What to Expect as an Online Student

    Online learning offers flexibility, but it also requires strong time management and attention to deadlines. Knowing what to expect will help you stay on track from the start. Be sure to login and read through all of your course requirements on DAY 1 of classes!

    Time commitment

    Plan for 3–4 hours per week per credit (a 3-credit course = about 9–12 hours/week). Some courses may require more time.

    Courses vary by instructor

    Each instructor designs their course differently. Review your syllabus and course materials at the start of each class.

    Your syllabus is key

    The syllabus outlines expectations, deadlines, grading, and policies. Most course questions are answered there.

    Deadlines are firm

    Online courses are often asynchronous, but they are not self-paced. Weekly deadlines apply, and many courses require participation throughout the week.

    Course length varies

    Most fall and spring courses are 16 weeks, but some programs offer 8-week or accelerated courses. Always confirm your course dates.

    Check your Penn College email daily

    All official communication is sent to your PCT email. Using it ensures you don’t miss important messages.

    Plan ahead for support

    Instructor responses and tutoring appointments are not immediate. Ask questions early and schedule support in advance when possible.

    Using P.L.A.T.O. (Your Online Classroom)

    All Penn College online courses are delivered through P.L.A.T.O. (Platform for Learning and Teaching Online), which uses the Brightspace/D2L system. P.L.A.T.O. is the online equivalent of a physical classroom—it’s where all course activity happens.

    What you’ll use P.L.A.T.O. for

    • Access course readings, videos, and instructions

    • Submit assignments

    • Participate in discussions

    • Take quizzes and exams

    • View grades and instructor feedback

    • Communicate with your instructor

    How to access

    Your course dashboard

    After logging in, you’ll see a dashboard listing your current courses. Click a course name to enter its course homepage, where instructors may post announcements and where you can view upcoming due dates on the course calendar.

    Key navigation links inside each course

    • Course Content – Weekly or module-based materials such as readings, videos, slides, and links

    • Drop Box – Where you upload assignments for grading

    • Quizzes/Exams – Access assessments, if used in your course

    • Discussions – Participate in required online discussions

    • Grades – View grades and instructor feedback

    • Instructor Information – Contact details and office hours

    • Course Syllabus – Course policies, expectations, deadlines, and grading criteria

    • Student Resources – Quick links to academic support, advising, tutoring, library services, accessibility resources, counseling, and IT support

    • Madigan Library – Access books, journals, and online research resources

    P.L.A.T.O. is the central hub for your online learning. Checking it regularly is one of the most important habits you can build for success as an online student.

    Support & Where to Get Help

    Online students have access to the same supports as on-campus students. The key difference is knowing who to contact and when to reach out. If something feels off academically or personally, don’t wait, support works best when you use it early.

    Your Course Instructors

    Your instructor is your first point of contact for anything related to a course, content questions, assignments, or concerns that may impact your performance.

    • Office hours are listed in the syllabus and in P.L.A.T.O. → Instructor Information

    • Online instructors offer email, phone, and virtual meetings

    • If office hours don’t fit your schedule, email to request an alternate time

    Academic Advising

    Your academic advisor supports more than course scheduling—they help with academic planning and decision-making.

    • Advisor information and office hours are available in SIS

    • Online learners are encouraged to connect regularly, not just during registration

    Hudock Center for Academic Excellence (Academic Support Hub)

    The Michael J. Hudock, Sr. Center for Academic (Davie Jane Gilmour Center, Room 1049) provides academic support for all students, including online learners. Services include academic success planning, peer mentoring, and access to online learning tools and resources.

    Counseling Services

    Personal stress, anxiety, or life challenges can impact academics. Confidential counseling is available to online students via virtual or on-campus appointments during business hours (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).

    Disability & Access Resources (DAR)

    DAR works with students who have documented disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations, including online testing accommodations and assistive technology.

    Financial Aid

    Contact Financial Aid with questions about FAFSA, loans, grants, or aid eligibility, especially before making changes like withdrawing from a course.

    Madigan Library

    Online students have full access to library resources, including databases, research guides, citation help, and librarian support by chat, email, phone, or text.

    Information Technology Services

    For login issues, system access, or technical problems, use the ITS Service Desk link in P.L.A.T.O. You can submit help requests and search common solutions in the Knowledge Base.

    Other Helpful Offices

    You don’t have to navigate college alone—support is built in, even online.

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