Frequently Asked Questions
The UCC ONLINE degree programme responds to the growing number of students who are eager to earn college degrees but who require more flexibility than the traditional on-campus courses allow. The programme is an attractive alternative because students can:
- schedule course work around jobs and family responsibilities
- work independently and at their own pace
- acquire new skills and knowledge to compete in the workplace
- improve their lives through enriched learning experiences
- complete course work toward college degrees.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. What is the UCC Online degree programme?
UCC Online is a distance learning programme which uses technology to deliver UCC’s degree programmes. The programmes offered through UCC Online use a hybrid model – that is, students will be exposed to both online learning and traditional face-to-face/classroom learning methods. However, where there is no established UCC centre/partner, UCC Online may be offered as a full online (except for examinations) programme. The UCC Online programmes demand the same standard of academic performance and rigor from its students as is required from students in traditional UCC programmes.
2. How many lectures will be online and how many in the classroom?
This ratio will vary depending on the type of course. Where the programme is being offered as a blended one, quantitative courses are more likely to be offered using classroom instruction. UCC will tailor the ratio of online to classroom time to optimize the delivery of each course.
3. How does the UCC Online mode of delivery work?
Students receive their instruction from lecturers via a web-based learning platform known as MOODLE. This platform allows lecturers to upload course content and interact with students in chat sessions and discussion fora while students can view lecturers’ notes, submit assignments and sit exams from the comfort of their home or office computer.
4. What types of degrees are offered in the UCC Online degree programme?
The UCC Online programme offers a Bachelor’s degree in the following areas:
And Graduate Degree Programmes:
- Commonwealth Executive Master of Business Administration (CEMBA).
- Commonwealth Executive Master of Public Administration (CEMPA).
A programme of study may be withdrawn in the event of under-enrollment in a given programme.
5. What will I need to take an online class?
Generally, you’ll need a computer with access to the Internet and an email account. High Speed Internet Connectivity (ADSL) with a minimum bandwidth of 2MB for online courses is best to handle online courses because these courses typically use streaming video, audio and podcasts to deliver information. As such, dial up Internet access is typically too slow to handle distance education.
6. How do I apply for a UCC Online degree programme?
Click on the link: http://www.ucc.edu.jm/prospective/get-started/apply-online/ to apply
Step 1: Complete all relevant fields
Step 2: Print and sign application form
Step 3: Scan and send your completed application form to programmeapplications@ucc.edu.jm
Applicants will then be contacted via email by a member of the Registry staff with relevant follow up and a decision on admission is usually made within a month or less.
7. How do I get my textbooks and other course materials?
Students will have to purchase the required textbooks via online bookstores, UCC established centres or traditional bookstores. Lecturers will send other course materials such as e-texts as necessary.
8. How do I interact with course instructors/lecturers?
- Asynchronously – your interaction is not in real time. This allows you to participate according to your schedule and be geographically apart from the lecturer. This type of interaction usually takes place via email or message boards.
- Synchronously – your interaction is real time which means you will have to be online at scheduled class times using video conferencing or chat rooms. The scheduled times are usually after work hours and on Sundays.
9. How many courses can I take per term?
The normal registration for part-time students is three courses per 14-week term.
10. Is the curriculum the same as that conducted in face to face sessions?
Yes. All UCC students pursue the same courses and sit the same examinations as their counterparts across all centres irrespective of location and throughout the Caribbean. This is in keeping with the University’s policy and is supported by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ).
11. How are exams given?
End of Module Exams will be administered in a proctored setting at designated UCC Centres. Where there is no designated centre, students will be asked to a find reputable institution, such as a University in their country, to proctor the examinations; UCC will verify whether the institution is capable of proctoring the examination and if satisfied, will ask them to proctor. All other exams are administered online.
12. How do students submit assignments?
Assignments may be either submitted in hard copy or electronically via MOODLE or email. Hard copy assignments would be handed in either to the lecturer in the face to face classes, or to the nearest UCC Centre for submission to the lecturer, either in the home country or to the country where the lecturer is based.
13. How are grades disclosed?
Students will receive their term grades via their group email address or published via the student management system, SMS, Aeorion which the student only can access using his username and password.
14. How much does a UCC Online course of study cost?
The cost for each programme varies, so please visit our website at www.ucc.edu.jm and click on the country in which you reside to get the cost of your desired UCC Online programme.
15. How can I pay for my online education at UCC?
You can pay on your own by using UCC’s very flexible payment options, see if your employer offers an education assistance programme, or seek scholarships and loans. Jamaican students can also visit the Student’s Loan Bureau (SLB) for financial assistance as UCC is SLB-approved. Other grants are also available through your respective Governments. Financial aid deadlines are often much earlier than registration deadlines.
16. How do I pay my fees?
Jamaican students are required to pay their tuition by credit or debit card or by manager’s cheque at any UCC Centre. Students outside of Jamaica are required to pay their fees by sending via post/courier a manager’s cheque or international money order/draft to the attention of The Accountant, 6 Belmont Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica. Payment can also be made by wire transfer. For details on transmitting funds by wire transfer, please call the UCC Online office at 1-876-935-0989.
17. I’d like to earn a college degree. How long will it take me?
There are several factors to consider:
- The type of degree you are seeking (for example, associate or bachelor) and the number of credits required for that degree.
- The number of credits you’ve already earned that will count toward your degree.
- The number of classes you’re able take each semester (depending on your schedule and what you can afford).
Generally however, to complete an associate’s degree will take about 28 months; a bachelor’s degree will take about 56 months; and a master’s degree will take about 20 months.
18. Does the UCC accept course credits from other institutions?
The UCC will accept a relevant transferrable course taken at an accredited college as long as you earned a “B” grade or better. Evaluation of transcripts is done on official copies only.
19. How do I get a transcript from the schools I attended?
You will need to contact your former school(s) in writing with a request. To assist in making that request, a UCC Transcript Request Form can be downloaded from www.ucc.edu.jm. The information on the form is what is typically required to obtain a transcript.
20. The school wants an official transcript. How do I know if mine is official?
A signed transcript in a sealed envelope is considered official. It is required to be sent directly from one registrar’s office to another. You may also request that official transcripts be sent to you in sealed envelopes, and they will remain official as long as you do not open them. You can hand them to the registrar or enclose them with your application.
21. How do the online students receive certification?
- Students attending graduation receive their certificates at the ceremony.
- Students not attending graduation will receive their certificates in the mail.
- A decision is to be made as to whether students in the Caribbean will have mini ceremonies in each territory, participate virtually or be invited to attend the annual ceremony in Jamaica.
22. How would we know the schedule for classroom lectures for each territory?
Based on the 80:20 ratio of online to non-online classes, the UCC Online office will dispatch a notice to indicate when the non-online classes are to be held. The schedule for classroom lectures is subject to change depending on the number of students registered for the course(s) in a given territory.
23. What online support do you have in place for students?
Online support comes in three forms:
- A Course Coordinator who is available daily between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Jamaica time) by telephone and email to handle all student queries as they relate to academic matters e.g. exam dates; missed deadlines; course information; course set up; MOODLE access and financial and registration direction.
- Technical team support with respect to log in password; technical challenges such as screen failure issues etc.
- Access to online library database which students are given after their passwords are activated.
24. What are the mechanisms in place for students’ complaints?
Students may submit administrative complaints to their online Course Coordinator and lecturer- related matters to the lecturer.
