Dear Online Student:

Welcome! You are enrolled in BAS/CPT 103.N1 or N2: Microcomputer Applications at St. Charles Community College. This course will introduce you to computer use through the Microsoft Office applications. After this class, you should be able to create flyers and letters, develop financial spreadsheets, create effective presentations, design a database, and query information contained in it to place in reports.

This section is offered online; this gives you time and place flexibility. It does require self-discipline on your part to do the required work without having scheduled classes. The objectives and assignments for this section are the same as its on campus counterparts. Just a reminder: This course will move at twice the pace of a fall or spring semester class; the requirements are all the same, but there is only half of the time in the semester. Be sure your schedule allows you the time to complete all work on time, since no late work is accepted for credit. Keyboarding skills are needed to be successful in this class. If you cannot touch type, you may want to consider taking a class in keyboarding before this one.

We will use the computer and Internet for most of our interaction and exchanges so you will need a computer able to access the Internet. You will also need access to Microsoft Office 2007 Professional. The computer labs (TECH 116 and ACE Center) in the Technology building at SCC have the necessary software and hardware to complete this course. The software is available for sale at the SCC bookstore at a dramatic discount over retail, but purchasing it is not required as long as you have access to Office 2007 to complete your work.

You MUST be able to take your tests on campus at the scheduled times, room numbers will be provided later.

You will have access to the course some time the week before it begins. It is your responsibility to review the Web site and course requirements immediately to be sure the schedule can work with yours. If not, it may be best for you to drop the class while you can still get a refund (see dates for full/partial refunds). The course officially begins on Monday, June 2; starting work any time after that date may cause you to get significantly behind very quickly. The first deadline for assignments is June 6, and no late work is accepted.

You will need the textbook and access to the Office 2007 software by the start of classes to stay on schedule. You may get the text for the class from the bookstore either in person, by telephone, or online via at www.stchas.edu/bookstore. Bookstore hours are listed on the Web site. The software is available for purchase in the bookstore as well. I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Nancy M. Graviett
Associate Professor, BAS/CPT
BAS Program Coordinator
ngraviett@stchas.edu