- O P E N   C O L L E G E -

questions / answers   

What Is Open College?

Open College independent study is a program designed for individuals who are not free to come to our campuses MDC on a regular basis and offers the opportunity for students to pursue an education within their own time frame and beyond the walls of a traditional classroom. Through study guides, audio and video tapes, computer interaction and multimedia technology, Open College makes college level courses available to students who wish to earn credits with a minimum of campus visits. In the Open College textbooks, study guides, audio-visual materials and exam sessions are provided at three Miami Dade College campuses: Wolfson, North, and Kendall. Written assignments which can be mailed, E-mailed, or hand-delivered are graded and returned promptly. On-Campus review sessions, scheduled one week prior to the midterm and final exams are held at the Wolfson Campus, and also provide the opportunity for students to interact with faculty. Telephone conferences with individual faculty members provide academic support or students can come to a campus to communicate or ask questions as they need to. Open College courses are fully accredited and recorded on student transcripts just as all other Miami Dade credit courses.

Our primary focus is on our students, and we are here to help you. Whenever you have a question or concern, our office staff and your instructor are just a phone call away. Please feel free to contact us at anytime and let us help you succeed!

Students please note: Textbooks must be purchased at the bookstores, study packets are free.

Is Open College for Me?

Helping You Decide ...

How well would Independent study courses fit your circumstances and lifestyle? This short questionnaire is a guide to help you decide if Open College may provide a possible alternative to on-campus courses for you. It does not guarantee your success/failure in Open College courses. Write down the number of A, B, C responses to check your score at the end of the questionnaire.

1. My need to take this course now is:

A. High - I need it immediately for degree, job, or other important reason.

B. Moderate - I could take it on campus later or substitute another course.

C. Low - it’s a personal interest that could be postponed.

2. Feeling that I am part of a class is:

A. Not particularly necessary to me.

B. Somewhat important to me.

C. Very important to me.

3. I would classify myself as someone who:

A. Often gets things done ahead of time.

B. Needs reminding to get things done on time.

C. Puts things off until the last minute.

4. Classroom discussion is:

A. Rarely helpful to me.

B. Sometimes helpful to me.

C. Almost always helpful to me.

5. When an instructor hands out directions for an assignment, I prefer:

A. Figuring out the instructions myself.

B. Trying to follow the directions on my own, then asking for help as needed.

C. Having the instructions explained to me.

6. I need faculty comments on my assignments:

A. Within a few weeks, so I can review what I did.

B. Within a few days, or I forget what I did.

C. Right away, or I get very frustrated.

7. Considering my profession and personal schedule, the amount of time I have to work on a Distance Learning course is:

A. More than enough for a campus class or a Distance Learning course.

B. The same as for a class on campus.

C. Less than for a class on campus.

8. When I am asked to use VCRs, computers, voice mail, or other technologies new to me:

A. I look forward to learning new skills.

B. I feel apprehensive, but try anyway.

C. I put it off or try to avoid it.

9. As a reader, I would classify myself as:

A. Good - I usually understand the text without help.

B. Average - I sometimes need help to understand the text.

C. Slower than average.

10. If I have to go to campus to take exams or complete work:

A. I can go to campus anytime.

B. I need for campus labs to be open evenings and weekends.

C. I have difficulty getting to the campus, even in the evening and on weekends.

-Scoring System-

Add 3 points for each "A" that you circled, 2 for each "B", and 1 for each "C." If you scored:

20 and over Telecourses are a real possibility for you.

11-19 Telecourses may work for you, but you may need to make a few adjustments in your schedule and study habits to succeed.

10 or less Telecourses may not currently be the best alternative for you, talk to your Program Advisor.

How Do I Register?

Review the course schedule to plan your courses; then we suggest you speak to an academic advisor or Open College faculty member. However, with all Miami Dade College courses, you can register at any campus. For Open College courses use location code, 140 for North Campus; 240 for Kendall Campus; 300 for Wolfson Campus.

What Do I Do After I Register?

Once you have registered go to the three major campus bookstores - Wolfson, North and Kendall - to pick up your packet of course materials. You must show proof of your registration in order to get this packet which contains your course syllabus, study guides, textbook (s) information and supplies you will need in order to get started. Open College packets are free.

Read your syllabus to get a course overview. Since reading is crucial to these courses of self-directed study, make sure you understand the information in your packet; then, begin your course work. If you have any questions, please call your instructor for help or to make an appointment. Make sure you mark your calendar for important due dates.

*You will be mailed a welcome letter at the address listed in the College’s computer. All other correspondence              (Review Session and Exam dates) will be sent to you by mail.) Therefore, it’s very important for you to keep this           address updated if you move.*

Notice to potential Open College students!

Successful Open College students are proficient readers, fluent in English, highly motivated, well-organized individuals who keep in touch with their Instructors and complete assignments on time. While Open College faculty are available to all students for in-person or phone conferences, announcements of review sessions and exams will be mailed in a timely manner to student addresses in the College=s computer.  Accordingly, students should update their College records with all address and telephone number changes by contacting any Campus Admissions Office.