MTSU Online Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Click here for information about online undergraduate and graduate programs. 

• MTSU online course instruction takes place in MTSU’s Desire2Learn (D2L) learning management system (LMS).
• No physical attendance may be required. However, students may be offered optional meetings and proctored exams.
• A “D” is attached to the section number.

• A significant portion of instruction and activities takes place online.
• May include up to 15 hours of required or mandatory campus or online meetings per semester.
• A “D” is attached to the section number.

• Students register for MTSU online and hybrid courses as they would a traditional, on-campus course through the online portal PipelineMT. However, some courses may require completion of a Permission of Department (POD) form prior to registration.
• MTSU offers a tutorial explaining how to register for MTSU online courses.

• A systems check may be run on your computer the first time you log into Desire2Learn (D2L), the online course learning platform. This is the statement and link to the systems check:  Run a system check on your computer to make sure you have installed everything you need to run D2L.

• Students taking MTSU online courses are not required to attend any on-campus or online meetings at scheduled dates/times. Professors may offer optional meetings, but students are not penalized for non-attendance.
• Proctored exams may be required, but students must be able to schedule to have the exams proctored at approved locations if they are unable to come to campus.
• Students taking hybrid courses are required to attend face-to-face meetings/exams/orientations of up to 15 hours during the semester.

• Withdrawal options are discussed on the Withdrawal website.

Tuition and fees are found at the MT One Stop, which provides integrated services in the areas of Financial Aid, Tuition and Billing, and transcripts.

A distance education fee is charged, $30 per credit hour, for online course instruction.  Information is available on the Miscellaneous Course Fees page

• Textbooks for MTSU online courses may be purchased through the MTSU Phillips Bookstore.

• In most cases, students have access to their MTSU online and hybrid courses five days prior to the start of the semester. Some professors may prefer, however, to make their content available on the first day of class.

• Access to MTSU online and hybrid courses is through Desire2Learn(D2L).
• D2L Video Tutorials

• MTSU online and hybrid students are provided numerous services by the MTSU Walker Library.  A Library Help website is also provided.

The University College Test Center can assist students with scheduling proctored exams for online courses.

• University Computer Labs are available for all students with a current MTSU ID.
• Tutorials and tutoring, such as TutorMe, iStudySmartand the University Writing Center, are available at Student Support.

• The MTSU Help Desk provides multiple services for distance learners including tutorials and D2L support. Additional services are available at ITD.

The following information will assist students in navigating resources for resolving any complaints or concerns about MTSU academic online programs.

• MTSU online students may file formal complaints on the Issue Reporting website.
• MTSU students may contact the MTSU Online Student Services office at distance@mtsu.edu or 615-904-8391.
• Students may file complaints related to accreditation and fraud via MTSU's accrediting agency SACSCOC.
• Student complaints related to consumer protection laws offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), must first be filed with the institution to seek resolution.
• The student should begin the complaint process with the institution and if resolution is not found, the student would contact the Institution’s Home State SARA Portal Entity. The SARA State Portal Entities are listed at https://www.nc-sara.org/state-portal-entity-contacts
• Specific questions about MTSU State Authorization of Distance Education can be directed to: MTSU Online at distance@mtsu.edu or 615-898-5060.

• MTSU Student Programming and Raider Entertainment (SPARE)provides quality, low-cost entertainment for students throughout the year

• MTSU students will use the instructions provided in the MTSU Student Grade Appeals Policy to complete and submit grade appeals for MTSU online and hybrid courses.