Assistance with Canvas
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Email: Canvas Administrator
Helpful Links
Mountain Empire Community College provides distance learning opportunities for its students who are unable to attend classes on the college campus or who prefer the online learning environment. The distance learning opportunities at MECC meet all quality standards set forth for traditional on-campus programs to carry out the mission of the College and to support the initiatives of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS).
Canvas is the cloud based learning management system used by MECC. Mountain Empire Community College requires that all students either use a secure login or passcode to take online courses.
Distance education courses at Mountain Empire Community College can also require proctored assignments, including examinations. A proctored environment is provided on campus in the testing center located in the Office of Student Services. Students completing proctored assignments or exams in the testing center are required to verify their identity by presenting their college ID or another acceptable form of identification as stipulated in the MECC Testing Center Guidelines. Students who are unable to take proctored assignments on-campus can arrange for an alternate proctored environment through MECC’s Assistant Coordinator of Distance Education. MECC does not charge any additional fees for the purpose of verifying student identity. If external identity verification services are required or if the student chooses to use such services, the student is responsible for any and all costs incurred.
Distance Learning privacy statement:
MECC protects the privacy of all students, including distance learning students, through the strict adherence to the rules of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as Amended (FERPA). The official FERPA statement is available for student and public view through the MECC website and in the MECC College Catalog and Student Handbook. All Mountain Empire Community College employees complete required annual training in FERPA rules.
Distance Learning privacy procedures:
Student identification number
MECC issues each student a student identification number (EMPLID) at the time of initial registration and each college employee upon date of employment. These student and employee IDs become the unique identifiers for all individuals throughout their academic and professional career at MECC. The user ID is required for both students and faculty to access MECC’s online class environment through the My MECC online portal. The college utilizes the Canvas learning management system which is a secure environment for faculty members to post assignments and exams while ensuring the privacy of individual student’s assessments and grades.
Each course listed in the student information system for enrollment in a semester is assigned a course space in Canvas. Faculty gain access to this course space when their employee ID is assigned to the course by the college. Each student registered in a class will be connected to the course roster within the student information system and identified to both the instructor and the Canvas course space by their individual student ID.
Secure Login and Password: Each distance learning faculty and student enters his/her ID into the My MECC portal. This combination of user ID and password identifies faculty and students to the system on each subsequent course visit.
· All parties accept responsibility for the security of their personal passwords.
· The My MECC system requires passwords to be updated every ninety (90) days.
· Student data within Canvas are inaccessible to other students and outside intruders.
· Faculty data within Canvas are inaccessible to students and outside intruders.
Proctored Examinations
Distance education courses at MECC can require proctored assignments including examinations. A proctored environment is provided on campus in the testing center located in the student services office. The identities of students taking proctored assignments in the testing center are verified by requiring that students present their college photo ID (or another acceptable form of identification) before each assignment is administered. Information on testing requirements are outlined in the MECC Testing Center Policies and Procedures document, which is posted on the MECC Testing Center webpage. Students who are unable to take proctored assignments on campus can arrange for an alternate proctored environment through MECC’s Coordinator for Distance Education.
Confidential information including grades, private contact information, or personal information directly attributed to a student is transmitted through secure interaction.
Shared Services Distance Learning (SSDL)
MECC also offers Services Distance Learning (SSDL) courses through Northern Virginia Community College’s SSDL. Students have the opportunity to take unique online courses that offer a broader choice of career and educational content. These shared courses can also help those students with a few course requirements to complete degree requirements. Course descriptions are available on the VCCS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are distance education courses the right fit for me?
While it’s true that online courses bring greater flexibility and convenience to taking college courses, online and hybrid courses are best suited for self-motivated students who are comfortable with independent learning. Before registering for any MECC Distance Learning course, you should make sure that you have certain technology-based skills. Prior to registering, it is recommended that students review this Skills Checklist to see if they are prepared to participate in distance learning courses:
Basic Skills
- Locate a file on hard drive, USB flash drive, and/or server
- Save a file to a specific drive and folder
- Change drives
- Connect to an ISP
- Navigate between two or more applications without closing and reopening (multi-tasking)
Web Browser Skills
- Go to a specific URL
- Print a page
- Follow a hyperlink
- Conduct a basic search using a search engine
Email Skills
- Use an Internet address
- Enter a message subject
- Reply to a message
- Send a message
- Open a message
- Forward a message
- Create a folder
- Save a message into a specific folder
- Delete a file
- Add a name to the address book
- Retrieve a name from the address book
- Paste text from a word processor
- Send an attachment
- Open and/or save an attachment
Word Processor Skills
- Open a new file
- Open an existing file
- Save a file
- Rename (Save As) a file
- Cut, copy, and paste text
- Format text
- Change line spacing
- Print a document
What are the distance learning course formats offered by MECC?
