Academic Support and Campus Resources
Key Dates
Do you know the last day to drop a class or withdraw? The key dates for each course may be different, so it is important you know what they are. It should be in your course syllabus and can be viewed in myACC on your student schedule.
Tutoring
Tutoring is free to you as an enrolled student! Free, accessible, and online tutoring is available. ACC has in person and virtual tutoring also available for enrolled students that is free and proven to help students improve their grades. Visit the Tutoring and Learning Resources page to learn more, make an appointment and get assistance.
Library
Students have access to online library resources including research databases, streaming video, e-books, research guides, and a 24/7 virtual reference desk that is staffed by human librarians. Visit the ACC library for a combination of online, virtual and in-person library services, as well as great study space and helpful librarians.
Advising
Make sure you have an academic plan that leads to your next step. Need help making a plan, make an appointment with your academic advisor to make sure you are on the right track!
Career Services
Whether you need help picking a major or finding the career that is right for you, ACC Career Services is here for you. They can help you explore career options, build your resume, and plan for your future.
Transfer Services
If you plan to transfer to a 4-year institution after ACC, our Transfer Services team can help make sure you are on track to graduation and taking the courses that will transfer seamlessly. Make an appointment today.
What You Need to Know about Online Courses
(Frequently Asked Questions)
I have accommodations or had accommodations previously in school, how do I get them in college?
Do you need an accommodation to support you as a learner? The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and all colleges are committed to ensuring accessibility. You can request accommodations by meeting virtually or in person to learn about the college accommodations process. You should start this process as soon as you apply or enroll in courses as it may take some time to determine how to best meet your needs. Visit ACC’s Disability Access Services to review the process and make an appointment.
Does my financial aid apply to my online courses I take through CO Online?
Students don’t need to apply separately for financial aid for online courses. As long as you qualify for financial aid at your college and your online course is a part of your degree program, it will qualify for financial aid. Please make sure you have filled out the FAFSA or CASFA and are regularly checking your Financial Aid status by logging into myACC and regularly checking your ACC student email. You must complete a FAFSA or CASFA for each academic year – don’t leave money on the table!
What technology do I need to access my online courses?
You will need reliable access to a computer and the internet to access your online courses. While you could possibly do your course on a mobile device, like a phone, it will present challenges and could prevent you from being successful in your course. It may be preferable to find a public location (like any ACC campus) with free access to internet and computers to do your coursework. If you choose a public setting, consider using headphones. This not only allows you to focus on materials / recordings but minimize disruption to others around you.
What if I don’t have access to a computer or laptop?
You will need a plan – will you borrow a computer? You may be able to get a loaner laptop from ACC or your local library, and there are often waitlists and limited supply. Check in with ACC's Dean of Students office or complete our form to request a computer.
Make sure you have applied for financial aid – funds remaining from financial aid can be used to purchase laptops after tuition and fees have been covered.
Internet access assistance may be available in your local area. Wi-Fi access is available at ACC campuses and in ACC parking lots. Other resources, including Xfinity Internet Essentials may be helpful for low-cost internet and laptops.
Your local public library near you may also have resources for laptops or Wi-Fi. You may search for your closest public library in this statewide directory.
How do I access my online courses?
Log into myACC. (Not sure what your username or password is? Check out these helpful technology tips.)
In myACC, under the Dashboard tab, select the “My Courses (D2L)” icon. Your ‘course shell’ will appear here by the first day of when the class starts.
This video can help you explore and learn how to use myACC effectively. If a handout / document is more helpful, we have one to help you find your way, visit the myACC Guide.
What is D2L and how to I access it?
D2L is short for Desire to Learn, and it is an online platform that all the community colleges in the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) use for online learning. Check out this Quick Start Guide for D2L. It is important you are comfortable with how to use to D2L to be successful in your online course. If you have questions, please make sure you ask your instructor for assistance or so they can help you access help in understanding how to use D2L or visit our D2L Resources page.
Having an issue with passwords or access to D2L?
Need help with your password? Having trouble getting into your online course? Forgot your S#? Having technical problems? Contact our 24/7 technology help desk to get support now:
- https://help.cccs.edu/
- 1.888.800.9198
What books or materials do I need for my online course and how do I get them?
