Course Information
The following MPA courses are taught online via WebCT: PA 5323 Quality and Productivity in Government, PA 6342 Local Economic Development, PA 5318 Information Systems in Policy Environments.
Self-Assessment
Success in distance education courses depends on self-discipline and the ability to learn without face-to-face interaction. UT Dallas distance education courses maintain the same rigor and high standards of its classroom courses. Academic progress is established and maintained through regular course participation.
To find out whether Distance Learning is right for you, take the self-assessment quiz.
Obtaining Textbooks
Textbooks can be ordered online through the MBS Direct Virtual Bookstore or the Off-Campus Books web ordering site. They are also available at the UTD Bookstore and Off-Campus Books.
Other Readings
All other readings are available electronically via the course home page on WebCT.
Access to WebCT
Prior to the start of the semester, students are strongly advised to make sure that they have the proper information/passwords to allow you to access courses by WebCT prior to the first day of class.
Passwords – even for current students who are enrolled and actively using WebCT– expire automatically unless the password is updated from time to time. Various University-related financial arrangements will also trigger a block on students’ ability to access WebCT.
Any challenges you may encounter accessing WebCT should be addressed prior to the start of the semester with the University and/or the UTD Help Desk.
Obtaining Course Login Information
The login information for the MPA online courses is referred to as the UTD NetID. To obtain and activate your UTD NetID, go to the UTD NetID page. For additional information about the NetID visit the UTD Distance Learning site. The NetID activation is usually not available until shortly before or at the start of the semester. For technical difficulties, please contact the UTD Help Desk at 972-883-2911 or their webpage.
Accessing Your Course on the First Day of Class
It is your responsibility to log on and access the course. The online classes move along swiftly once the semester begins. Students will quickly fall behind if they are unable to access WebCT during the first few days of class.
The course is organized into “weeks” which run from Monday morning through midnight on Sunday. The first week of class will begin on the Monday of the first full week of the semester.
Students enrolled in online courses can login to the WebCT course(s) at http://galaxy.utdallas.edu. Once you log into Galaxy, click on the "WebCT" link under "Self Service Links" (in the upper left-hand column). If you are a new online student you may want to read the WebCT login instructions provided by the Center for Online Teaching and Learning before attempting to login. The courses will be released to students the first day of class. All enrolled students are strongly encouraged to log on to the class on that first day. There is a Student Tutorial that will be available for you once you log in to WebCT.
First Visit to the Course Website on WebCT
Once you access the course, print the syllabus and read the lecture for Week #1. This first lecture will set out the procedure for how the course will proceed. Once the courses begin, all course-related communication between class members as well as your direct communication to the instructor should occur within the confines of WebCT.
Contact information
If you would like to contact Dr. Hassett, please email her at wendy.hassett@utdallas.edu.
Other Links
Support
For assistance with UTD account/login, please contact the UTD Help Desk at 972-883-2911.
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Updated: 06/19/08