eCampus FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About SPC's e-courses
- How do online courses work?
- Do I need special computer hardware or software?
- Where can I get technical help with my online courses?
- I'm registered for an online class but I can't log into it. Why?
- Does eCampus have complete degree programs online?
- How much do online classes cost?
- How do I submit payments for my tuition and fees?
- Can I buy my books online?
- Can students from other colleges enroll in SPC e-courses?
- Will I need to take a placement test?
- How will I take exams in an online course?
- How do I find out what classes I need to complete my SPC degree?
- Do I have to do my online course work at any specific time?
- How do I withdraw from an e-course?
How do online courses work?
Find out firsthand by exploring eCampus' sample online class. You 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. The 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. 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 Courses and Programs 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 payment 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. The Automatic Payment Plan is also available to pay your tuition and fees.
Can I buy my books online?
Yes. You can order them from the online bookstore, using SPC One Card, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express and Bookstore gift cards. The cost of books varies, but the average is about $100 per three-credit 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 $40 application fee.
- Download and print the SPC registration form.
- To view course schedules, go to MySPC and select Search for Classes in the SPC Future Student box.
- Mail the approval form from your college, the SPC application (unless submitted online), registration form, and your $40 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. A 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?
Instructors post exams online. These online proctored exams are given on the Testing Dates at four SPC Campuses: Clearwater, Seminole, St. Petersburg/Gibbs, and Tarpon Springs.
- Students who reside outside Pinellas County, Florida, may make arrangements for Off-site Testing with an approved test proctor.
- 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 SPC Directory, type in your instructor name and search.
How do I find out what classes I need to complete my SPC degree?
You can check your progress towards graduation by logging onto Florida Virtual Campus. 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.
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. 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.
