Office of Online Education

Online Completion Undergraduate Programs

FSU undergraduate online programs are degree completion, which means students may take upper-division (junior and senior level) courses online. Online Degree Completion (ODC) students must have completed all university and program core requirements, or be dual enrolled with a partnering community college prior to admittance to an ODC program. FSU's online degree completion programs are listed below: 

• Accounting (BS)
• Birth through Kindergarten (Non-Teaching) (BS)
  
• Business Administration: General Concentration (BBA)
• Computer Science (BS)
• Criminal Justice (BS)
  
• English Language and Literature (BA)
• Fire & Emergency Services Administration (BS)
• History (BA)
• Intelligence Studies (BA)
• Interdisciplinary Studies (BS)
• Mathmatics (BS)
• Nursing (RN-BSN) (BS)
• Political Science (BA) (Optional concentrations in Public Administration or Environmental Politics and Policy)
• Psychology (BS)
• Sociology (BA)

Online Graduate Programs

Admissions requirements vary across the colleges and departments, so students should contact the Graduate Coordinators in their department of interest and/or view the Graduate catalog for specific program information.

• Criminal Justice (MS)
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Nursing (MSN)
• Psychology (MA)
• Sociology (MA)

Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to an online-degree completion program.
Once you are admitted to the university, the academic department will evaluate your credentials for admission to the online program.

An online degree-completion (ODC) student is one who takes at least 75% of upper-division coursework online. Since FSU only offers our upper-division (junior and senior level) courses online, ODC students must already have completed the University College Core Curriculum, or be dual enrolled with a partnering community college.

All qualified applicants for undergraduate admission as an online degree-completion student should submit the following documents:

1. Application for admission to the university: Download the Online Degree-Completion Application
2. Non-refundable $50 application fee
3. An official transcript from each college or university attended. (Sent directly to the university from the Registrar's Office of the previous institutions attended.)
4. An official high school transcript or official General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) results. (Required for all students that have not earned at least the Associates degree.)
5. Military records (if applicable)

To be eligible for admission at Fayetteville State University, online degree-completion students must also:

1. be eligible to return to the institution last attended; and
2. have attained a 2.00 GPA or higher based on all courses attempted at all institutions.

For more information on online degree-completion programs view online programs in our program finder. 

The Student Resources for Online Learning document contains numerous campus ressources to help you navigate online learning at FSU.

Canvas Help and Support

Canvas Help Hotline: 877-242-4910
Canvas Help Chat 
Canvas Student Guides
Getting Started with Canvas for Students-10 Steps (PDF)

Upswing Online Tutoring

Access through FSU Engage.

How to Use Upswing Tutoring as a Student
How to Use Upswing Writing Lab
Essay Review: Writing experts give advice and edits on your papers.
Ana:  A virtual text messaging assistant.

Exam Proctoring Resources

Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor

Uses a specialized browser, web cam and video technology to record exam sessions and flags suspicious behavior for later viewing by your professors. 

Introduction to Respondus LockDown Browser for Students (video: 2 minutes)
Respondus Lockdown Browser Student Guide
Introduction to Respondus Monitor for Students (video: 2 minutes)
Respondus LockDown Browser + Monitor Quick Start Guide

Proctor Free

This option uses web cam and video recording technology to record your exam appointments and flag suspicious activity that can be later viewed by your professors. 

Proctor Free Quick Start Guide for Students

Web Conferencing Tools

Canvas Conferences
How do I use Conferences in a course as a student?
How do I create a conference in a student group?
How do I join a conference in a course as a student? 

Microsoft Teams

Introduction to Microsoft Teams
Meetings in a Channel with Microsoft Teams
How to Share Files with Microsoft Teams

FSU Academic Support

Academic Support
Academic Regulations
Chestnutt Library Services for Online Students
Student Handbook 

Etiquette, Protocols & Tips for Success

Tips for Online Course Success (PPTX) 
Online Course Etiquette (PDF) 
Discussion Protocols (PDF) 
Email Protocols (PDF) 

Privacy and Accessibility

Canvas Privacy Policies
Microsoft Teams Security, Accessibility and Privacy
Proctor Free Security and Privacy
Respondus Security and Privacy
Upswing Security and Privacy

Fayetteville State University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).

This means that Fayetteville State University is authorized to provide educational opportunities in all 50 states and U.S. territories.

