Frederick Community College is now offering courses in a variety of formats, including in-person, online, structured remote, and hybrid remote.

Student Support and Assistance

FCC Support Staff are available to assist and help you. Please contact departments using the following information. If you are struggling to figure out how to get the support you need, email [email protected] or call 301.846.2469.

We understand students may require extra support during this time. The FCC Foundation maintains a Student Success Fund for currently enrolled students needing emergency assistance with food, and other needs. Students can self-apply at www.frederick.edu/studentsuccess. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Blackboard

1. Blackboard LMS will be used to teach courses online, provide access to course materials, and the ability to interact with peers and instructors. Technology requirements for Blackboard are communicated below under “Technology Requirements”.
2. Access Blackboard from either a web browser or mobile app.
3. Change your Blackboard notification preferences to alert you via email when a new announcement is posted for your course(s). Learn more.
4. Check your MyFCC email account regularly for updates from the College and your instructors. Blackboard notifications will be sent to this email address.
5. If you have questions for your instructor, search for answers in the Q&A forum on Blackboard or post a new question to get a response from your instructor, typically within 24 hours.
6. Actively participate in your online course. Logging into an online class is not sufficient, by itself, to demonstrate academic attendance.
   
   Academically related activities that count towards attendance can include, but are not limited to:
   • submitting an academic assignment
   • taking an exam, an interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction
   • participating in an online discussion about academic matters, and
   • initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course
7. Monitor your progress in the My Grades section of Blackboard. The Grade Center provides a single location where you can monitor activity due dates, review test scores and attempt results, access assignment grades and feedback, and receive general comments from your instructor.

Office 365

FCC Office 365 has a range of tools available for students including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Stream. Login with your MyFCC email to access these resources.

Install Microsoft Office 365 on your device.

Library Services

The Library is open to support students in person and online. In addition, the link to the Library page is automatically embedded in your Blackboard Courses under the “Library Resources” button.

The most relevant resources include:

• Research Databases
• Research Guides
• Online Tutorials and the Virtual Library Orientation

Tutoring and Learning Resources

Learning Centers and Tutoring Services
Students can schedule an appointment with FCC learning assistants through the learning centers website.

Online Tutoring

• Students have access to online tutoring for many introductory courses, including English, writing (all courses), accounting, math, statistics, biology, chemistry, economics, and computing. Includes PDF how-to guides.
• To connect, log into BLACKBOARD. Click “ONLINE TUTORING,” under “TOOLS.”

Online Learning

• Study skills advice for learning online: Creating study plans, building schedules, getting organized, and more.

More tutoring-related questions? Submit questions: https://answers.frederick.edu

Learning Management System
Blackboard Learn learning management system is integrated into almost all courses at Frederick Community College. For best performance, Blackboard should be used on the latest version of the following browsers:

• Chrome
• Firefox

Blackboard requires an operating system that can run the latest compatible web browsers. Your computer operating system should be kept up to date with the latest recommended security updates and upgrades.

Blackboard runs on Windows (Windows 10 recommended), Mac (macOS 10.14 or later), Linux, iOS, Android, or any device (desktop, laptop, or tablet) with a modern web browser. To verify that your browser meets technical requirements, click here.

Outlined below are the basic technical requirements* (minimum and recommended).

• Plugins: Adobe Reader
• Headset with microphone (USB or 3.5mm)
• Access to a Webcam (if needed)

Internet Access

You must have access to the Internet. A broadband Internet connection is preferred, but not required. It will be helpful to have a back-up plan in the event that you have technical difficulties and are unable to use your internet connection for any period of time.

If you need help finding access to computers and/or the internet, send an email to [email protected] or call 301.846.2469.

Software Requirements

Before registering for a course, be sure that you have checked the software requirements. Some courses may require students to have access to specific software applications. Frederick Community College provides all students and employees with Microsoft Office 365 for home use. For instructions on how to obtain your free install, please click here.

Email

FCC provides every student with an email address. You are required to use this email address for all communication regarding classes. To access your email, please click here. Instructions for how to log in to your myfcc.frederick.edu email address are on the login page.

What do I do if I need help accessing my Blackboard login?

For assistance, the IT Help Desk is available between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  You can either call 301-846-2509 or submit an online request by clicking here and a technician will respond back to you within these hours.

To successfully participate in an online course or online component of an on-campus course you need a basic knowledge about your computer and how to perform frequent tasks, such as managing files, handling e-mail, and attaching or uploading documents. Students should have basic familiarity with the Internet, including locating web sites, downloading files, participating in chats or discussion lists using email, including attaching files to e-mail communications. Click the links below to view tutorials on the computer and internet basics you’ll need to know.

Computer and Internet Safety

During times of crisis like COVID-19 pandemic, cyber criminals try to take advantage and exploit the situation with phishing messages and other scamming tactics. Cybersecurity during this time of online/alternative instruction is very important, so be vigilant of suspicious emails. Here are some tips to identity phishing emails:

Reviewing emails: Scan emails received from outside the College. If any email has the “EXTERNAL” banner in it, be sure to examine the content before taking any action.

