The start of the spring semester is just days away. As you work to finalize your plans and get ready, we’ve put together this guide that will hopefully answer many questions we know you have.
The COVID-19 pandemic has kept Southwestern College campuses closed for the spring semester, however, we have adapted our academics and services to operate remotely to continue to serve you and your educational goals.
Use this guide to learn more about our spring semester operations including class types, how to order your books, how to find open classes and get help navigating online learning.
Reminder, that the spring semester begins this Monday, Feb. 1. 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.
If you have not heard from your instructors, many will be reaching out to you on the first day of classes. Classes are also activated on Canvas on the first day the class meets.
Online vs. Remote Courses
Your instructor will give you specific guidance on your individual classes, however, you’ll see that your class schedule will have “remote” or “online” under location. Here’s what that means.
Online Classes
A traditional type of online class with no set meeting times. Learning is not live and classwork is performed and submitted in Canvas by weekly deadlines.
Remote Classes
Remote has three possibilities for instruction:
- Meets virtually for all hours posted in the schedule.
- Meets virtually for some of the hours posted in the schedule.
- Has no class meetings—all work is done online.
ALL methods of remote instruction may require work, such as tests, quizzes and homework, to be done outside of class.
Your professor will email you to your SWC account before the start of class to let you know which of the three remote possibilities they will deliver instruction.
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 spring 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
The Southwestern College Bookstore is taking online orders for the spring semester, including used, rental and digital books. You can ship them to you or pick them up on a dedicated date.
Head to swcbookstore.com and click “find your textbooks” to get started.
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. 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 Spring?
Southwestern College CONNECTS is our Technology Loaner Program for students who do not have access to technology at home and are in need of a loaner computer or other technology to participate in credit or noncredit courses for the Spring 2021 semester. Visit the SWC Cares page and complete the CONNECTS Technology Loan Request form. 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.
Need Help with Food, Housing, Transportation, Textbooks, or Other Resources?
Our SWC Cares program can connect you with campus and community resources to help you with food, housing, textbooks, technology, transportation, and other basic needs. Visit our SWC Cares page and complete the Basic Needs Request form.
Virtual Welcome Center
Have a question or need support? Student Affairs is here to help. Connect with our Virtual Welcome Center through Cranium Cafe Monday-Thursday, 8:00am – 6:30pm and Fridays, 8:00am – 3:00pm. Our Virtual Welcome Center has representatives available to answer questions. If you require information that is specific to your record or application, you will be directed to the appropriate department to assist you.
