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Online Learning at SUNY Niagara offers a wide range of adaptable learning opportunities, including fully online degree and certificate programs. We provide flexible instructional methods such as Face-to-Face Enhanced, Online, Hybrid, Blended, and HyFlex courses, all designed to accommodate the diverse lifestyles, work schedules, and learning preferences of our students.
These flexible instructional methods allow you to acquire knowledge using modern technology while enjoying flexible scheduling and learning environments. To learn more about these options, please visit the Online Learning webpage, which also includes a section of FAQs to assist you in getting started.
* Not all courses are available every semester.
Online/Blended Degree Programs:
- Accounting (AS)
- Business Administration (AS)
- Business Administration (AAS)
- Computer Information Systems (AS)
- English (AA)
- Health Studies (AS)*
- Human Services (AA)*
- Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences (AA)
- Psychology (AS)
- Sport Management (AS)
Online Certificate Programs:
- Business Management Certificate
- Chemical Dependency Counseling Certificate
- Direct Support Professional Certificate
- Early Childhood Studies Certificate
*For programs marked with an asterisk, one required course is not available online at SUNY Niagara. You may either attend campus to complete it or use SUNY cross-registration. We recommend consulting your academic advisor early in your program to ensure compliance with transfer equivalency requirements. Courses can be found on the SUNY Online Navigator.
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Online Learning at SUNY Niagara
In 100% online courses, you can participate from any location, with 24/7 access to your online course(s). You are expected to log in at least three times per week and follow specific timelines and due dates. Access to a broadband connection and a desktop or laptop computer is required, as tablets or other mobile devices may lack the necessary functionality for the course. Some courses, however, may require on-campus or proctored exams. All course requirements will be clearly outlined within each course in the Learning Management System, Brightspace.
Are You a Good Candidate for Online Learning?
Successful Online Learners possess key qualities: they are self-motivated, disciplined, independent, and proficient in time management, enabling them to meet deadlines. They are open to new experiences and can thrive in a non-structured environment while demonstrating basic computing skills.
New to online learning or Brightspace, we recommend you complete the ‘Building Our Students’ Success’ that is available in Brightspace. All registered students are automatically enrolled in this free optional resource, which includes five modules designed to enhance your comfort with the Brightspace environment, improve basic computer skills, develop study strategies, time management, note-taking, reading, and communication skills. BOSS is self-driven to help develop the skills you need to be a successful student or expand on the ones you already have. You will be able to earn certificates and badges that show student achievement and represent accomplishments throughout a course.
Determine & Assess Your Online Readiness
To see if you are a good candidate for online education or considering enrolling in an online degree or certificate, we highly recommend you take the SUNY Online Student Success Inventory (SOSSI) survey. This SOSSI checklist will measure several domains such as, Tech Access/Literacy, and Self-Efficacy in online environments that show one’s ability to organize and execute courses of action to achieve goals. To help you understand and determine your online readiness at SUNY Niagara, visit Determine & Assess Your Online Readiness webpage.
When Do Online, Hybrid, Blended, or HyFlex Classes Begin?
All courses, regardless of the instructional mode, begin on the same day as regular on-campus classes and follow the same academic schedule.
Important Note: The Brightspace course tiles will show a start date 3 days before the class starts. We do this to give you an opportunity to preview the course content. This gives you extra time to become familiar with log-on procedures and an opportunity to preview the course content. Take a moment to read the announcements, course syllabus, schedule, and “Welcome-Getting Started” instructions posted by your instructor. If you are unsure of when classes begin, check the college academic calendar on the main SUNY Niagara College website, and your schedule on Banner Web
How to Access Online, Hybrid, Blended, or HyFlex Courses
All courses are delivered through SUNY Niagara’s learning management system, Brightspace. We encourage you to review the Getting Started and FAQ sections of the Online Learning pages on our SUNY Niagara College website for further information.
What are the Course Expectations?
Online students are required to log in to their online classes at least three times per week. You will be considered “attending class” each time you submit an assignment, participate in a discussion forum, or post a question, and you can do so from your home, office, or anywhere in the world. While you have the flexibility to work at your own pace, each online course has a defined timeline and weekly deadlines. Plan to spend several hours per week on each online course (typically 3-4 hours of work per credit hour, i.e., 9-12 hours for a 3-credit course) throughout the semester. To estimate the time, you will need to succeed, please view our Online Learning Time Management Calculator for Online Courses. Most online classes are highly interactive and will require your active participation.
Hybrid (blended) courses feature reduced classroom time, with a portion of instruction conducted online. Instructors of hybrid courses will provide you with specific attendance details during the first on-campus class and within the course in Brightspace.
Similar to on-campus classes, students in online, hybrid, blended, or hyflex courses are responsible for managing their time and meeting course requirements.
Online students can expect a learning experience that is just as effective as being in a classroom with an instructor. Courses may include web-based materials, textbooks, application software, simulations, and even offline learning activities, such as experiments or observations.
How to Register for an Online Learning Class
Students enrolled (matriculated) at SUNY Niagara follow the same procedures for registration as for on campus classes. Non-matriculated students can visit the SUNY Niagara Registration and Records page for enrollment instructions.
Financial Aid
All courses offered at SUNY Niagara fall within financial aid regulations for students enrolled in an academic program here at SUNY Niagara. For financial aid assistance, call 716-614-6266 or visit the SUNY Niagara Financial Aid webpage.
Grades
Final grades are accessed on Banner Web, the SUNY Niagara student information system. A link to Banner Web is located on the SUNY Niagara website under MYSUNY Niagara.
Technical Requirements/Internet Connectivity
You must have access to a broadband connection and a desktop or laptop computer (PC or Mac). Please note that using a tablet or other mobile devices may not provide the necessary functionality for the course.
You can use the Brightspace Mobile App to complete some of your coursework, however, in most cases, the app does not provide the full functionality needed to complete All of your required coursework. In addition, check with your professor to make sure your available equipment is acceptable for each course you are taking. Some technology-related courses require the ability to download software, for example, Chromebooks do not allow the software to be downloaded.
Software like Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel may be required. As a student at SUNY Niagara, you have access to download Office 365 for FREE with your T-Wolves email address. To download or learn more about Office 365; log into Brightspace→MySUNY Niagara→click on Office 365 Pro (free).
Some courses, like Public Speaking, will require a device to record yourself presenting speeches. A webcam or video camera is normally sufficient. If there are any other special technology requirements for your course, your instructor will inform you once you begin the course.
Learn more about technical requirements and the use of mobile devices. If you forgot your Brightspace/T-Wolves/Office 365 password, contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT): at 716-210-2505 or visit the OIT webpage, check your browser compatibility, Clear Web Brrowser Cache and Cookies, or if you need further assistance contact Online Learning at onlinelearning@niagaracc.suny.edu.
Contact Information
For more information about Online Learning @ SUNY Niagara, contact the Office of Online Learning at 716-614-6488, view our FAQ section on the college website, send an email to onlinelearning@niagaracc.suny.edu, or visit Online Learning contact information.
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