ACCESS Online

Do students have to meet specific criteria to be able to register and enroll in ACCESS Online??

No, all students (no matter their academic level or disability) are able to register and enroll. To begin registration, please email slm244@msstate.edu and Stacy can assist.

What days and times do classes meet?

Classes will be asynchronous; students will complete courses at their own pace but are required to meet weekly deadlines. Students will participate in chats and discussion boards via videos or messaging. The ACCESS instructor will hold weekly office hours to meet with students and families or will meet by appointment.

Is there an age requirement for the class?

No, there is not an age requirement. We recommend these courses for students who are age 14 to adulthood.

What is the cost of an ACCESS online course?

Estimated Costs Per Semester:

There are options for full financial sponsorship for ACCESS Online courses through MDRS. If you are a Mississippi resident, consider becoming an MDRS client at www.mdrs.ms.gov or contact your MDRS counselor to find out more.

Estimated Self-Pay Costs:

• Distance Fee = $100 Per Semester Hour
• Instructional Support Fee = $25 Per Semester Hour
• Tuition and Required Fees / Undergraduate (T&RF UG) - Distance = $366.75/semester hours

Totals vary by semester, so please request specific semester costs by emailing slm244@msstate.edu. Cost and fees are determined by MSU's official course costs given by the MSU Office of Controller and Treasure. Each course is 3 semester hours equivalent to 45 hours of instructional time. There is a one-time $40 registration fee the first semester at registration

What types of technology and devices will I need to be successful in an online course?

Required Technology:

In these courses, you will be using a computer to complete self-paced assignments, discussions, quizzes, viewing lectures, etc. You will need internet access and appropriate software to participate in the course. Here is the link to a free download of Microsoft Office for Mississippi State students.https://servicedesk.msstate.edu/TDClient/45/Portal/Requests/ServiceCatalog?CategoryID=1091

Students will be required to use Canvas to access rubrics and supplemental course materials, including PowerPoints (no textbook is required). Students will also be required to submit coursework using Canvas.  Internet access will be necessary to receive course content and complete activities and assignments. Google Chrome is the recommended browser for Canvas and can be downloaded by clicking Google Chrome Browser to download and install.

Optional materials include:

• An organizational system such as a folder or location specifically designated to store notes or materials for this course
• A pen, pencil, and/or highlighter
• Basic calculator (you can use the one on your cellphone if preferred)
• Cell phone/Canvas app for your phone
• Printer

What academic levels are required for ACCESS Online courses?

• There are no required academic levels. Students below a 2nd-grade reading and math level may need more assistance from a support person.
• Students will need to navigate Canvas and the internet, so if they have difficulty with this, additional support may need to be provided. As students learn the routine each week, they usually need less help navigating the course(s) and the internet after week 2 or 3.
• It is estimated that students will need to commit at least 3 hours per week to these self-paced courses.

What kind of support is expected when enrolling in ACCESS Online courses?

Will these courses count as credit hours towards a degree?

No, these courses are non-credit-bearing hours. They are 3 semester hours equivalent to 45 hours of instructional time and designed for personal enrichment and growth. The courses are non-transferable towards our ACCESS On-Campus program if a student were to apply and be accepted.

How are courses designed?

Our ACCESS Online courses are enrichment courses designed to give students opportunities to grow their life skills and independence. Each week is consistent and easy to follow. Course content is published in Canvas each week and the student can work at their own pace to complete the coursework.  Virtual Office Hours are available for students to meet with ACCESS staff to discuss questions, problems, or for socialization with classmates/instructor. For more information regarding course design or content please contact Stacy Jackson. slm244@msstate.edu 662-546-0755 

Is financial assistance available for ACCESS online courses?

There are options for full financial sponsorship for ACCESS Online courses through MDRS. If you are a Mississippi resident, consider becoming an MDRS client at www.mdrs.ms.gov or contact your MDRS counselor to find out more.

Who do I contact for assistance?

Please contact Stacy Jackson at slm244@msstate.edu or 662-546-0755.