College of Education & Human Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of a hybrid program?
In a hybrid course at WIU, 75% of the course is conducted online and 25% of the course is conducted through traditional in-person classes. The online course work includes a variety of platforms to facilitate distance learning including online discussions and video/audio conferencing with the faculty, classmates, guest speakers, and more.
What type of hardware and software do I need for the program?
As you can imagine with a hybrid course, it is critical that you have reliable access to laptop computer equipped with camera and high-speed internet. You will regularly access software such as WesternOnline (online course platform), selected video conferencing software, presentation software, Microsoft Office Suite, and more. Meeting and exceeding the University computer recommendations - http://www.wiu.edu/university_technology/student_resources/computer_recommendations.php will ensure that you are well equipped to operate in a virtual environment.
How do I know if I can be successful in a hybrid environment?
For most of the students, success in the hybrid learning environment involves a willingness to try something new and deeply invest in the process of learning. This may mean becoming comfortable with new ways of using technology or finding ways to build collegial relationships with classmates who are at a distance. Homing in on your organization, motivation, communication, planning, relationship building, and personal accountability skills will be important too!
When do I attend class?
Much of your weekly assignments and course discussions are conducted in an asynchronous fashion through WesternOnline and supported through online synchronous class meetings and group discussions on Tuesday evenings. In-person classes are typically held on select weekends three times a semester at the WIU-QC campus. The class meeting dates and times are selected a semester in advance so that you can build your personal and professional schedule around the dates. As you can imagine, these classroom experiences are critical to your learning and experience in the CSP program. The emphasis on attendance reflects this importance.
What if I am unable to attend an in-person class?
Your professional obligations might occasionally conflict with an in-person class date. As soon as you identify a conflict with an in-person course date, connect our faculty to discuss the situation. As a guideline, all courses have in-person participation points as a part of the grading. No more than 50% of these in-class participation points can be awarded to a student who did not attend the face-to-face class in-person regardless of the circumstance. The other 50% of the in-person participation points may be earned at the discretion of the faculty member.
What type of group work is involved in the program?
Enrolling in the CSP program also means that you are a member of a cohort of 15-20 student affairs professionals. Group work for your academic assignments is an important component of the program not only for the content of the work and the insights of multiple perspectives from multiple college settings, but also for understanding the process of group development theories and strategies for collaborative work that are critical for a career in student affairs.
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