State regulations require that public universities seeking to enroll students residing outside North Carolina in distance or online programming must be approved to deliver such programming in accordance with the receiving state's requirements. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure quality post-secondary education, ensure the integrity of academic degrees, and to provide greater consumer protection for its student citizens.

Please note: California is not part of SARA, but FSU is authorized to operate there due to existing exemptions for public insitutions.

Professional Licensure Overview

The U.S. Department of Education regulations regarding distance education and professional licensure require that FSU make the following professional licensure disclosures.

Participation in NC-SARA does not provide reciprocity for state professional licensing requirements. FSU academic programs that lead to professional licensure or certification prepare students to sit for and achieve licensure or certification in North Carolina. Other states may have different educational requirements that academic programs and individual graduates must meet to be eligible for a license.

FSU makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure is current; however, licensure regulations are frequently revised. Separate from educational requirements, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete professional examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, jurisprudence exams, etc.

If you are participating in online education and plan to return or move to a state, territory or country outside North Carolina, we strongly encourage you to research the licensing board requirements for that location.

If you are a prospective student considering enrolling in an academic program that leads to a professional license or certification, please be aware that FSU may not currently be able to confirm whether a program meets State educational requirements outside North Carolina. Please contact the academic program of interest for guidance prior to enrolling.

To learn more about professional licensure and/or certification related to FSU academic programs, please review the information and resources below.

Relocation Policy

If you relocate while enrolled at Fayetteville State University you may become ineligible for financial aid funding or be prohibited from completing coursework if FSU does not meet the State educational requirements for licensure or certification in the new location. Prospective students are advised to contact an admissions counselor and current students their program coordinator to discuss the impact of relocation on eligibility.

International Students

International students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license should contact the relevant professional licensing board in the country where they plan to work to confirm whether an online degree awarded by Fayetteville State University will be recognized when seeking licensure or certification. International students are strongly encouraged to be aware of regulations related to online education programs in their country of residence including:

• Whether the academic program meets licensure or certification requirements in the country;
• Whether the country will recognize an online degree from FSU; and
• If any additional taxes, withholding or fees associated with online distance education programs will be assessed.

Professional Licensure Links

U.S. Department of Education Professional Licensure: information about most licensed professions by states.

NC-SARA Professional Licensure: contact information for all state licensing boards.

FSU Academic Programs that Lead to Professional Licensure and/or Certification

Accounting

Dr. Jennifer Bushelle-Edghill
Interim Chair, Department of Accounting, Finance, Health Administration, and Information Systems
Fayetteville State University
1200 Murchison Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301
E: jbushell@uncfsu.edu
T: (910) 672-1508

National Association of State Boards of Accountancy

View this updated spreadsheet to see the licensure disclosure of the Accounting program curriculum in the state you intend to work. The program curriculum will include one of the following disclosures:

• meets state educational requirements for licensure or certification,
• does not meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification, or
• a determination has not yet been made.

Education/Teaching

US Department of Education

http://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

https://caepnet.org/standards/2022-itp/introduction 

National Association for the Education of Young Children

https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/early-learning/standards

View this updated spreadsheet to see the licensure disclosures of the Education/Teaching program curriculum in the state you intend to work. The program curriculum will include one of the following disclosures:

• meets state educational requirements for licensure or certification,
• does not meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification, or
• a determination has not yet been made.

Please note: College of Education Candidates who are interested in obtaining a teaching license must complete a North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) approved education program. Candidates who graduate and seek out of state employment must meet the receiving state’s requirements for licensure. There is no automatic licensure reciprocity between states. FSU will verify the completion of an approved, accredited program for candidates who seek employment out of state, and those candidates will be responsible for completing any additional requirements needed to obtain the license for employment in the receiving state.

Nursing

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

https://ncsbn.org/contact-bon.htm

View this updated spreadsheet to see the licensure disclosure of the Nursing program curriculum in the state you intend to work. The program curriculum will include one of the following disclosures:

• meets state educational requirements for licensure or certification,
• does not meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification, or
• a determination has not yet been made.

Please Note: School of Nursing candidates who are interested in taking the NCLEX national licensure examination and practicing in North Carolina must complete a North Carolina Board of Nursing approved education program. Candidates who graduate and seek to take the NCLEX licensure examination out of state must meet the receiving state’s requirements for licensure. North Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This allows a nurse to have one multistate license with the ability to practice in the home state and other compact licensure states. All students are directed to the Board of Nursing for the state in which they plan to practice for full licensure requirements. The School of Nursing will verify the completion of an approved, accredited program for candidates who seek licensure in the State of North Carolina and outside of the state. Graduates who seek employment outside of the state are responsible for completing additional requirements need to obtain licensure for employment in the receiving state.

