eCampus FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About SPC's e-courses

How do online courses work?

Find out firsthand by exploring eCampus' sample online class. You'll can see how online courses are organized, try out some of the interactive features, and generally make yourself at home in the virtual classroom. eCampus also provides a series of online tutorials about using ANGEL, the software framework for online courses. These ANGEL Tutorials teach you how to log in and out, navigate around your course, check your grades, take quizzes, and use tools like the assignment drop box, discussion board, and e-mail.

Do I need special computer hardware or software?

Probably not. To see if your computer meets the general requirements for online classes, use our quick, automated system checkup and review eCampus' technical information page. To find out if your course has additional, specific technical requirements, check the course description and course information page (you can find these by using the advanced search function). Before you enroll in a course, make sure you have access to computer resources that meet all the requirements.

Does eCampus have complete degree programs online?

Yes, and new online degrees and certificates are continually being added.

I'm registered for an online class but I can't log into it. Why?

Classes become accessible for login on the first day of each session (see the SPC Academic Calendar). You won't be able to get into the course until then. In the meantime, you can visit the instructor/course search page for information about your class.

How much do online classes cost?

The eCampus tuition, fees and refunds page contains the latest information. Also, financial assistance availability for e-courses is the same as for other types of credit courses.

How do I submit payments for my tuition and fees?

Choose from several convenient ways to pay for your online college classes. You may pay online, by phone, by mail, in person or at our after-hours drop boxes. Check the Campus Locator Map for in-person and drop box payment sites.

Pay online using Visa or MasterCard.

Use your ID and password to log in to MySPC. On the right-hand side of the page under Student Resources, scroll down to Fees and select Make A Payment.

Pay by phone using Visa or MasterCard.

You will also need your Social Security number and your SPC Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you created when you registered. Call (727) 391-6566 and follow the menu instructions.

Pay by mail.

Include your Social Security number on your check and be sure to mail your payment in time to arrive by your fee deadline. Mail to:

Seminole Campus Business Office
St. Petersburg College
PO Box 13489
St. Petersburg FL 33733

Pay in person using cash, check, money order or credit card:

You may pay at the Business Office at the Allstate Center, Clearwater Campus, Downtown Center, Seminole Campus, St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, or Tarpon Springs Campus.

Pay after-hours via check or money order

For your convenience, after-hours drop boxes for checks or money order - no cash, please - are located outside the business offices at the Clearwater, St. Petersburg/Gibbs, and Tarpon Springs Campuses. Please be sure to include your Social Security number on the check.

Can I buy my books online?

Yes. You can order them from the online bookstore, using MasterCard or Visa. The cost of books varies widely, but the average is about $75 per three-hour course.

Can students from other colleges enroll in eCampus courses?

eCampus welcomes students from other institutions ("transient students"), and our admission process is the same whether you are taking e-courses, on-campus classes, or both.

  • Obtain a "transient form," cross-enrollment form, or letter of approval from your college to ensure that your credits from SPC will be accepted.

  • Using the step-by-step guide to the application process, complete and submit the SPC application, along with your $35 application fee.

  • Download and print the SPC registration form.

  • To view course schedules, go to MySPC and select View Course Offerings in the SPC Guest Resources box.

  • Mail the approval form from your college, the SPC application (unless submitted online), registration form, and your $35 application fee to:
    Seminole Campus Business Office
    St. Petersburg College
    PO Box 13489
    St. Petersburg, FL 33733

Important! When you complete your course(s) at SPC, it's your responsibility to have official transcripts sent to your college. You can use SPC's downloadable transcript request form and mail or fax it to SPC.

Will I need to take a placement test?

The need for placement testing depends on a number of factors, like your degree objective, past college-level work, SAT or ACT scores, and other criteria. The Cyber Advisor can help you determine if placement testing is required. If you do need to take a placement test and live too far away to come to SPC, you may be able to make arrangements for off-site testing at an approved location.

How will I take exams in an online course?

Most instructors post tests online, but some use paper-and-pencil testing. These tests are all given at the SPC Seminole Campus (Campus Locator Map ), in the University Partnership Building Room 303.

  • Students who reside outside Pinellas County, Florida, may make arrangements for off-site testing with an approved test proctor.

  • Students with documented disabilities should e-mail Dr. Linda Giar, or call (727) 394-6289.

  • To learn in advance whether a specific instructor's course requires on-campus testing, you can e-mail the instructor before you enroll. Just go to the e-course catalog, find your course, and click on the link to the course Information Page, which will contain the instructor's e-mail address.

How do I find out what classes I need to complete my SPC degree?

You can check your progress with an online "degree audit" from FACTS, the Web site for Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students. At the FACTS home page, click on "College Advising Tools," then on "Institutional Degree/Program (Audit)." Use your SPC student number and password to log in, then follow the prompts. If you have additional questions about your progress or your program requirements, contact your eCampus Cyber Advisor.

Do I have to do my online course work at any specific time?

One of the advantages of online classes is flexibility; they allow you to do your course work at times that suit your schedule. However, online courses have assignment deadlines and specific test dates just like traditional classes, so be sure to check the course syllabus or calendar for dates and deadlines.

Also be aware of any online chats your instructor might schedule. You will be notified of the date and time, and where to find the online chat room.

Where can I get technical help with my online course?

If you are having a technical problem with your course, review the ANGEL Tutorials and see if you can find the solution there. If not, contact the SPC Technical Help Desk at (727) 341-4357 (HELP) or e-mail onlinehelp@spcollege.edu. Help Desk Hours are Monday thru Sunday, 7am-midnight (EST/EDT).

How do I withdraw from an eCampus course?

Please discuss your concerns with your instructor before making a final decision. If you are receiving financial aid and you plan to withdraw from all your classes, be sure to contact your SPC financial assistance office to discuss how that may affect your scholarships or grants. If you do decide to withdraw from your course:

  • Check the SPC calendar for drop/add and withdrawal deadlines.
  • If the deadline for drop/add has not passed: Go to MySPC and log in. In the right-hand column under Academics select "Drop/withdraw from a class." Follow the instructions for dropping your class and obtaining a refund.
  • If the drop/add deadline has passed: You can withdraw but you will not be able to receive a refund. Go to MySPC and log in. Choose "Drop/withdraw from a class" and follow the instructions for withdrawing.
  • If you still have questions about dropping or withdrawing from a course, contact your Cyber Advisor.

Be aware that you can withdraw and/or repeat the same course no more than twice. On the third attempt to take the same course, you will be charged the full non-resident tuition rate and you will be given a letter grade based on your academic performance in the course.

Can I get tutoring for my online classes?

Yes, tutoring is available for distance learning students via phone, email and/or Web-based resources, depending on the subject area.

© 2007, All Rights Reserved. | St. Petersburg College is an Equal Access/Equal Opportunity Institution. | Site Disclaimer.

Problems with ANGEL courses, contact the Helpdesk. URL of this document is http://www.spcollege.edu/ecampus.