Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Category

What if I miss class due to illness?

FAQ Answer: Please see the College Catalog and Student Handbook for the policy on class attendance. Also, your instructor may have special instructions for missing classes. This information is probably listed in your course syllabus.

What is your average age student?

FAQ Answer: Our average age student is 26. This age is the average for the past year. Although the average age fluctuates, it generally remains between 26 and 28.

What is the difference between an A.S. Degree University Parallel Major and an A.A.S. Degree Major?

FAQ Answer: The Associate of Science (AS) Degree is designed to meet a proposed baccalaureate major for the student who plans to transfer to a four-year college or university. The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree is constructed around majors and concentrations to provide students with the training needed to obtain a responsible position in their chosen fields of interest.

How do I know what books to purchase for my classes? Where can I purchase books?

FAQ Answer: You will need a copy of your class schedule listing the course(s) in which you are enrolled. Visit the DSCC website , click on the Current Students tab and the Bookstore link to look up the books to purchase. You may also visit the College Bookstore which is located on the main campus in Dyersburg and off-campus at the Gibson County Center and the Tipton County-Jimmy Naifeh Center.

Do students get the same information and content in an Internet course as they would in an on-campus course?

FAQ Answer: The education you receive from an online class is the same: however, due to the nature of online learning you may experience the course in a format that best transmits the learning experience through online media.

Why do my email messages and discussion posts disappear once I read them?

FAQ Answer: To show previously read email or discussion postings, select "All" next to display.

Is there an orientation for online courses?

FAQ Answer: Orientation tutorial videos are provided by the DSCC Help Desk. A link to the videos can be found in the How to Get Started section of the DSCC eLearn course homepage, on the Help Desk webpage, or by going directly to the Tutorials page at www.dscc.edu/tutorials. If you need further assistance, please contact the DSCC Help Desk at 731-288-7780 Dyersburg Campus or 901-475-3177 Jimmy Naifeh Center or 731-222-5180 Gibson County Center. You may also contact the Help Desk by e-mail at helpdesk@dscc.edu.

What if I don't have equipment needed at home to access an online course?

FAQ Answer: All of Dyersburg State locations have computer labs and resource centers with open lab hours where the courses may be accessed. Of course, to be successful in an online course, you must have reliable access to either a DSCC lab or a computer with Internet access.

What are the computer requirements for online classes?

FAQ Answer: Each online course may have specific requirements, depending on the course. You should check the Course Syllabus to ensure your PC meets the specifications for the course. Generally, however, you should have a computer that has a Windows XP or better operating system, 512MB of RAM, 80GB Hard Drive, and a processor speed of at least 700 Mhz.

Can I work at my own pace or do I need to follow a class schedule?

FAQ Answer: Online courses follow the same schedule as traditional courses. These are not self-paced courses. Students follow an outline of topics, turn in assignments and take exams on dates scheduled in the course by the instructor. For example, an instructor makes an assignment due on July 8th. The student may work on the assignment any time (night or day). As long as the student turns the completed assignment in by July 8th, the student has met the instructor's expectations.