Dear Southwestern College student,
This fall semester will be unlike any other at Southwestern College. As we continue to operate remotely and through distance education, we know this brings unique questions and challenges to Southwestern College students. Our classes and our services have adapted to let you continue your educational journey and goals. This semester won’t be without its challenges, but we’re still here for you to give you the best opportunities possible.
Use this fall semester guide to learn more about our class types, how to order books, how to find open classes and how to get help navigating online learning.
Reminder, that the fall semester begins this Monday, Aug. 24. You should be prepared to log onto Canvas and actively check your MySWC email for more information from your instructors.
MySWC: Your Portal to Southwestern College
With your MySWC account, you can access all your important Southwestern College apps including Canvas, WebAdvisor, your campus email, Google Drive and much more.
Checking your MySWC account frequently is critical in keeping up with class information, important dates, deadlines and college communications, especially during distance education.
Online vs. Remote
Your schedule looks a little different this fall. Under location, you’ll see either remote or online. They’re both a different type of online class. Here’s what each of those means.
Online: The class is not delivered live and there are no set meeting times. Coursework is accessed and turned in through Canvas, our online student portal. Students work at their own pace within very strict weekly deadlines.
Remote: This type of online class has set meeting times through video conference, like Zoom. Students will report to their online lecture and meeting times and often turn in work through Canvas or email.
If you don’t see anything on your schedule just yet, log onto Canvas on the first day of class or reach out to your instructor.
Classes Are Still Available
It’s easy to find what classes still have room. You may consider adding another general education class to finish your requirements. Or if you’re a part-time student, reaching full-time status will help you finish faster and qualify for more financial aid and scholarships.
Just follow these simple steps to browse what’s still open for the fall semester:
- Head to https://webadvisor.swccd.edu/.
- Click on the “students” tab
- Check “open classes”
- Then select a department (anthropology, English, math, etc.)
After the class begins, you may still crash or get added to the waitlist, but you’ll have to email instructors directly for an add code.
Order Your Books from the SWC Bookstore
Orders for fall semester books are now available from the Southwestern College Bookstore. Head to swcbookstore.com to place your order. Click on the “fall 2020” tab for complete information about web orders. They’re offering free shipping and curbside pickup on certain dates.
Important: If you want email updates on your bookstore order, you must use your MySWC email address.
The Online Learning Center at Southwestern College
We know online classes can be tough, and if this is your first semester with us, you may be nervous about a full semester online. That’s why the Online Learning Center offers training, orientations and workshops to give students all the help they’ll need to be successful online and distance education students.
Visit swccd.edu/onlinelearning for more information.
Need a Computer for Fall 2020?
Southwestern College CONNECTS is our new Technology Loaner Program for students who do not have access to technology at home and are in need of a loaner computer to participate in credit or noncredit courses for the Fall 2020 semester. Complete the request form to apply. Your current enrollment status will be checked and you will be contacted via your Southwestern College email address. Those accepted into the loaner program will receive an email with information on the date/time of the next distribution day.
Chat with Us!
Many departments, including admissions and counseling, have set up a virtual chat to answer questions online. See a full list of departments on our virtual chat page. Don’t see the department you’re looking for? View our full student services here on our Student Services & Campus Resources page, you’ll find contact information at the bottom of many department pages.