- MECC Online Courses: Online courses may be taken anywhere there is access to the Internet. While classroom attendance is not required, your instructor may require synchronous weekly sessions.
- Shared Services Distance Learning Courses (SSDL): SSDL courses are online courses available to MECC students through a partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)’s Extended Learning Institute (ELI). Students register for, pay for, and take the class like any MECC class. There is an SSDL Liaison on campus to help students navigate through some of the different requirements of taking an SSDL course.
- Hybrid Courses: Hybrid courses combine classroom learning with online learning. In a hybrid course, a significant portion of the class learning activities are online, which reduces the amount of time spent in a traditional, face-to-face classroom. Students benefit from the quality instruction and flexibility of both the online and classroom learning environments.
- Water/Wastewater MOOC: Water/Wastewater courses are available on MECC’s Water/Wastewater Distance Learning website. Classes taken through this program can be applied to an Associate in Applied Science Degree with a Water/ Wastewater Specialization. The information on the Water/Wastewater site is totally free; however, only those who are officially enrolled in the courses will receive credit and be allowed access to assignments and exams.
What Are the requirements to enroll in a distance learning class?
Good habits and regular participation are the foundation for success in distance learning. MECC has established some essential policies and practices to ensure your success.
- Online Attendance – Distance Learning students need to establish a regular study schedule and must communicate with their instructors frequently. Students must follow a schedule of assignments, testing, and other attendance criteria established by their instructors. This will involve at least one activity each week.
- Placement Testing – Students may be required to take placement tests and complete all recommendations and prerequisites before enrolling in a distance learning course.
- On Campus Meetings – Some courses may require some on-campus meetings such as labs and clinicals. Some online programs have required synchronous online sessions that you will attend through a virtual classroom in Canvas. Any required campus or virtual meeting will be listed in section notes of the course schedule.
Proctored Testing – For many courses, students will be required to take proctored tests/exams at MECC’s Testing Center.
Computer Literacy
Distance Learning courses require students who have the computer knowledge and skills to:
- send and receive emails with attachments
- conduct Web searches
- download information from the Web to your computer
- recognize and use links
- find, download, and install programs and plug-ins from safe sources
- do basic word processing, such as formatting, cutting and pasting, and inserting graphics
- navigate effectively between two or more applications
- scan for and remove computer viruses
- Successful completion of ITE 119 is strongly recommended
You may also MECC’s computer labs. Failure of your computer is not justification for failure to complete your work. Make sure you have a back-up available. If you cannot come to one of our campus computer labs, you will need to find another alternate. Some courses may require additional software.
Hardware/Software Requirements
Can I use my smart phone to complete coursework?
MECC offers several learning applications to facilitate access on mobile devices. These applications will help to keep you connected and allow your learning journey to continue across time and location.
VCCS Mobile is your gateway to college services and information. This app is available for Android and iOS (Apple) mobile devices. Download it from your app store and select your college. You can navigate between VCCS colleges if you attend more than one. VCCS Mobile will give you access to course listings, the student information system (SIS), academic and events calendars, library, campus directory, and a map to campus. It even provides quick access to emergency numbers for each campus. It is a mobile tool box that you can keep in your hand.
Canvas Student Mobile provides mobile access to your courses on our Canvas. Using Canvas Student Mobile, you can accomplish much of your classwork on the go while hanging out or in transit (not while driving). Download it from the app store for iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and webOS mobile devices.
Special Note for Out of State Online Students (non-Virginia) State Authorization and Student Complaint Process
State Authorization is a legal issue dealing with an institution’s adherence to state requirements for colleges to secure authorization to offer instruction in that state. Mountain Empire Community College has been approved by Virginia to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of post-secondary distance education.
Prospective students living outside Virginia interested in degree or certificate programs that require internships, clinicals, or licensure upon graduation should check with their individual states regarding any special limitations on allowable online courses.
