Stanly Online—Frequently Asked Questions

- Is SCC accredited?
- Is SCC a public school?
- What is the cost?
- How many courses should I take?
- What courses are offered?
- How long has SCC offered online courses?
- Am I required to come to campus?
- What about other courses I have taken?
- How do I apply?
- Is there an orientation?
- What If I have more questions?

Is SCC accredited? Back to top
SCC is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is the regional accrediting agency for the Commission on Colleges and Schools.

Is SCC a public school? Back to top
SCC is a member institution of the North Carolina Community College System, a state-supported system with 59 campuses statewide.

What is the cost? Back to top
Tuition rates are determined by the North Carolina General Assembly and are subject to change. Current tuition rates are posted on this web site.

In addition, there is a technology fee of $16 that is charged once per semester per student. Books also vary in cost depending on the course.

How many courses may I take? Back to top
The answer would be the same as that given to a traditional on-campus student. It is dependent upon the individual’s schedule, abilities, goals, and outside interests and involvement. For example, a student working a full-time job with family responsibilities should be able to take two courses (six semester hours). Of course, this is a personal decision and the student is ultimately responsible for the work. If fewer courses are taken, then it will take longer to earn the degree. The program advisor is available to help individual students make this determination.

What courses are offered? Back to top
The current semester schedule is available by clicking on “Schedules” on the SCC homepage. Note that some courses have prerequisites and/or corequisites.

How long has SCC offered online courses? Back to top
SCC has offered other distance education courses such as telecourses for about six years. Online courses were first offered at SCC in 1999. Online students at SCC are from North Carolina, the United States, and the world.

Am I required to come to campus? Back to top
The online student is welcome on campus at any time; however, it is not required. Courses are developed so that students may complete all required work at a distance.

A few courses require testing in a proctored environment. For students who live out of the area, arrangements may be made with other colleges, universities, libraries, etc., to have tests proctored. The instructor may be able to assist the student with this requirement.

Online courses are delivered using WebCT, which is a software program specifically designed for delivering online material. The format allows options such as online testing, discussion boards, and chat rooms. Each instructor determines which items will be utilized.

What about other college courses I have taken? Back to top
SCC will consider awarding transfer credit from any regionally accredited college or university if a grade of C or better was earned within the last ten years. Appeals of transfer credit evaluation are considered on an individual case basis. Some courses have very similar content but different course titles and numbers. These determinations are made on a course-by-course comparison.

How do I apply? Back to top
The application is available online via the Admissions link on the SCC homepage. There is no application fee. Upon application the student will designate admission as a degree-seeking student or a special credit student. Students who wish to take a few courses to transfer to another college or university should register as special credit. If you intend to earn your degree at SCC, you should request admission to a program.

Official transcripts must be mailed directly to Admissions from your high school and any colleges you have previously attended.
If you have no prior college-level English or math courses, then a placement test is required. This test may be taken at any community college near your home with the results forwarded to SCC. This test is used for determining if a need exists for developmental English or math courses prior to enrollment in the required courses.

You may be allowed to begin the first semester with the placement test and/or transcripts pending; however, you will be required to produce these items prior to enrollment in subsequent semesters.

If you have taken the SAT or ACT tests, these scores may be submitted in lieu of the placement test.

Is there an orientation? Back to top
There are no face-to-face orientations. Students taking an online course are required to complete an online orientation exercise for each course. The exercise determines if the student has basic computer skills necessary such as downloading, saving, and printing a file as well as emailing attachments.

What if I have more questions? Back to top
Student Services is available to help with general admission and college- related questions. Contact Bonnie Burris with Student Services at bburris5069@stanly.edu or (704) 991-0226.

Questions concerning the online programs in general should be addressed to online@stanly.edu or (704) 982-0121.

Questions related to a particular program may be directed to the program head of that area.