Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Before You Register
Is Distance Learning right for me?
What is Distance Learning?
How do I obtain a student ID number?
When is tuition due?
Are online courses self-paced?
Are online courses covered by tuition waivers?
Will credit for Distance Learning courses transfer to other colleges?
Will I ever need to attend class on campus?
What are the technical requirements?
What technical skills do I need?
Registering for Online Classes
What if the course I need is full?
What email address is in your system?
How do I use my own email address?
How can I confirm my registration?
How do I drop an online course?
Classes have already begun, can I still register?
Getting Started in Your Class
What is my password to log in to my class?
What if classes have begun and I have not heard from my instructor?
When is my first assignment due?
What if I'm having problems with my password?
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Is Distance Learning right for me?
Distance Learning courses require you to be highly self-motivated, have good reading and writing skills, have email and web access, and be able to spend 10-15 hours per week, per class. Learn more, and take the Distance Learning self-assessment quiz to help you decide!
What is Distance Learning?
Distance Learning is a convenient way for students needing flexible schedules and independent learning locations to pursue educational goals.
- Online Classes - Highline classes which are delivered over the WWW and email; there are no scheduled class times.
- Hybrid Classes - Highline classes that are partly online, partly face-to-face, but with fewer class meetings than a regular class.
Courses have beginning and end dates, and regular assignments and project due dates, but since part or all of the class activities are online and asynchronous, you can work on your class at the time and place most convenient to you.
How do I obtain a student identification number?
If you have not applied to Highline before, you will receive an ID number once your application process is complete. You can apply to Highline online.
If you are already taking classes at Highline, but do not know your ID number, contact Registration at 206-878-3710 ext. 3242.
When is tuition due?
Online courses have the same tuition deadlines as campus courses. Check the tuition and registration deadlines for details.
Are online courses at Highline self-paced?
No. The online version of the class will be similar to the face-to-face class, except you don't meet at campus on a regular basis. This means you'll have textbook reading, regular assignments, tests, online lectures and other class work to do on a regular basis.
Online classes take just as much time as regular classes. For a 5 credit class, you'll need to schedule 15 hours a week. You will need to schedule this time and honor that schedule.
If you are a person who tends to procrastinate or who is not very self motivated, you might have a difficult time with a distance learning class.
Are online courses covered by tuition waivers?
You can use tuition waivers to register for classes. However, you will have to contact the instructor for permission and to be given access to the online course. Regular tuition waiver policies apply.
Will credit for Distance Learning courses transfer to other colleges?
Distance Learning classes are regular classes at Highline, and will transfer just like face-to-face classes. For more information on transferring courses, contact the Advising Center.
Will I ever need to attend class on campus?
Online courses do not require on campus visits. However, you may be required to set up a location to take proctored exams or complete other class activities. Check the course syllabus, or contact the instructor for details.
Hybrid classes meet partly online and partly face-to-face. The face-to-face meetings are required. The quarterly class schedule will indicate which days and times you need to be on campus.
What are the technical requirements?
Start with the minimum technical requirements for online and hybrid classes at Highline. Your courses may have specific additional requirements; see the course syllabus to make sure you can meet those criteria.
What technical skills do I need?
You will need to be competent at several technical skills to participate in your online classes. Your course may have additional requirements depending on the subject matter; see the course syllabus and contact your instructor for details.
What if the course I need is full?
Online and hybrid courses have wait-lists just like face-to-face classes. However, you will need to contact the instructor to get access to the online course materials. You need to participate in the class starting on the first day to maintain eligibility to get into the class.
What email address is in your system?
Highline's official channel of communication with students is your Highline Student Email account. E-mail communication in this course will occur via Canvas, an instructor-specified site, and/or your Highline Student Email account. For more information, see Highline Student Email Help.
How do I use my own email address?
You can forward your Highline Student Email account to another email service/account. Instructions are available in Highline Student Email Help.
Do not use an email account that you share with other people. Online courses can generate significant amounts of email, may discuss very personal topics, and instructors may send personal or private information to you. If you forward Highline Student Email, it is assumed that you are the only person reading messages sent to that account.
How can I confirm my registration?
To confirm your online registration, View Your Class Schedule in Online Student Services.
How do I drop an online course?
You can drop your online courses through Online Registration in Online Student Services. After the last day to drop classes online, you need to visit Registration on campus or use the drop form. Consult the Registration Dates and Deadlines calendar or the quarterly class schedule for the last day to drop classes.
If you are checking confirmation of a dropped course, please allow 2 business days to process your drop form.
Classes have already begun, can I still register?
Registration is closed the third day after the class starts. Contact the instructor to ask for permission to register after that day. No late registrations are permitted after the 10th day of classes.
For late-start classes (those that do not start on the first day of the quarter), email Registration.
What is my password to log in to my class?
You will use your myHighline account.
What if classes have begun and I have not heard from my instructor?
Your instructor will usually contact you prior to the first day of the class. If your course has begun and you have not heard from your instructor complete the following steps:
- Log in to Canvas to see if the course is available. Most courses will not be available until the first day of classes.
- Check your course schedule to verify enrollment in the course. If your tuition was not paid before the due date you may have been dropped.
- Check your Highline Student Email account. If you have forwarded Highline Student Email to another provider/account, check that account.
- Check your junk mail or spam folder in your email for messages from your instructor.
- Contact your instructor. See the staff and department directory to find your instructor's phone and e-mail. It is your responsibility to contact the instructor if you did not receive a pre-course email or letter.
For most Hybrid classes, you will meet your instructor during the first face-to-face session of the class.
When is my first assignment due?
Your instructor will notify you of the first assignment deadlines. You can expect a short assignment to be due within the first few days of class. See the course syllabus for details.
What if I'm having problems with my password?
Email the Help Desk or call (206) 592-4357.