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Frequently Asked Questions

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Distance Education
Online Success
Username & Password Issues
Canvas Video Tutorials
Online Classes and Programs
Registration FAQs
Canvas Help for Students
Technical Requirements
Attendance & Participation
Communication
Time Management & Study Skills
GWC Academic Honesty Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact

FAQ's

I login to Canvas, but my class isn't there.

With rare exceptions, the links do not appear in Canvas until the official start date.
If the semester has already begun, double check the date of course on the searchable schedule - it may be a 6, 8, or 10 week class that begins later in the semester.
If you are registered AND the course start date has passed, please contact us.

I've never taken an online class before. What do I do?

Online classes require:

a specified amount of time ("Hrs/Wk arr" in the searchable schedule) >spent inside Canvas per week (this is your "in class" time)
additional time spent reading, studying, and completing assignments (just like traditional courses)

Prepare yourself for the first day of your class:

Go through our Online Success and Canvas tutorials.
Purchase your book from the GWC Bookstore.
Download and install Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome - these are the best browsers to use with Canvas.
(During installation - be sure to import NOTHING from Internet Explorer.)
Make sure you can log in to Canvas (even though you won't see your course yet).

When your course link appears on the first day of class:

Log in and click the link to enter your course.
Read the course syllabus thoroughly.
Familiarize yourself with all course due dates.

What is my MyGWC username? My student ID isn't working.

If you know your student ID and your MyGWC password, you can find your MyGWC username by doing the following:

Log in to MyGWC.com with your Student ID and password.
Click the Gmail link on the right.
Look to the upper right.
You will see username@student.cccd.edu

How do I petition an online course?

If you need an authorization code to register for an online course:

Email your instructor (see: Searchable Online Directory).
Include your name, student ID number, and the CRN of the course.
Expect to receive a code via email (if the instructor can add you) during the first two weeks of class.
If you do not receive a reply in the first two weeks of class, the instructor was unable to add you.

Does my online class require a textbook?

Most online courses do require a textbook.

To view the required materials for your class:

Visit the Golden West College Bookstore website.
Search using the CRN of the section you are enrolled in.

Do I need to come to on-campus testing for my online class?

If you will be required to come on campus for any in-person meetings, the dates/times will be indicated on the official schedule, and you will see this information before registering. You can check your Web Schedule Bill on the MyGWC website for specific information about the course.

Do I need an Access Code? How do I get one?

Some courses contain publisher content that requires an access code as payment.
Ifone is needed, an access codes will usually come packaged with new textook, when purchased at the Golden West College Bookstore.
Not recommended: If you purchase your textbook used, or from another bookstore, you will need to contact the publisher to purchase the access code separately.

Can you reset my password / reactivate my account?

Our office does not handle password or account issues.

To reset your password and/or reactivate your account, please refer to the District Canvas support page, or contact the IT Service Desk.

My online class disappeared from the list. Have I been dropped?

Sometimes students are dropped from a class, either by the instructor (for not logging in or participating) or by Admissions and Records for a financial or technical reason.

Check your Web Schedule Bill on the MyGWC website to confirm the drop
If you would like to be reinstated in the course, contact your instructor (see: Searchable Online Directory).
If you have further questions about the drop, contact Admissions & Records at 714-895-8306.