sessions that will be available for you to access. You will be informed of any required live interactive sessions well in advance so that you can plan ahead. Recorded sessions can be accessed at any time based on your own schedule.
Required interactive sessions may be scheduled in different time zones to allow students to interact with instructors and other students. When working on group presentations, you will have the flexibility to find a time which is convenient for everyone in the group.
While some class sessions may be scheduled at a specific day and time, most will not. As opposed to on-campus delivery, most courses will have no set class hours, except for any pre-scheduled interactive sessions. Students will be expected to have self-discipline and be active participants in the virtual classroom. Students will be required to check the class materials and assignments regularly, whether or not the class meets at a scheduled time each week. Students must be engaged in the program Monday through Friday and meet all assignment deadlines. |
| How will I be graded during my courses? |
ISC students will be graded on a traditional letter grade scale (A to F) during all sessions. |
| What is the attendance policy for online classes? |
Attendance may be taken at synchronous (real-time) class meetings. JMU students are expected to access all of their assigned learning materials in a timely fashion and are expected to complete all assignments, exams, quizzes, discussions by the deadlines. You should expect to check Canvas Mondays through Fridays to ensure you have all of the information you need to complete your assignments on time. |
| What type of materials and platform will I use for my courses? |
We utilize the virtual learning platform Canvas and additional platforms like Webex and Zoom to support your learning. Canvas houses course outlines, materials, discussion forums, recorded sessions, collaboration tools, and more as the learning management system that James Madison University uses for all classes, and it does not require a VPN. The online platform will include course materials and recorded sessions that will help you review those course materials. You will submit all assignments for JMU through the Canvas platform. |
| What tools do I need to start my courses at James Madison University? |
You will need the following resources to support your virtual learning:
- Textbooks
- Laptop or PC
- Internet with good Internet connectivity
- Webcam (for PC) or laptop camera for interactive discussions
- Time – each course will require a significant time commitment (participation in sessions and online groups, assignments, etc.)
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| Since I’m studying virtually, is there a tuition discount? |
The full tuition price is required for virtual learning at James Madison University. Your tuition price reflects the value of the high-quality education and the caliber of JMU instructors, which is the same as if you were studying on campus.
Study Group has discounted the Comprehensive Fee by 50% for International Study Center students for both Summer and Fall Semesters.
- Summer Semester IY Comprehensive Fee: $1,239
- Fall Semester IY Comprehensive Fee: $1,270
ISC students will continue to have access to all of student support services online and our online engagement tools to help you feel a part of JMU’s community while studying virtually. |
| What if I decide I don’t want to spend the semester enrolled in a virtual learning course? |
For students who decide to withdraw after beginning their online courses, ISC and DA students may receive a 100% refund on their tuition and deposit from the start of the course (August 26) to September 15, 2020, should they decide not to continue with virtual learning for the Fall 2020 Semester.
In the case of students who complete the course online and are not able to come to the USA because of visa issues, the following refund policy applies: For students who complete the semester online and 1) have achieved the required GPA to progress/matriculate and 2) have provided evidence of two (2) visa rejections, those students will receive a 50% tuition refund.
To cancel your place before commencement of your program or withdraw from your studies during the Trial Period, please use the following link: https://www.studygroup.com/request-withdrawal-NA
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