student sitting at desk writing in notebook. Getting Started: How this course works

person sitting at desk with computer

About this course

This is a self-paced course, meaning that you control your own pace of work. Other than that, however, you should approach this class as you would any other class. Work through the lessons in order, submit your work as you complete it, and contact your instructor as you have questions.

Each lesson or "module" is where you'll find that lesson's objectives, the readings, any interactive content or videos, and your assignments. You'll work through the modules in the order listed.

Use the Grades link in the course menu to follow your course progress and to review feedback from your instructor.

If you have questions about how to approach an assignment or how to improve your work, or just want to talk about a topic or idea discussed in the course further, be sure to write to your instructor. The Inbox link in the main Canvas menu allows you to send messages much like you would use email.



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Planning your time

Because this course is self-paced, you have a great degree of freedom as to when and where you complete the lessons. It also means, however that you are responsible for your own progress. Make a schedule for completing the class and hold yourself accountable to it!

Use this planning guide to help make a schedule.

Be sure to:

IMPORTANT: The most common mistake students make in this type of course is thinking that they can complete the majority of the work in a short timeframe without adequately planning for instructor review and feedback. If a module contains instructor-graded assignments, you will not be able to move forward until your instructor has reviewed your work and provided graded feedback.

You can expect to receive feedback on instructor-graded assignments within three business days following submission. This does not include weekends or holidays. Requests for expedited grading will not be considered, so please plan accordingly. While this course is self-paced in terms of when you complete the lessons and submit assignments, periodic midpoint assessments are critical to ensuring you receive adequate support and are able to achieve the intended learning outcomes. This constraint is controlled by course programming and cannot be overridden by your instructor. Computer-graded assignments are scored immediately upon submission.

You are required to take any midterm exam at the designated point in the course. Your midterm exam must be graded before you can take your final exam.

You must take your final exam by your course completion date (this date is listed on your registration receipt or can be provided by the University Extension office). Requests to take the final exam after your course has expired will not be considered.



student sitting at a desk, taking an online exam on a computer

Taking exams

You will take your exam(s) online using Honorlock, a remote proctoring platform. Honorlock allows you to take exams from home or any location where internet access is available, while ensuring the integrity of your exam by verifying your identity and recording your exam-taking session.

Detailed testing and technical requirements are provided on the "Testing Online Using Honorlock" page in the exam module(s) in your course. A UT Austin proctor will review the recording of your exam session for adherence to the requirements provided there.

Instructors will provide exam feedback in Canvas. You will not receive a copy of your completed exam or of the exam questions and answers.

Please also be aware that you must pass the final exam to pass the course.

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Frequently asked questions



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Getting help

For questions about...



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University Extension policies

Policies for self-paced courses are available on the University Extension website.