Advising Services
Contact: 919.513.1879 or 866.467.8283 | Dr. Lynda Hambourger
NC State provides Online and Distance Education students with advising services as a path for academic success. Advising services consults with students in a variety of current academic situations and also prepares students for the future. Undergraduate, graduate and Non-Degree Studies students can find information about these services below.
Learn more about the many resources made available to students through advising services at NC State.
NC State University provides advising services to all its students, as described on the University Academic Advising Services website. Online and Distance Education students should contact these advisors:
- Undergraduate and graduate degree students and graduate certificate students should contact their assigned academic advisor. (If you are unsure who your advisor is, go to MyPack Portal—Student Self Service—Academic Records—My Advisors.)
- Non-Degree Studies (NDS) students are not assigned an advisor but have these advising options:
- For NDS students intending to enter but not yet admitted to an NC State degree or certificate program, that program’s coordinator is the best source of advice; see the Coordinators of Advising website for listings of undergraduate and graduate advisors and program directors.
- You may be an NDS student just getting started at NC State–considering an academic or career change, exploring NC State’s degree and certificate programs or searching for online or distance education courses. If so, Dr. Lynda Hambourger, academic advisor in Online and Distance Education, is the person to contact. She is happy to introduce you to the many opportunities NC State offers and help you make academic decisions.
- NDS students may also take advantage of services provided by University Academic Advising Services.
- All students and potential students may access these online resources:
Your Advice Connection
lynda_hambourger@ncsu.edu
919.513.1879 | 866.467.8283
Dr. Hambourger’s Tips for Success in Online Classes
Success in online and distance education requires motivation and self-discipline. Students must know their instructor’s expectations and assume primary responsibility for their own learning.
Common Misconceptions
- Online and distance learning is easier– No! Online courses are at least as rigorous as on-campus courses, and online and distance formats often require more writing and reading than traditional formats.
- You’re on your own– No! Many online and distance courses require student participation in online discussions and other group activities. Instructors, advisors and administrators are there to assist online students.
- Learning is self-paced– No! Most courses have a schedule of assignments and assessments similar to those in on-campus courses. Students must login to online courses regularly.
10 Tips for Success in Online Classes
- Make sure your technology is working before the class starts. Don’t try to learn the technology and the course content at the same time.
- Make sure that you are set up to receive email or other communications from your instructor.
- Read the course syllabus and course website carefully and follow instructions.
- Obtain all required textbooks and coursepacks before the course begins.
- Login to online classes on the first day of the semester. During the semester, login regularly, at least 3-4 times per week.
- Explore and utilize all course resources provided, including supplementary resources.
- Participate actively in course discussions, including online discussions.
- Don’t procrastinate. Stay on schedule with your assignments.
- Behave with academic integrity and observe the student code of conduct.
- Ask for help when you need it.
Advising Resources