Correspondence Distance Education

Welcome and thank you for interest in the Correspondence Program. Because Correspondence classes are delivered differently than classes held on our campus, this information is provided to help you prepare for a successful experience. If you have further questions you may visit the Correspondence Office located on campus in the Administration Building or call (530) 257-6181 extension 8957. Our hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

How Does The Correspondence Program Work?

With Correspondence Courses, most of your contact between you and your instructor will be through the written assignments you turn in and the written responses or instructions you receive from your instructor. However, your instructor may provide you with his or her email address or phone number for questions and/or office hours and a location to hold face-to-face meetings from time to time.

Correspondence classes apply toward degrees or transfer to other colleges and universities just like their campus-based counterparts.

Is a Correspondence Class Right for Me?

You’ll probably do well in a Correspondence class if the following applies to you:

• I’m motivated and am a self-starter (i.e., I don’t need an instructor pushing me to complete my work)
• I can find (or make) quiet time to work on my assignments
• I’m a good reader

How Do I Register for a Correspondence class?

• Meet with a counselor to make sure it’s an appropriate class for you
• Write the Correspondence class on your Student Schedule
• Register and pay your fees at the Registration Office
• Complete the Correspondence Student Contact Information form
• Take the Schedule and the Contact form to the Correspondence office
• Contact Information will be given to your instructor

Where do I get my assignments?

All assignments for Correspondence classes are located in the Correspondence Office located in the Administration Building. This is where your syllabus is. You should visit the Correspondence Office first to get your syllabus so you’ll know what books and materials to get for the class. Assignments are also mailed to students. Instructions for each course are contained in the class syllabus.

Where Do I Send My Completed Assignments?

You may mail your completed assignments to the Instructor (Instructions will be included in your Syllabus) or you can drop your assignments off at the Correspondence Office between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The Correspondence Office is located in the Administration Building.

Where Do I Get Assignments Back from Instructors?

Your work will be returned to you through the mail. You may also make arrangements to pick up your work at the Correspondence Office on Campus.

How Do I Take Tests?

You will, of course, have tests from time to time. You may be allowed to take some tests on your own at home or elsewhere. On the other hand, your instructor may require you to take a test in the presence of what is called proctor. A proctor makes sure that the test is administered in accordance with the wishes of the professor.

What If I Need Help With A Class?

Like every other student at Lassen College, Correspondence students are entitled to receive assistance from tutors at the Learning Skills Center. Call (530) 257-6181, extension 8914 for information to make arrangements.

How Do I Use The College Library?

• Pay a visit to the library (located on the Lassen Campus in Susanville) and get a library card
• Visit the library website and follow directions from that point
• Call the library at 530-251- 8830 for any questions

What If I Don’t Finish On Time?

Stay ahead of the game. If you see that you’re having trouble keeping up with the class, contact your instructor before you get too far behind. If you don’t finish on time, the disposition of your grade will depend on your situation. You may be able to Withdraw from the class and take it again later or you may be able to fill out an Incomplete form and finish the course if you have compelling reasons for not completing it on time. In any event, you should work with your instructor as soon a possible.

Some tips for success:

• Stay on top of your work. Follow your instructor’s recommended time line to the best of your ability
• Keep in mind that there may be some lag time between when the assignment is due and when the instructor receives it
• Stay in touch with your professor
• Write your name and contact information AND your class and your instructor’s name on every page of every assignment you return
• Keep a copy of every assignment you return