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!
Plan for 3–4 hours per week per credit (a 3-credit course = about 9–12 hours/week). Some courses may require more time.
Each instructor designs their course differently. Review your syllabus and course materials at the start of each class.
The syllabus outlines expectations, deadlines, grading, and policies. Most course questions are answered there.
Online courses are often asynchronous, but they are not self-paced. Weekly deadlines apply, and many courses require participation throughout the week.
Most fall and spring courses are 16 weeks, but some programs offer 8-week or accelerated courses. Always confirm your course dates.
All official communication is sent to your PCT email. Using it ensures you don’t miss important messages.
Instructor responses and tutoring appointments are not immediate. Ask questions early and schedule support in advance when possible.
As an online-only student, you’ll regularly use three main Penn College systems. Each one serves a different purpose, and together they support your academic experience.
The Student Portal is where you manage your academic and student account tasks. You’ll use it to:
Register for classes
View your class schedule and grades
Access billing and financial aid information
Review important academic records
Access the Student Portal: https://www.pct.edu/academics/student-portal
myPCT is the College’s communication and information hub. You’ll use it to:
Access your Penn College email
View important announcements and alerts
Find links to College resources and services
Access myPCT: https://mypct.pct.edu
PLATO is Penn College’s online learning platform. This is where your courses actually take place. In PLATO, you will:
Access course materials and syllabi
Submit assignments and complete coursework
Participate in discussions and exams
Access PLATO: https://plato.pct.edu
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.
Access course readings, videos, and instructions
Submit assignments
Participate in discussions
Take quizzes and exams
View grades and instructor feedback
Communicate with your instructor
Log in at https://learn.pct.edu/d2l/login
You can also use the Brightspace Pulse mobile app (available in the Apple App Store and Google Play)
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.
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.
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 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
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
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.
Plan for your success. Schedule a day and time that's convenient for you. A Coordinator of Student Success is ready to assess and guide.
Email: academicexcellence@pct.edu
Phone: 570-320-5228
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.).
Phone: 570-327-4765
Email: counseling@pct.edu
DAR works with students who have documented disabilities to provide reasonable accommodations, including online testing accommodations and assistive technology.
Learn more about Eligibility & Documentation Requirements for Accommodations.
Accommodations are individualized and confidential
Email: dar@pct.edu
Contact Financial Aid with questions about FAFSA, loans, grants, or aid eligibility, especially before making changes like withdrawing from a course.
Phone: 570-327-4766
Email: finaid@pct.edu
Online students have full access to library resources, including databases, research guides, citation help, and librarian support by chat, email, phone, or text.
Library guide: https://pct.libguides.com/madigan-library
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.
Bursar / Student Accounts – billing and refunds
Center for Career Design– career planning, resumes, interviews
Registrar – schedules, records, transcripts, course changes
Veteran & Military Services – support for veteran students and families
You don’t have to navigate college alone—support is built in, even online.
If you have questions about this website or resources, please contact The Office of Student Engagement at ose@pct.edu