Find out if an online degree program is right for you!

The reasons for enrolling in an online program vary from student to student, anything from developing the skills to level up in the workplace to setting a positive example for family.  

Whatever your reason for starting this journey, we want you to succeed. Please complete the following quiz to help you decide whether online learning is for you?  

You know from experience that when you are comfortable, you feel better about where you are. The following should help you decide if learning online is right for you. 

ACCESS  

I have access to all of my transcripts from other colleges and universities. 

• Yes: Great! UVI Online needs transcripts from every institution you have ever attended. It's a Department of Education requirement.
• No: Regardless of whether you were enrolled at another university for only one semester and withdrew, we need transcripts from every institution of higher ed you have attended—community colleges, trade schools, and other universities. It's a Department of Education requirement.  For more information on how to track down transcripts, contact us. We’re happy to help. 

I have reliable internet access.   

• Yes: Great! It's important to have reliable access to the internet while taking online classes. It can be at a public or school library, at work, or a family member or friend's house. Wherever it is, you really need reliable access to alleviate stress, meet due dates.    
• Most of the time: Good! It's important to have reliable access to the internet while taking online classes. Be sure to have a plan B when access is sketchy. It can be at the library, at work, or a family member or friend's house, but you really need access.     
• No: If you don't have reliable internet access, could you complete assignments at the library or a friend's house?   It’s important to have access to reliable internet when enrolled in an online program. It can be challenging to turn in assignments on time when all the tech works as it should, you don’t need the added pressure of unstable internet service.  

I have access to a laptop or desktop.

• Yes: Great! Your phone (mobile device?) is a great tool for catching up on reading assignments and video lectures,  However, we suggest taking tests, quizzes, or other timed assignments on a laptop or a desktop. It can also be tricky to write papers on phones (mobile devices?). 
• Most of the time: Good! Your phone (mobile device?) is a great tool for catching up on reading assignments and video lectures. However, we suggest taking tests, quizzes, or other timed assignments on a laptop or a desktop. It’s always good to have a plan B.   
• No: Your phone (mobile device?) is a great tool for catching up on reading assignments and video lectures. However, to alleviate the stress that sometimes comes with online learning, it’s good to have access to a laptop or desktop computer. (Could we refer them to Financial Aid or another department to learn more about assistance in purchasing one?)  
  

I have access to a quiet place, with few distractions, when completing my assignments.    

• Yes: Excellent! With so many commitments competing for your time, it is important to have a place to focus on your studies.    
• Most of the time: With so many commitments competing for your time, it is important to find a quiet place to focus on your studies.    
• No: We know there are many things competing for your time. That's why it's so important to have a quiet place to put in the work needed to earn your degree.    

MINDSET  

I am self-directed.  

• Yes: Online learning just might be for you!  To succeed in online courses, you must have the internal motivation to complete readings, assignments, and other learning activities.  
• Most of the time: To succeed in online courses, you must committed to completing course assignments and other learning activities 
• No: Although UVI Online faculty are here to help you through your program, you must dig deep to find the motivation to complete your assignments.

Even though online learning is flexible, I know I must turn in weekly assignments.  

• Yes: Excellent! Online learning is flexible. You can complete your assignments on your time. But there are still due dates for weekly assignments.   
• Mostly yes: Online learning is flexible. You can complete your assignments on your time--work breaks, after your children are asleep for the night. But there are still due dates for weekly assignments.   
• No: Even though online learning is flexible, you must complete weekly assignments - readings, assignments, and other learning activities. If you need help managing your time, please contact us. We will be happy to share time management resources with you.  

I understand that I will need to spend several hours a week reading, studying, and completing assignments. 

• Yes: Excellent! To succeed in online courses, you must be willing to put in the time needed to complete course readings, assignments, and other learning activities.   
• No: To succeed in online courses, you must be willing to put in the time needed to complete course readings, assignments, and other learning activities.  We have high expectations for our students, but also provide the services you'll need to succeed. If you are willing to put in the time, you can do it!  

I am a problem solver. If I encounter technical, or other, issues, I do my best to resolve them myself. 

• Yes: Online learning just might be for you! It’s good to take the initiative to solve problems. It will bode well for you in your online program.
• Mostly yes: It’s good to take the initiative to solve problems. It will bode well for you in your online program. 
• No: Solving problems takes practice. If you are not there yet, there are things you can do to develop this skill. It is a great asset in an online program. 

Even though I am a problem solver, I will ask for help when I need it. 

• Yes: Regardless of your abilities, we all need help sometimes. There will be times when you will need to reach out to your instructor for clarification or contact the Help Desk for tech support. These supports are in place for you! Please ask for help when you need it.
• No: The university provides many services to help students succeed. These supports are in place for you! Please ask for help when you need it.   

Hopefully the above questions provide you with some clarity on whether or not an online degree program, or online learning, is the right fit for you and your lifestyle.  If you still have questions on whether online learning is right for you, request more information from UVI Online by clicking the button below.