Where to Find Support for Online Students

Online colleges and universities do a great job of centralizing online student support, whether it comes in the form of advising, tutoring, career support, or technical help.

Students can easily gain access to professionals with insight into the online learning experience and overall academic journey from the comfort of home.

Instead of continuing to ask 'Who can I talk to about online college?' find out how to get the assistance you need from your online school.

Who Can I Talk to About Online College?

For students who have asked 'Who can I talk to about online college?', this list of online student support services can help provide valuable answers.

Admissions/Enrollment Help

Many online schools connect students with an admissions counselor who can assist with filling out the initial application, choosing a program, and getting enrolled.

Financial Aid Counseling

Colleges provide online access to financial aid services, including online grant, loan, and scholarship information, and how to apply for FAFSA. Advisors are usually available via phone or email.

Academic Advising

Most schools connect online learners with an academic advisor who helps with picking a major, planning courses, and accessing online resources.

Instructor Guidance and Support

Online learners can typically connect with their instructors via text, phone call, or email when in need of help. Some online learning platforms offer chatting and messaging tools for academic support.

Library Resources

Many school libraries offer 24/7 online access to databases, catalogs, and videos. Virtual 'ask a librarian' tools let students connect with librarians via email, chat, text, or phone.

Tutoring, Writing Assistance & Labs

It's common for online colleges to offer access to live and/or email virtual tutoring services as well as online writing assistance and virtual math and science labs.

Disability Support Services

Online learners with disabilities can receive assistance by contacting the school's accessibility or disability support office and speaking with an access counselor or advisor.

Technical Support

Technical support for log-in and connectivity issues is usually available from the school's IT help desk. Online learners can communicate via phone, email, chat, or other virtual platforms.

Personal Counseling and Mental Health Services

Schools provide online learners with virtual or phone access to personal support, including traditional and crisis counseling, suicide prevention resources, and emergency assistance.

Career Services

Career services centers grant online learners access to career coaching, online job search tools, articles, tutorials, and other resources to find internships and jobs.

Military Support

Active military service members and veterans are typically well supported as online learners. Military support services can include admissions assistance, academic advising, and tuition discounts.

Alumni Services

After graduating, online learners can use their school's online alumni resources, including networking tools, library access, and updates on school-related events.

What Are the Benefits of Online Student Services?

Online student support services make it possible for online learners to access most services available to on-campus students without leaving home.

This convenience is essential for students who have travel limitations, live in another state, or struggle with time constraints that make utilizing in-person services difficult.

The experience of learning online can be extremely convenient, but also a bit isolating.

Having access to academic advising, tutoring, career help, and more helps students feel more connected to their schools.

Online student support services like technical assistance are often available around the clock, enabling students to get the help they need anytime.

Is Online Learning Right for Me?

To determine if online learning is right for you, it's best to look at the characteristics often associated with online learners.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Are you a self-motivated learner?
• Are you self-disciplined?
• Are you an effective written communicator?
• Are you comfortable working independently and using web-based technology?
• Are you confident in your ability to initiate contact with your instructor with questions?

If you're ready to take responsibility for your own learning experience, online learning might be right for you.

But if you're not sure whether to go with online or on-campus learning, reach out to an enrollment or admissions counselor at your school of choice to learn more about their online experience.

How Can I Become a Successful Online College Student?

Enjoying success as an online college student depends on the commitment and dedication you're willing to give your learning process.

Here are some tips for becoming a successful online college student:

Pick Your Study Place and Times

Be sure to pick a location and times to study that help you avoid interruptions so you're able to give your best effort in each class.

Meet Technical Requirements

Ensure your computer or tablet meets connectivity requirements and you have consistent access to your learning platform, e-books, and other course materials.

Manage Your Time Effectively

Many online courses are presented asynchronously, which means you can study at your own pace. Effectively managing your time with schedules and calendars can keep your studies on track.

Ask for Help

You might be hesitant to initiate communication with professors you've never met. But they want to hear from you. Reach out via email, text, chat, or phone with questions on the best ways to excel.

Interact with Classmates

If your online learning platform allows for interactions with your classmates, take part in discussions in and out of class to build relationships, form study groups, and improve your chances of success.

Take Advantage of Online Support Services

Whether you need financial aid assistance, academic support, personal counseling, or tutoring help, take advantage of all the online support services your school offers.

Benefit from Online Student Support Services at Your College

Don't keep asking yourself 'Who can I talk to about online college?'

When you're ready to begin your online learning experience, utilize your school's online student support services and become the successful online college student you were meant to be.