Getting Started with Online Learning

Step 1: Decide if online learning is right for you

Clovis Community College Center classes come in two forms:

Clovis Community College classes come in two forms:
Online courses are offered entirely online with no required class meetings on campus.
Hybrid courses combine some percentage of class time on campus and online. The requirement varies from class to class - you may be asked to come to campus weekly or just once for the final exam.

Before registering for an Online or Hybrid class, you want to be sure that you are prepared - both academically and technically. Find out if online learning is right for you.

Step 2: Become a Clovis Community College student

Clovis Community College Center has one process for applying for admission to the college. The process is the same for all students whether or not you eventually take online, hybrid, or face-to-face classes. Please visit the Admissions page if you are not currently enrolled. If you are currently a Clovis Community College student, continue to Step 3.

Step 3: Select your courses and register

All students are encouraged to visit our Getting Started for general information and to Meet with a Counselor to be sure you are taking the right classes to reach their academic and career goals.

When selecting classes, remember that Online Learning classes come in two forms:

Online courses are offered entirely online with no required meetings on campus.
Hybrid courses combine some percentage of class time on campus and online. The requirement varies from class to class - you may be asked to come to campus weekly or just once for the final exam.

Both types of classes - Hybrid and Online - are referred to as WEB classes in the schedule, so be sure to read the course description carefully to determine if there is any on-campus attendance required.

For a list of courses currently offered through Online Learning, check available courses in Self-Service

Step 4: Prepare for the 1st Day

Do not wait until the first day of the semester to get started! Succeeding as an Online Learning student requires planning and preparation:

1. Activate your Student Email Account

Student email is REQUIRED for all students and is essential to student success. The College and your instructors will use your student email account for communicating information critical to your success. If you have not done so, activate your student email account immediately.

2. Log into Canvas

Canvas is the Course Management System used throughout the State Center Community college District for both online and traditional courses. Students in online and hybrid classes, can think of Canvas as their virtual classroom. Your seven-digit student ID number is your username and password. Log into Canvas

3. Access your course

Once you are logged into Canvas, you will see your classes on the dashboard. If you don't see a course for which you are enrolled, the instructor may not have made the course site available. Some instructors will not make their courses available until the first day of the semester while others will make them available earlier. It is a good idea to begin checking Canvas and your e-mail at least a week before the semester begins and always be sure to access your courses on the first day of the semester.

Once you are in your course on Canvas, be sure to read any information posted, including announcements and the syllabus. Be sure to follow any instructions for "checking in" or completing first-day/week assignments to avoid being dropped from the course as a "no show." If you would like extra help in navigating Canvas, enroll in this free orientation: Canvas Orientation

4. Purchase Textbooks

Look for textbook information in your course. Instructors will include all required texts in the syllabus. Once you know which textbooks you need for the class, you can order them online from the Clovis Community College Online Bookstore. Most instructors expect you to have your textbooks ready for the first day of class!