Murray State College wants to provide digital and personal support to ensure your success as an online learner. We look forward to a wonderful and productive semester together!

Your questions and concerns are important.  This section is dedicated to answering frequently asked questions about online courses. These questions will cover:

·        Online Course Access

·        Technical Issues

·        General Concerns

Online Course Access

How much does it cost for an online course?

For Spring 2010 the cost of each online course is $114.00 per credit hour.  The tuition is set by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and is subject to change.  Tuition for Internet courses is payable to the Murray State College Business Office, One Murray Campus, Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Contact can be made at (580) 371-2371, extension 116 for any questions.  Credit cards are accepted. 

How do I enroll in an online course?

Currently, Murray State College students are not able to enroll online into Online courses. You can contact your advisor, your academic counselor, or the MSC Admissions Office at 580-371-2371, extension 172 or 173 for assistance. Students can, however, enroll online in regular lecture or off site courses.

If you are a current student who was enrolled the previous semester you do not need to re-apply for admission to Murray State College.

If you were not enrolled in the previous regular semester, you must apply for readmission online through the Murray State College web site at http://www.mscok.edu, then click Apply Online.  Students in specialized Applied Science Programs such as Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant or Veterinary Technician) must enroll through their program advisor.

First, you must apply for admission to Murray State College if you are a new student. This can be done online at the Murray State College web site at  http://www.mscok.edu, click Apply Online, click Guest, click the MSC Application Form located at the bottom left hand side, and then follow the directions to complete the application.

Second, complete this online orientation.  There are three sections in this online orientation that include Technical Support, Academic Support, and Administrative Support. A mandatory completion form from the Technical Support section must be filled out, signed (electronic signature is accepted), and forwarded to the Distance Learning Coordinator. Next step to enrollment is IQWeb.

IQWeb is also online at http://www.mscok.edu and it provides the information needed to complete your enrollment and answer the following questions:

• How do I access IQWeb?
• Who is eligible to early enroll online?
• Who is not eligible to early enroll online?
• Do I need to see my academic advisor?
• How do I enroll online?
• How do I pay online?

Once I have registered for an online course what do I need to know and do?
Once you have completed your enrollment documentation and registered for your course, you will need to contact your instructor for information regarding course entry.  This must be done prior to the first day of regular scheduled classes.  You can find your instruction contact information at the Employee Directory on the MSC homepage or at the Support Staff page of the Distance Learning site.

What is the "student account" for on-campus computer access?
Student accounts for computer privileges on campus are issued from the IT Department.  Many students take online and on-campus courses at the same time and need access for the MSC computer labs.

If I have taken an online course in a previous semester, do I need a new username and password for course entry?
Currently, usernames and passwords are renewed each semester based on your student account status. Students will no longer need to turn in a signed sheet stating that they will abide by the acceptable use policy. All student user accounts will be automatically created upon successful enrollment and ready for use the first day of classes.

Who do I contact if I am unable to get access to my course?
First, contact your instructor regarding any problem with your online course. If you still have problems, please feel free to call the Support Staff at (580) 371-2371, extension 123 or e-mail at pwashington@mscok.edu.

Will I have access to the Murray State College Library Resources if I am taking courses and I am not on campus?
All online students will be granted access to Murray State Colleges Library Resources.  Access can be obtained by going to the MSC web site and then Library.

What kind of research materials will I have access to online?
As a student taking online courses at Murray State College, you will be able to access several online resources. The Murray State College Library Resources department has compiled a wide range of electronic resources and digital libraries available on the World Wide Web.  As a MSC online student these services are available to you.  This complete list of information and links are located at Library Resources.

Technical Issues

What technology system resources do I need to take an online course at Murray State College?
If you are currently taking courses at the Murray State College, Tishomingo campus, or at the Ardmore Higher Education Center location, you can use the available computer labs to connect to your course. Or, if you have a computer at home, you will need a "HIGH SPEED" Internet service.  Dial-up Internet service is not recommended.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Explorer 8 is not compatible with Blackboard. If you are using Explorer 8 here are the instructions to uninstall it:

Internet Explorer 8 and Blackboard (uninstall information)
At this time Blackboard does not support Internet Explorer 8 (IE8).  If you have installed it and are experiencing problems submitting assignments and tests, please uninstall it from your computer.  By uninstalling it, the version of Internet Explorer you had on before will be available again.

To uninstall: Go to Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Uninstall an Update, then choose Internet Explorer 8.

 If you have any questions please contact me.

Bill Adams
580-371-2371 ext. 138
badams@mscok.edu

Some courses may include recorded audio and video components, so you will need Internet "plug-ins" such as RealPlayer or QuickTime to view these components. You may check with the course instructor before the class begins to find out what additional components will be necessary. Many of these "plug-ins" are available to download free off of the Internet. You do not need to download anything if you are on a MSC computer.  

What do I do if I have a technical problem or cannot enter my course?
Please view our Technical FAQs for answers to commonly asked technical questions and problems that may arise. Many of these questions will be answered as you continue with this online orientation. In addition, the Distance Learning Support Staff are available to answer any questions, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please feel free to call our local number at (580) 371-2371, extension 123, our toll free number at (8800) 342-0698, extension 123  or you can email us at pwashington@mscok.edu.

You can also contact the IT Department at MSC at 580-371-2371 between 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

General Interest Questions

What are the procedures for adding/dropping an online course?
General guidelines for adding/dropping an online course are the same as adding/ dropping an on-campus course. You must follow the procedures outlined by the Registrar’s Office. 

What methods of payment do you accept?
You can pay for your online course with a credit card or a personal check. Payments must be sent along with your registration form or billing. Your billing statement can be accessed through IQWeb. Please make checks payable to Murray State College, Attn: Business Office, One Murray Campus, Tishomingo, OK 73460.  MSC also offers an online payment method:

Do I ever have to come to the campus?

Some instructors do require students to come on campus.  You may have a face-to-face orientation and/or proctored (supervised) exams. These questions can be answered by your course instructor.

Can I work at my own pace, or is there a set schedule?

Most online courses have a set schedule for assignments and testing.  You may also be required to meet online with your instructor at specified times.

Can I receive advising online?

Yes.  Visit the Academic Counseling Center for more information.

When do online courses begin?

Online courses begin and end on the same days as the regularly scheduled on-campus courses.  

Who should take an online course?

Many different types of students can benefit from taking online courses.  If you have the right equipment, Internet access, time to work on the course regularly, and are self-disciplined, you may want to consider online courses.  Studies have proven repeatedly that students who are highly self-motivated, responsible, and self-disciplined can do well in a distance education program.

Will I be able to get help, or will I be all on my own?

MSC wants to see you succeed.  You will give yourself a good start by completing this orientation and honestly assessing your computer skills and equipment needs.

How do I order my textbooks and course materials?

Once you have enrolled in an online course you will need to email your instructor for course information.  The instructor will either reply with course instruction or give you a link to view all of the print and electronic materials for your course. Once the semester has started, you will also find this information outlined in your course syllabus.

As an online learner, you may not be able to come to the Murray State College bookstore in person to purchase the books you need for your course. MSC does have an online bookstore that is accessed through the MSC homepage. Please be aware that the online bookstore will only accept payment with a credit card.   If you plan to purchase your textbooks with your financial aid student account and need to have your textbooks charged to your student account, and mailed to your home, please contact Priscilla Washington as (580) 371-2371, extension 123 or at pwashington@mscok.edu. We recommend that you purchase your books from the MSC bookstore.