Registration
IUP students register for distance education courses through the URSA website, just as they register for any other course. Non-IUP students must register through the School of Continuing Education by using the application form. When your application form is received, we will make every effort to enroll you in your course. Once enrolled, you will receive written confirmation and shortly thereafter, a bill from the Bursar’s Office for tuition and fees (which includes a deadline for payment).
Follow this link for Registration Instructions. Please read on for other specifics.
Dropping/Withdrawing from a Course
IUP Students
Current IUP students can drop a course during the Drop/Add period or withdraw from a course BEFORE the Withdrawal Deadline Date through the URSA website. After the Drop/Add period, regular IUP students must follow the procedures for a withdrawal. For details on the Individual Course Withdrawal Policy, please see the Registrar’s website. For information on refunds, please see the Bursar’s website. Failure to notify IUP will result in continued billing, the complete loss of tuition and fees paid, and an "F" grade.
Non-IUP Students
To drop a course (before the drop deadline date), or withdrawal from a course (after the drop deadline date), Non-IUP students must contact the Office of Distance Learning and Continuing Education via e-mail at ce-info@iup.edu or telephone 1-800-640-7421. Depending on the date you withdraw from a course, certain fees will still apply. Failure to notify IUP will result in continued billing, the complete loss of tuition and fees paid, and an "F" grade.
Note to All Distance Education Students
Non-payment of fees and/or non-participation in your course does not constitute a withdrawal from the course.
Two to Three Weeks Prior to the Beginning of the Course
- Be sure your computer meets minimum technical specifications.
- Order textbooks: Books for the online courses are available at the IUP Co-op Store. It is recommended that you call the store two or three weeks prior to the beginning of the course to receive your books by mail before classes begin or follow the link above to textbooks for on-line ordering convenience. Call the IUP Co-op Store at 800-537-7916 if you need further assistance.
- Set up your IUP e-mail account.
- Obtain software, etc. listed in the description of your course.
- Update your mailing address.
- Learn about WebCT and Moodle.
Student Responsibility to Have an IUP E-mail Account and Log into URSA
When you receive notification that your application and registration have been approved, you will also receive instructions for accessing your IUP e-mail account. IUP uses e-mail as an official form of communication with its students. You will receive an introductory letter from your instructor, which will be sent to your IUP e-mail address, several weeks before the first day of class. Check your IUP e-mail account regularly!
IUP’s URSA website is where you will find your computing information necessary for accessing IUP e-mail, your registration information, your final grade, and much more. Please use this account to communicate with your professor and to receive official communications from IUP.
Basic Abilities
Some basic abilities applied here are: ability to use a mouse (double-click, block, drag, and drop), using a web browser such as Internet Explorer, the use of e-mail, navigation of the Internet, and the ability to download and install plug-ins and required software.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Because WebCT is based on the Internet, you will need to have access to a computer and the hardware and software resources needed to access the Internet. Suggestions for each are listed below:
- The computer must be robust enough to run one of the recent web browsers and download files in a reasonable amount of time. For personal computers, we recommend at least a 486 personal computer (or its equivalent Apple or Unix machine) with at least eight megabytes of RAM.
- You will need to be able to reach the World Wide Web, either through a network at your place of business or through a modem connection from home. The modem should be at least 28.8 bps. If you can, use an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that has a local access number so that you can avoid long distance charges.
- The browser that you use is important. WebCT requires a browser that is both Java and JavaScript enabled. This option needs to be set in your browser. For best results in WebCT, use Netscape 3.0 or 4.0 or Internet Explorer 4.0. Early versions of Internet Explorer and Netscape have problems with Java. If you would like a browser tune-up to ensure your browser settings are optimized for running a WebCT course visit WebCT Browser Tune-up.
- Account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for Internet access
- Active e-mail account
Some courses may require additional hardware and software. For Example some courses have video files to be viewed using Media Player, which requires additional hardware.
WebCT Course Competencies
Develop WebCT competencies. Almost all IUP distance education courses use WebCT. In order to successfully complete a distance education course you should develop competency in WebCT using functions like e-mail, discussion, and quizzes.
By the first day of the scheduled course, your instructor will give you access to your course on WebCT.
University Proctored Exam Arrangements
If you live more than fifty miles from main campus and your instructor requires a proctored exam, you must make the arrangements. It is your responsibility to recommend someone who fits the criteria and provide the contact information to the instructor of your course. A proctor cannot be a member of your family or household. Please note that the university cannot pay for proctor service. See the Proctored Exam page for complete instructions.
Access Grades
Students obtain grades electronically at IUP. You will not receive your grades in the mail but will access them via the web at the IUP URSA website. See the Grades and Credits section.