Think before you click: Cyber criminals are taking advantage of people seeking information on COVID-19. They are distributing malware campaigns that impersonate organizations like the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control, and other reputable sources by asking you to click on links or download outbreak maps. Your best defense is to think before you click and go directly to a reputable website to access the content directly instead.

Look out for urgent language: If you are asked to click on a link, or provide personal identifiable information (PII) in order to receive a benefit, Do Not respond! Instead, question the email’s content, contact a trusted source, and reference the email.

Here are other resources and tips to aid you in practicing secure computing:

• GCFUglobal.org
• http://microsoft.com/safety

Questions may be directed to the IT Help Desk at (301) 846-2509 or by emailing [email protected]

The College is committed to providing academic accommodations for any student with a Student Success Plan (student accommodation plan). All videos and multimedia used in online courses are captioned. Additionally, Blackboard provides alternative formats for all course documents, depending on the student’s preferred learning style.

Disability Access Services: (DAS)

Disability Access Services (DAS) at FCC assists and supports eligible students with disabilities. Please contact DAS if you have questions regarding online learning accommodations.

Cost and Finances

1. Can I receive a refund? 
   If your class is canceled by the college, you will receive a refund according to Section VII of the FCC Tuition and Fees policy. To make an appeal to the Tuition Refund Committee, students should complete the Student Appeal for Tuition Refund.
2. Will my automatic payment plan continue to withdraw funds?
   Yes, if you have signed up for a payment plan, payment(s) will continue to be automatically withdrawn from your checking/savings account or major credit card on the 5th day of each month that payment is due. If you have other questions, please call Student Accounts at 301.846.2658 or email [email protected].
3. How might this affect my financial aid?
   If you begin attendance in the class, after attendance is verified by your instructor, financial aid funds for this class will be disbursed.  If you are unable to begin attendance in the class(s), please withdraw from the class(s) and your financial aid awards will be adjusted as needed. 
   
   If you have questions about how this will change your financial aid award amounts, please email [email protected].
   
   If you are receiving federal financial aid (Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Direct Loans) and plan to withdraw from all of your classes, the financial aid office is required to complete a Return of Title IV calculation.
   
   It is recommended that you email [email protected]  prior to the withdraw, to see how this will change your financial aid awards that have been disbursed.
4. What if I have questions about financial aid, paying my bill, or my scholarship?
   Financial Aid staff are available to help you apply for local, state, and federal aid options including scholarships, grants, work study positions, and student loans.  If you have specific questions about your financial aid eligibility, please contact the financial aid at [email protected] or call 301-846-2620. If you have questions about your current bill, please email  [email protected].
5. Are there other ways I can receive financial support if I am having a hardship and finding it difficult to pay for classes?
   Yes, Student Success funding is available.  The Student Success Fund is designed to provide temporary, short-term, financial assistance in an emergency. The Student Success application is available online at https://www.frederick.edu/studentsuccess or you can email [email protected] for more information.

Advising & Support

1. What if my class was canceled and I needed that class to complete my degree for Graduation this May?
   Academic Advisors are ready to help you.  Students concerned about the impact of a course cancellation on their ability to graduate should email [email protected] or contact your regular advisor if you have one.
2. How might this affect my plans for participating in the Graduation Ceremony?
   The May 21, 2020 Commencement ceremony will be rescheduled for a later date when we are confident of the safety and well-being of our graduates and their guests. The new date of Commencement will be determined and communicated to students no later than April 15, 2020. The rescheduling of the Commencement ceremony will not affect students graduating, receiving degrees and certificates, and transferring to other institutions.
3. What if I am concerned about the impact of the instructional change on a class grade?
   Please contact your instructor about your concerns. You can also contact your regular advisor if you have one, or you can [email protected]. 
   
   FCC Faculty are committed to your health and well-being and understand that the switch to an online format may cause uncertainty for some students. Please contact your instructor and an advisor to discuss your concerns. There may be some options in terms of grading, depending on your program, which may be possible during this time which an advisor or your instructor can support you in thinking about.   (For example, an “Incomplete” which allow you to finish the course within a set time beyond the end of the semester, or an option to change your grade into a Pass/Fail)
4. What services are available to me if I am a student with a disability or a student with a chronic health condition? 
   If you are currently served by the FCC Disability Access Services (DAS) office, please contact your advisor in the office if you have questions or need assistance with accommodations. If you are unsure who that is or if you don’t have an advisor in DAS, please contact the office directly with questions or concerns at Disability Access Services (DAS) or by calling 301-846-2408 (Voice).  If you currently do not work with Disability Access Services (DAS) but develop the need for a temporary accommodation as the result of a change in your health, please email Disability Access Services (DAS) or call 301-846-2408 (Voice) as soon as you recognize the need for the accommodation.
5. What if I need to meet with an Academic Advisor?  Will virtual advising be available?
   Yes, advisors and counselors are ready to assist you. If you have an advisor, please contact them directly. Otherwise you can email [email protected] or call 301-846-2471 to set up a virtual advising appointment (over the phone or via video chat).
6. What if I had an appointment already scheduled with my Advisor? 
   Career and Planning Services (CAPS) will make accommodations to assist you with your advising needs through email, phone, or virtual advising, knowing all in-person appointments are canceled at this time. Please respond to your advisor, and they will make the appropriate accommodations.
7. Will I have access to tutoring? 
   During this time, your best resource is your professor. They can answer questions, suggest great learning resources like videos and websites, connect you with classmates, and guide you through your course.
   
