Get Your Education Online

Classes at Your Fingertips

If you work well independently and are a good time manager, online classes may be right for you. Pikes Peak Community College offers a wide variety of online classes through two programs:  PPCC Online (also called PPCC Connect) and CCC Online (Colorado Community Colleges System Online). For both programs, students need only a computer and an Internet connection, and those without a home computer can use equipment in any PPCC instructional computer lab as long as classes are in session. Students access online course materials, complete assignments, participate in threaded discussions, and take examinations online. In most cases, no trips to campus are required (Exception:At least two exams in online math classes must be taken in a PPCC testing center or other proctored environment.)

The courses are NOT open entry/open exit or Independent Study. Instructors establish due dates for assignments and examinations. Within those time frames, however, students work at their own pace, with no specific times to be online. Online classes generally have the same maximum enrollments as traditional sections, and when a class is full, only the instructor can give students permission to enroll. NOTE: Both PPCC Online and CCC Online use the same software, but they are accessed at different sites. Check out the details below.

If you decide to take online classes, get started right by registering in the "Welcome to Desire2Learn" practice class and watching the video. Click on Orientations for details and instructions.

Important Facts about PPCC Online Courses

• When you register, look for classes with an N in the section number (for example, BUS 115-1N1).
• Most courses follow the standard semester calendar, but some are offered in 10-week and bi-semester formats (courses are not open entry).
• Textbooks are generally the same as for on-campus sections and are available at the PPCC bookstore. A few classes require that students also purchase a supplemental CD. Please contact the bookstore for more information.
• First-time online students are strongly encouraged to participate in an orientation. See the orientation page for more information.
• Special tuition rates apply. Check the printed schedule, the online Tuition and Fee Schedule or web registration for details.
• Plan to log in on the first day of class. PPCC Online classes are not open entry, and instructors will expect you to begin participating immediately. There are two ways to log in:
• Simply go to the Portal at my.ppcc.edu, click on the Student tab, and click on ppccConnect in the Online Course Access box. You don't have to log in again.
• You can also log in at online.ppcc.edu. Your user name is your Student Identification number (your S number), and your password is your Portal password. If you have not accessed the Portal and changed your password there yet, use the PIN you use to register for classes.

Important Facts about CCC Online Courses

• CCC Online is a system-wide program, with students and instructors participating from all thirteen CCCS colleges. Each student must choose a home school, and all earned credits are reflected on the home school transcript.
• When you register, look for classes with a C in the section number (for example, HIS 101-C11)
• Courses are available in 15-week and 10-week formats. The CCC Online schedule is often different from PPCC's, so check the web site (linked below) for details.
• Registration for all CCC Online classes closes on the Thursday before the class begins.
• Textbooks may be different than the ones used for PPCC classes. CCC Online texts are available at the Centennial Campus bookstore or online through the CCC Online web site (http://www.ccconline.org/)
• First-time students are encouraged to attend the orientation mentioned above. While some information will be specific to PPCC Online, there will be valuable information about online learning in general.
• Special tuition rates apply. Check the printed schedule, the online Tuition and Fee Schedule or web registration for details.
• Plan to log in either through the Portal by clicking on the CCC Online link or at  http://www.ccconline.org/ on the first day of class. Like PPCC online classes, CCC Online classes are not open entry, and instructors will expect you to begin participating immediately. Your user name is your Student Identification number (your S number), and your password is either your Portal password or the PIN you use to register for classes.

Online Course Complaint Procedure: 

If you want to register a complaint about a PPCC or CCC Online course, your first option is to follow the procedures below. In all cases you should first try to work out the issue with your instructor. Email him or her according to the contact information the instructor has provided. Be specific when you explain your concern, and give the instructor several days to respond. This is always the best solution!

If you do not think the problem has been resolved after your interaction with the instructor, follow one of the procedures below. Note the differences between CCC Online and PPCC Online classes in the Academic Concern area. Always include the course and section on all correspondence with the eLearning/Distance Education Office (HIS 101 1N1, for example).

Academic Concern:
Fill this form if you have a general concern about course materials, course procedures, or communication with the instructor.

If you are enrolled in a PPCC Online course (also called ppccConnect and identified by an N in the section number—ENG 090-1N1, for example), go to the appropriate division office  or Enrollment Services and fill out an Academic Concern Form, adding any appropriate supporting documentation. If you are not a local student, send an email requesting the form to distance.ed@ppcc.edu , fill it out and return to the same address. The eLearning/Distance Education office will forward the form to the appropriate office.