Social Work

Association of Social Work Boards

https://www.aswb.org 

The Professional Licensure Directory (Contact Information) for Social Work by State

View this updated spreadsheet to see the licensure disclosure of the Social Work program curiculum in the state you intend to work. The program curriculum will include one of the following disclosures:

• meets state educational requirements for licensure or certification,
• does not meet state educational requirements for licensure or certification, or
• a determination has not yet been made.

Please note: Master of Social Work Candidates who are interested in obtaining a license must complete a North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB) approved education program in the state of North Carolina. Candidates who graduate and seek out of state employment must meet the receiving state’s requirements for licensure. There is no automatic licensure reciprocity between states. FSU will verify the completion of an approved, accredited program for candidates who seek employment out of state, and those candidates will be responsible for completing any additional requirements needed to obtain the license for employment in the receiving state.

This section provides information on the processes for out of state and prospective students to file complaints or grievances at the various levels starting with FSU's established procedures and processes.

FSU (Institution) Level

Student Complaint Process

Student Complaint Form (For Current FSU Students-Requires Log-In)

Student Complaint Form (For Prospective and/or Former FSU Students)

Fayetteville State University-Academic Affairs
c/o Mr. Jerone Gray
1200 Murchison Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301
T: 910-672-1460
E: jgray9@uncfsu.edu
Web: Division of Academic Affairs

UNC System Level

If a complaint or grievance cannot be resolved at the institution's level, students may file with the North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints Unit.

NC System Complaint Policy

NC System Complaint Form

North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
c/o Student Complaints
University of North Carolina Systems Office
910 Raleligh Road,
Chapel Hill, NC 27515
T: 919-962-4558
Email: studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu
Web: https://www.northcarolina.edu/post-secondary-education-complaints/

Institutional Accreditor Level (SACS-COC)

If the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved at the FSU, or UNC System levels, students may file with Fayetteville State University's accrediting agency: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commision on Colleges (SACS-COC) using the process below:

SACSCOC Complaint Procedure and Form

1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033
T: 404-679-4500
Web: http://www.sacscoc.org

State Level: SARA-NC Complaint Processes

Students may also file complaints through SARA-NC, which is a portal for North Carolina. The complaint process and form is listed below:

SARA-NC Complaint Process
>SARA-NC Complaint Form

North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
P.O. Box 41349
Raleigh, NC 27629
T: 855-SARA-1-NC (727-2162)
T: 919-549-8614, ext. 4667
Email: information@saranc.org
Web: www.saranc.org

Outside North Carolina
Students residing outside North Carolina may file complaints with the state education agency where they reside. Links to various resources by state are located below:

Student Complaint Information by State and Agency
NC-SARA State Portal Entity Contacts

1. What is Online Learning?
2. Who is an Online Degree Completion Student (ODC)?
3. How do I apply for admission to the University, ODC program?
4. Can I enroll into an online course if I am not an ODC student?
5. What are the Prerequisites for Registering for Online Courses?
6. What are the Benefits of Online Learning?
7. How Much will it Cost?
8. Can I Get Financial Aid?
9. How do I Get my Textbooks?
10. How do I Enroll in an Online Course?
11. How do I Register for an Online Course if I am in the Military?
12. Where is my Online Class?
13. When can I Begin my Online Class?
14. Where can I find Textbook Information?
15. What is Netiquette?
16. What are the Technical Requirements for an Online Course?
17. What Technical Skills do I Have to Have? Do I Need to be a Computer Expert?
18. Who do I Contact if I have Technical Issues with Canvas?
19. Who do I Contact if I Forgot my Password, or Do Not Know my Student Network Account Information?

What is online learning?
Online learning is a learning experience delivered via a computer and the Internet. Course work is conducted through, discussion groups, external resources, exams, quizzes, social rooms, blogs, wiki's, learning activities and online submitted assignments.

Who is an Online Degree Completion Student (ODC)?
Since FSU's undergraduate programs only offer upper-division (junior and senior level) courses online, ODC students must already have completed the University College Core Curriculum, or be dual enrolled with a partnering community college. Please use the Programs link below to visit the online degree-completion website for your program of interest. The University College Core Curriculum courses are listed there.

How do I apply for admission to the University, ODC program?