- NC-Sara information about Professional Licensure for Students
- NC-Sara Professional Licensure Frequently Asked Questions
- NC_Sara List of some Licensure and Accreditation Agencies – List is NOT all-inclusive
| Program | Licensure | Meets state educational requirements for licensure | Does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure | MECC has not made a determination on licensure reciprocity | State Licensure Information | Virginia Licensure Information | Other Helpful Websites
|
| Dental Assisting | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | http://www.danb.org/state-requirements | Earn Dental Assistant Certification | DANB | ||
| Early Childhood Development | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | National Assoc. of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification | Virginia Dept. of Education | ||
| Emergency Medical Services | NREMT | AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY | IL, MT | http://www.nremt.org/Resources/ | Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services | http://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/ | |
| Health Information Management | Not yet determined; national certification | Not yet determined; national certification | Not yet determined; national certification | Program Directory (cahiim.org) | Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) | AHIMA | ||
| HVAC | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | http://faradaycareers.com/ | Virginia Dept. of Professional and Occupational Regulation | ||
| Medical Office Coding and Procedures | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | American Academy of Prof. Coders (AAPC) | N/A | ||
| Nursing Assistant | Not yet determined | State by State List of Nurse Aide Registries | Virginia Board of Nursing | ||||
| Nursing | RN | AL, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MO, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, OK, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY | AK, CA, CT, HI, IL, MN, NV, NY, DC, OR, WA | MA, MI, NJ, OH, PA, RI, VT | Nurse Licensure Compact | Virginia Board of Nursing | Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) | NCSBN |
| Paralegal | No state licensure requirements | No state licensure requirements | No state licensure requirements | Paralegal Certification | National Federation of Paralegal Associations (paralegals.org) | |||
| Practical Nursing | LPN | AL, AZ, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Guam (partial implementation), Pennsylvania (partial implementation) |
AK, CA, CT, HI, IL, MA, MI, MN, NV, NY, DC, OR, Mariana Islands, American Somoa | U.S. Virgin Islands-: http://vibnl.vi.gov/ | Virginia Board of Nursing | Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) | NCSBN | |
| Respiratory Therapy | RRT
CRT |
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY | AK – Currently do not have a state licensure for RT
http://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing.aspx |
Home – The National Board for Respiratory Care (nbrc.org) | http://www.dhp.virginia.gov | http://practitionerportal.nbrc.org | |
| Truck Driving CDL | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin. (FMCSA) | Virginia Dept of Motor Vehicles | ||
| Welding | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | Not yet determined | http://www.aws.org/resources/page/home | Virginia Dept. of Transportation | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) |
Sources cited:
The Uniform Licensing Requirements (ULRs) are found at: http://www.ncsbn.org/NLC_ULRs.pdf
States currently in the NLC are found at: http://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/nlcmemberstates.pdf
A list of all state requirements is found at: http://www.ncsbn.org/14730.htm
For further information regarding EMS certifications, visit nasemso.org.
Further information regarding RT state licensure requirements may be found at: http://www.aarc.org/advocacy/state-society-resources/state-licensure-contacts/
Statement for Emergency Medical Services (EMS):
Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Mountain Empire Community College Associate Degree in Emergency Medical Services Technology program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:
The National Assoc. of EMS Officials (NASEMSO) has ruled EMS provider licensure and certification to be synonymous and National Registry certification is recognized for reciprocity in 48 of our 50 states.
Statement for Nursing program (ADN):
Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Mountain Empire Community College Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:
The Mountain Empire Community College ADN program meets all Virginia Board of Nursing requirements for pre-licensure nursing education programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, the Mountain Empire Community College ADN program meets all requirements for nationally recognized accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing.
The Commonwealth of Virginia participates with multiple (see table) other states in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) National Licensing Compact (NLC) to allow nurses licensed in one state to provide nursing care across state lines in other compact states. Information listed is current per NCSBN as of July 1, 2020.
Statement for Practical Nursing program (LPN):
Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Mountain Empire Community College Certificate in Practical Nursing (LPN) program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:
The Mountain Empire Community College LPN program meets all Virginia Board of Nursing requirements for pre-licensure nursing education programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Commonwealth of Virginia participates with multiple (see table) other states in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) National Licensing Compact (NLC) to allow nurses licensed in one state to provide nursing care across state lines in other compact states. Information listed is current per NCSBN as of July 1, 2020.
Statement for the Respiratory Therapy program (RT):
Pursuant to United States Department of Education (US DOE) regulation 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), the Mountain Empire Community College Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy (RT) program provides the following information for all prospective and current students:
The Mountain Empire Community College RT program meets all the requirements of the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) and remains in good standing with this national accrediting body. All students upon successful graduation from the program are eligible to sit for their national boards through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This program accreditation and national board credentialing will allow graduates to obtain licensure in 49 of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia. Alaska currently does not have a state licensure mandate for RT. But the graduate would still be able to obtain employment in Alaska upon completion of this program.
Licensure endorsement is available in 49 of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.
Mountain Empire Community College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Complaint Process
MECC’s Student Grievance Process is detailed at qto9gg.france-bed-breakfast.com/students/catalog-and-student-handbook/. MECC strives to provide the highest quality educational opportunities available. However, if a conflict does arise, our efforts are meant to resolve your grievances, complaints, and concerns in an expeditious, fair, and amicable manner.
In accordance with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), the complaint procedures outlined in the Student Handbook are subject to oversight of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) in complaints arising from students living outside Virginia who are enrolled in online course(s) through MECC.
SCHEV Student Complaint Process. Complaints must follow the college’s customary resolution procedure prior to being referred SCHEV under State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) procedures. Grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA.
