Summer Online FAQ

Courseware

Students typically are required to go through online content before attending live sessions; class time will be spent talking about and exploring the online content. Following class, you may be assigned online homework, projects, assessments, etc. This is described in detail in the course syllabus.

All Summer Online courses use a learning management system (LMS) called Canvas. Once enrolled in a course, students can login to the Canvas course site using regular Notre Dame credentials. These systems are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Instructors will typically open the online course content to students a week before the first live session. Commonly, there is work (reading, watching videos, completing activities) that needs to be completed before the first live session. Refer to the syllabus and ask the instructor any questions related to this.

Instructors will provide information about the textbook and other needed materials for class. This information is typically provided on the syllabus. Most summer instructors email students the week before classes start to distribute the syllabus and provide helpful information on how to get started.

Live Sessions

Students typically are required to go through online content before attending live sessions; class time will be spent talking about and exploring the online content. Following class, you may be assigned online homework, projects, assessments, etc. This is described in detail in the course syllabus.

The live sessions are delivered via web conferencing software called Zoom. Each class has a unique Zoom URL which is listed in the syllabus and in the online class. Before accessing your first class, please sign in to your zoom account at notredame.zoom.us using your netid and password. Instructors will also email the Zoom link out roughly one week before the start of the semester.

Yes. The Summer Online courses all require regular and active attendance and participation in the weekly class sessions. If you cannot regularly attend the meeting days/times, you should not enroll in the course.

Live sessions are typically recorded only for emergency/contingency purposes. Most classes require attendance at all scheduled, live sessions. Students should refer to the course syllabus and/or directly contact the instructor for details about how the instructor is handling session recordings in each course.

Attendance policies are set per class and by instructors. However, because classes are condensed into 6- or 8-week  terms, it is critical that students attend all classes and stay on track with deadlines. If you know that you need to miss a class, contact the instructor before missing class to discuss options for making up missed work, etc. If you miss class unexpectedly, you should notify your instructor as quickly as possible.

Logistics

To ensure that you can view and participate in the live sessions effectively, a stable internet connection is required. A stable internet connection means a hard-wired landline connection or a wifi connection where students can control the number of users on that connection. That is, connecting by wifi in a Starbucks will only work if that Starbucks is nearly empty. If it gets busy, the strength of each connection weakens; the background noise will become overly distracting. Instead, you should find a regular, stable, and quiet location from which to join the online class. Connecting from moving vehicles is not recommended. You will need a laptop or computer; having a phone or tablet is not sufficient for completing some of the online assignments. You will also need a webcam and a microphone.

An online proctored exam simply means a supervised exam. The University of Notre Dame uses online proctoring at no cost to the student. The equipment required to take an online class is the same equipment required to take an online proctored exam; students are not required to go to a specific location but can still take an exam flexibly from anywhere. Students will need a state-issued photo ID or passport to verify identity when taking a proctored assessment. Refer to the course syllabus to confirm if proctored testing is used in your course, or contact your instructor with questions.

Each instructor will set their own office hours or may offer meetings by appointment. This information is explained in the course syllabus.

Summer Online courses can be more challenging because they are shorter semesters, meaning the content and required effort of students is condensed. Imagine a full 14-week spring or fall course being compressed but still covering the same content and having the same volume of assignments.

If you have questions about tuition or enrollment, you should contact the Summer Sessions group in the registrar’s office. Questions about course content, the class schedule, joining live sessions should be sent to your instructor. Last, questions about technology or how to participate in class can be directed to the Summer Online program team (email to summeronline@nd.edu).

The Office of Digital Learning works with course faculty and the Sara Bea Office of Disability Services to ensure equitable access to educational materials. Students with need for accommodations should directly contact the Sara Bea Office of Disability Services; a member of Sara Bea will handle communication with the Office of Digital Learning.

Technology

To ensure that you can view and participate in the live sessions effectively, a stable internet connection is required. A stable internet connection means a hard-wired landline connection or a wifi connection where students can control the number of users on that connection. That is, connecting by wifi in a Starbucks will only work if that Starbucks is nearly empty. If it gets busy, the strength of each connection weakens; the background noise will become overly distracting. Instead, you should find a regular, stable, and quiet location from which to join the online class. Connecting from moving vehicles is not recommended. You will need a laptop or computer; having a phone or tablet is not sufficient for completing some of the online assignments. You will also need a webcam and a microphone.

All Summer Online courses use a learning management system (LMS) called Canvas. Once enrolled in a course, students can login to the Canvas course site using regular Notre Dame credentials. These systems are accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The live sessions are delivered via web conferencing software called Zoom. Each class has a unique Zoom URL which is listed in the syllabus and in the online class. Before accessing your first class, please sign in to your zoom account at notredame.zoom.us using your netid and password. Instructors will also email the Zoom link out roughly one week before the start of the semester.

An online proctored exam simply means a supervised exam. The University of Notre Dame uses online proctoring at no cost to the student. The equipment required to take an online class is the same equipment required to take an online proctored exam; students are not required to go to a specific location but can still take an exam flexibly from anywhere. Students will need a state-issued photo ID or passport to verify identity when taking a proctored assessment. Refer to the course syllabus to confirm if proctored testing is used in your course, or contact your instructor with questions.

Office of Digital Learning

University of Notre Dame
945 Flanner Hall
Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA

summeronline@nd.edu