   Also, you will find online tutoring in Blackboard for many introductory courses: English, writing for any course, accounting, math up to Calculus, statistics, biology, chemistry, economics, and computing. Click on the ONLINE TUTORING link in your course Blackboard site, under "Tools."  
   
   For helpful online resources: www.frederick.edu/tutoring
   
   For more answers to your questions about tutoring: https://answers.frederick.edu  
8. What if I become ill or am caring for someone who is ill? 
   Please seek medical attention and follow the guidelines established by Frederick County authorities; updates are posted on the Frederick County Health Dept. website. Students who become too ill to continue with classes should email their individual instructors as well as [email protected].
9. What if my circumstances change (I lose internet access, my computer breaks, I get ill, I am having childcare issues, etc.) and I am no longer able to continue in my online class, what do I do?
   As soon as possible, email your professor, and/or your academic advisor.  We understand there will be uncertainty during this time, and we are here to support you as needs arise.
10. I am concerned about getting access to food during this time because I rely on College services like the Food Pantry in the Center for Student Engagement.
    The Food Pantry is open and available on both Main Campus and the Monroe Center, from 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday, or by visiting the Public Safety Office on either campus during hours of operation for assistance. If you have additional concerns about access to food during this time, you can contact [email protected] .
    
    We are here to support you and connect you to the resources of our community. Here is a link to our resource directory that may offer more options: https://www.frederick.edu/student-resources/adult-services/community-resource.aspx
    
    Community Agencies:
    • Food pantries in Frederick County
      https://www.foodpantries.org/ci/md-frederick
    • Maryland Food Bank Listings
      https://mdfoodbank.org/find-food/
    • Rescue Mission, Food Distribution. People can go once a week.
      https://www.therescuemission.org/programs/bread-of-life-food-ministries/
    • Community Action Agency. Receive 3 - 5 day supply of food
      https://www.cityoffrederickmd.gov/183/Frederick-Community-Action-Agency
    • Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs
      https://thereligiouscoalition.org/
    • Bread of Life Community Kitchen - Soup Kitchen and Food Boxes
      https://www.therescuemission.org/programs/bread-of-life-food-ministries/
11. What do I do if I am a National Guard Student and I have been or may be called up to provide support throughout the state
    We thank you for your service during this time and will give you an opportunity like during all military service to make up the work. Please contact the Director of Veteran and Military Services, Amy Coldren, at [email protected] to get support in coordinating this with your instructors.
12. I am a Veteran and I am concerned about VA Housing Allowance payments if all courses switch to an online format.
    Please contact the Director of Veteran and Military Services, Amy Coldren, at [email protected] to get up-to-date information about this or if you have concerns. All FCC Credit Programs are approved by the VA for both in-residence and online delivery so our students benefits payments will remain the same for the rest of this term.
13. How can I see the Student NewsBlasts that are sent by email to current students?
    NewsBlasts include valuable information about resources and supports for FCC students from the Center for Student Engagement. NewsBlasts will be posted here by date.
    • Most Recent Newsletter
14. What if the company I work for has cut my hours or I lost my job?
    There are many community resources available throughout Frederick County to assist you during this time.
    • Frederick County Workforce Services is more committed than ever to supporting local job seekers and businesses.
    • The Maryland Department of Labor has announced an updated process for filing Unemployment Insurance benefit claims. Learn more at: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml.
15. What if I need someone to talk to about how I am feeling?
    There are many community resources available throughout Frederick County help you during this time.
    • NEED HELP? Dial 2-1-1 Maryland Get connected 24 hours a day Hotline  https://211md.org/
    • CRISIS Text Hotline: Text 4HOPE to 741741
    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
    • Mental Health Association Walk-In Crisis Clinic:  https://fcmha.org/how-we-help/behavioral-health

General Information

My question hasn’t been answered, who do I contact?
Please contact us! We are here to support you. You can email [email protected] with any questions you have or requests for support you need. You will hear back from us within 48 hours. We want to make this transition as easy as possible.  If you need immediate attention, a student help line is available from Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 301-846-2469. Click here for additional resources.

Students should contact the IT Help Desk for Students with questions about online learning or assistance with technical problems.

If you have any other questions or concerns, email [email protected] or call 301.846.2469.