1. The Office of Admissions will receive Online Degree Completion Application
   · application fee· official transcripts· residency materials;· Campus Safety Questions
   • Application Agreement Page
   
   
2. Initial review is made on eligibility for online program - does student have 30 or more transferable hours? If not, decision is made on admission status to university and Admissions communicates status to student: eligible for admission, but ineligible for online at this time. Continued path is student's decision:
   
   Option - complete courses either in the class room at a local college/university or on-line before making transition to FSU online program
   
   
3. If eligible for admission and possibly online (a minimum of 30 hours are transferable), copies of post-secondary transcripts provided to Office of Online Education for review of eligibility for intended online major. Admissions proceeds with routine admissions process.
   
   ****Acceptance to the University does not guarantee acceptance to an online degree-completion program.

Can I enroll into an online course if I am not an ODC student?
Yes. But, online degree-completions (ODC) students have priority when registering for online courses during pre-registration.
Current students will need to declare an online degree-completion major. For instance, a Criminal Justice major who is completing the degree online will need to go to the Registrar's website and change his major to Criminal Justice Online.

What are the Prerequisites for Registering for Online Courses?
The following conditions must be met in order for a student to enroll in an online course that is a part of a degree-completion program:

• been admitted to the University
• declared an online degree-completion major (been accepted to the online degree-completion program to which he/she applied)
• student must have no holds on his/her student account

** Please note: online registration is limited. Acceptance to the University and acceptance to an online degree-completion program does not guarantee a seat in an online course.

What are the Benefits of Online Larning?
The greatest benefit of online courses is the flexibility of being able to complete the work when your schedule permits, and no set class time. ** You must also be mindful that all assignments, quizzes, exams and discussion posting have due dates or completion deadlines, so watch your dates and plan your time wisely.

How much will it cost?
Tuition for online courses is separate from tuition for on-campus courses. Regardless of course load, tuition for online courses will be listed as a separate additional charge on your billing statement. For more information go to the Tuition and Fees page.

Tuition Surcharge
All new undergraduates seeking a baccalaureate degree at Fayetteville State University will be subject to a 50% tuition surcharge if they take more than 140 credit hours to complete a four-year degree program or more than 110% of the required credit hours to complete the officially designated five year program. Visit the Registrar's Website for the complete policy regarding tuition surcharge.

Can I get financial aid?
Visit the Financial Aid Website for eligibility criteria and steps for applying for assistance. 

How do I get my textbooks?
Textbooks for online courses are covered under the book-rental policy. However, unless you plan to come to the bookstore to pick up your textbooks, please be prepared to provide credit card information when you order your books online, as you will have to cover the cost of shipping.

How do I enroll in an online course?
To register for classes FSU Banner Page from the quick links located on the lower right corner of the campus homepage (http://www.uncfsu.edu) and use your Banner ID and pin to enroll in online courses. For help contact the Bronco One Stop at  (910) 672-2717 on the 2nd floor of the Chestnutt Library.

How do I register for an online course if I am in the Military?
For information for registration for military students please visit the Military Education page.

Where is my online class?
FSU uses Canvas to deliver online courses. Log into Canvas from FSU Engage.

When can I begin my online class?
Your classes should be available on the first day of class. If you do not see your courses on your Dashboard in Canvas, first click on Courses, then all Courses and search for it there. If you still don't see it, contact the instructor of the course and ask when it will be published and visible to you.

Where can I find textbook information?
Log into your online course and read your course syllabus. The textbook information should be listed on your course syllabus.

What is Netiquette?
Online manners and rules of conduct for Internet users. See Netiquette Expectations document for more information.

What are the Technical Requirements for Online Courses?
You should have access to a computer that meets the minimum requirements and access to a stable and reliable Internet connection. For details on what these minimum requirements are view the Technical Skills and Requirements for Online Education.

What Technical Skills do I Need? Do I Have to be a Computer Expert?
No. However, you should have a general comfort level with computers and the Internet, along with certain technical specifications to avoid experiencing issues while attending classes and submitting coursework.  You should also possess a basic level of proficiency using Canvas to complete your coursework. For more information, view the Technical Skills and Requirements for Online Education.

Who do I contact if I have any technical issues with Canvas?
Log into Canvas and click the Help button at the bottom of the Global Navigation pane. From there you may get help via phone, live chat or email.

Who do I contact if I forgot my password, or do not know my student network account information?
You may contact the ITS Helpdesk at 910.672-4357 or you may go the ITS Department website to look up that information.