Prospective Online Students

Online study is not for everyone. A sincere desire to learn is one of the most powerful qualities any student can possess. Successful online learners practice self-discipline, work well independently, and are prepared to participate on a regular basis. Excellent time-management and information-management skills are important requirements for online learners.

We invite you to use the SUNY Online Student Success Instrument to help you determine if online learning is right for you. Once you complete the survey, the results will be forwarded to our online learning coordinator, who will forward it on to you with some specific comments.

You’ll also need basic computer and communication skills to be successful in your online course. Online courses require as much time as attending classes and completing assignments for campus courses. The consequences for not completing an online course are the same as those for a traditional course.

Resources for Online Learners

Technical & Equipment Considerations

You’ll need a stable internet connection (a modem is fine, but a high-speed connection is recommended) and a PC or Macintosh computer capable of running a current version of the Firefox or Internet Explorer web browsers.

Important information regarding your online courses at SUNY Plattsburgh will be communicated to you through your SUNY Plattsburgh email account.

Most courses will require the use of word-processing software. We strongly recommend a basic suite of office software (e.g., Microsoft Office). Enrolled students at SUNY Plattsburgh can download Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) through Microsoft Office 365.

Get Started

If you are not enrolled in a degree program at SUNY Plattsburgh and would simply like to register and take online courses, you need to register as a non-matriculated student. You can then select your courses.

If you would like to enroll into one of our online degree programs, begin by applying for admission to the college. Note: If you are interested in applying to the RN-to-B.S. in nursing program or online B.S. in accounting program, please refer to transfer admissions.

If you are a current SUNY Plattsburgh student enrolled at the college, you can register for online courses through the regular registration process.

After Enrolling, Make Sure To…

Confirm and use your campus email account. The college sends your email address to you after you are admitted, and uses this channel for official communication with you. If you’re enrolled and do not have a campus email address yet, contact the Helpdesk right away at 518-564-4433
Make sure your fees are paid. You’ll have full access to all services when the Student Accounts Office records your payment.
Check the college’s academic calendar regularly. It lists important dates and deadlines.
Follow your Degree Works report closely so that you always know your progress toward fulfilling graduation requirements. Although you have an academic advisor to help you with meeting requirements, you are responsible for this task.
Obtain your course materials, available through The College Store and commercial bookstores. Request your materials as early as possible in order to get them in time for class.
Use Feinberg Library early and often. The library provides services for residential students as well as distance learning students. When it’s time for information research, Feinberg is your campus resource. Here you’ll gain access to academic collections worldwide. Find online and full-text research articles, use the free interlibrary loan services, and access electronic reserves. Librarians will be glad to help you with research projects, in person or online.