If your concern is with a CCC Online course (identified by a C in the section number—ENG 090 C11, for example), go to the eLearning/Distance Education Office (A-209 on Centennial Campus) or send an email requesting the form to distance.ed@ppcc.edu.
Fill it out, add any supporting materials, and return it to the eLearning/Distance Office so that they can forward it to the appropriate program chair at CCC Online.

Grade Change Petition:
Fill this out after the semester is over if you think you have been graded unfairly. http://www.ppcc.edu/media/intranet/files/forms/GradeChangePetition.pdf.

Tuition Appeal:
Fill this out if you think you deserve a refund of your tuition. http://www.ppcc.edu/media/intranet/files/forms/Tuition%20Appeal%20Application%200309.pdf.

Complete it and send it as directed on the form. 

You may also contact the Higher Learning Commission, which is PPCC's accrediting agency.

Out of State Students:

If you are living outside of Colorado while taking classes at PPCC or CCC Online, in many cases you can file a complaint in the state where you are living. In accordance with federal regulations, below is a list of agencies in each state where complaints can be filed. If your state of residence is not listed, it has not provided a direct link for student complaints. PPCC recommends that you first follow the procedures above to register a complaint. If you still wish to contact your home state, go to its general education web site and search for complaint procedures.

Arizona http://azppse.state.az.us/student_info/compliance.asp
Arkansas http://www.adhe.edu/SiteCollectionDocuments/AcademicAffairsDivision/ICAC%20Rules%20and%20Regulations/APPENDIXJ.pdf
California http://www.bppe.ca.gov/forms_pubs/complaint.pdf
Connecticut http://www ctdhe org/
District of Columbia  For complaint process see section 2115 of regulations at:
http://www.seo.dc.gov/seo/frames.asp?doc=/seo/lib/seo/services/edl/pdf/regulations_degree_granting.pdf&group=1507&open=|31195|
Florida http://www.fldoe.org/cie/complaint.asp
Georgia http://rules.sos.state.ga.us/docs/392/5/06.pdf
Hawaii http://hawaii.gov/dcca/ocp/consumer_complaint
Idaho http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title33/T33CH24.htm
Illinois http://www.ibhe.state.il.us/consumerinfo/complaint.htm
(This link requests complaints be directed back to the institution)
Indiana http://www.in.gov/che/
Iowa http://www.iowacollegeaid.gov/images/docs/file/forms/constituentrequestform.pdf
Kansas http://www.kansasregents.org/resources/PDF/524?ComplaintProcedureandForm.pdf
Kentucky http://www.lrc.ky.gov/kar/013/001/020.htm
Massachusetts http://www.mass.edu/forstudents/complaints/complaintprocess.asp
Michigan http://www.michiganps.net/complaint.aspx
Minnesota http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=205
Missouri While the department does require students to pursue resolution through institutional processes, which are required as part of the licensure standards, the department does maintain a process for the review of student complaints at licensed schools. Information about that process is not currently available from the department’s website but is distributed to students upon request.
Nevada http://www.cpe.state.nv.us/CPE%20Complaint%20Info.htm
New Hampshire Complaints regarding non?compliance with agency New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules. Made to Executive Director of the Commission. http://www.nh.gov/postsecondary/complaints
North Carolina If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the following office: Post?Secondary Education Complaints, c/o Assistant Director of Licensure and Workforce Studies, University of North Carolina General Administration. 910 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27515?2688, telephone (919) 962?4558. The student may contact UNC General Administration for further details.
Puerto Rico For IHEs’ go to PRCHE ? Chapter XIII:
http://www.gobierno.pr/NR/rdonlyres/F15F15DF?A8C1?4341?A752?
4490FF6791A3/0/REGLAMENTO_EN_INGLES_OTORGAMIENTO_DE_LICENCIAS_A_IES_DE_PR.pdf
For other postsecondary non degree granting go to PRGEC ? Article 3.4 (in Spanish): http://www.cge.gobierno.pr/reglamentos/Reglamento%20de%20Licencias.pdf

South Carolina http://www.che.sc.gov/AcademicAffairs/License/Complaint_procedures_and_form.pdf

Utah http://consumerprotection.utah.gov/complaints/index.html

Virginia http://www.schev.edu/forms/StudentComplaintInformation.pdf
Washington http://www.hecb.wa.gov/autheval/daa/ConsumerInformation.asp

Wisconsin http://eab.state.wi.us/resources/complaint.asp