In most cases (not all) your course materials/textbooks are embedded in your online course at no additional cost. ACC and CCCS are committed to utilizing Open Educational Resources (OER) to reduce costs for students whenever possible. Some courses may require you purchase an access code or you may need a lab kit for science courses. Visit the ACC Bookstore to see any required or recommended course materials for classes enrolled in, online or in person.
Please visit the Lab Kit FAQ for information on ordering lab kits.
My instructor said to use Yuja to create videos for assignments – what is that and how do I do that?
Yuja is a tool that allows you to record videos for assignments. Ask your instructor if you have questions or if you need help and your instructor is not available, check out this tutorial.
Other Resources
Learn about other resources available to assist you with your mental / physical health, basic needs, child care, financial literacy / education, legal support, access to healthy food, and other supports.
Mental Health
Feeling overwhelmed? Are you having a medical or family emergency? Are you struggling with basic needs and is that impacting your ability to learn? Need help and don’t know where to go?
Balancing life and school can be difficult. Colleges have staff dedicated to help you navigate a wide variety of life’s challenges. Resources exist to provide proactive assistance, early intervention, and if needed, caring confrontation or conflict resolution to create a safe and healthy college community.
Emergency Mental Health (after hours or not near a college campus)
- Local 24-Hour crisis center with counselors and trained professionals available to engage in immediate problem solving. Reach by phone, chat, text, or at one of their walk-in crisis centers across the state. 844.493.8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- National crisis line that provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Dial 988 to reach someone who can provide support.
Counseling Services
Counseling is an important and often necessary resource to assist in resolving issues that interfere with students' ability to successfully navigate college and life. Services are confidential, voluntary, and covered by student fees (free to you). Arapahoe Community College Dean of Student’s offers in-person appointments at Littleton Campus and virtual or phone counseling appointments for online students or students who cannot make it in person to ACC.
Questions? Need support with an issue or what to do?
Life happens. Did you have a death in the family or an emergency medical situation that is making you have to drop your class? That may be considered an extenuating circumstance. Reach out to the Dean of Students or learn more and complete an extenuating circumstance form so we can assist you in withdrawing with a refund if possible.
When in doubt, please ask questions. We want you to be successful. Don’t know where to go or what to do? Reach out by emailing dos [at] arapahoe [dot] edu (dos[at]arapahoe[dot]edu). Even if you don’t know specifically what help you need, we will do our best to connect you to the right resources.
Harassment or Discrimination Reporting
Title IX and other laws and policies are in place to ensure you can learn in a discriminatory free environment. Issues of harassment and discrimination are taken seriously and should be reported immediately. We will work with you to resolve the issue, investigate if necessary and are committed to an inclusive learning environment. Learn more about student grievances on issues of harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct.
Want to report a concern regarding yourself or another student?
Childcare Resources
Are you parenting while you are taking classes? Childcare support can make a huge difference for student-parents facing financial and time constraints. Be sure to complete the FAFSA or CASFA and check with your college on any resources available for parenting students. Student-parents should identify themselves early in the application process to discover what childcare facilities prospective schools offer.
ACC has a childcare center available to students. Students taking ACC courses via Colorado Online who do not live in the immediate vicinity of ACC Littleton should visit Colorado Department of Early Childhood for resources regarding care facilities, care assistance programs and other resources. Students out-of-state should work directly with their state agencies or contact the Dean of Students office for assistance.
Basic Needs
No one should ever have to go without their basic needs like food or housing being met during their pursuit of higher education. ACC provides several student support resources, such as a food resources, Student Emergency Fund, Counseling services, assistance applying for SNAP and connections to community resources.
Visit the ACC Dean of Students webpage to learn more and to connect with a case manager by phone or virtual appointment to discuss options and resources.
Don’t live physically near an ACC campus? Statewide options exist that may help. Not sure what to 'google' or who to call? Start with Local 2-1-1.
Food Resources
Emergency and General Assistance with Basic Needs
Financial Education & Information
- Credit Union of Colorado
- Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA)
- National Endowment for Financial Education
- CDHE College Invest Division
- Federal Student Aid: An Office of the US Department of Education
Legal Information
Complaints / Grievance Process
If you have a complaint about teaching, you should first reach out to your instructor. If you are unable to resolve your concerns after communicating with the instructor, you may report your complaint here and someone will be in contact with you.
If the complaint is beyond teaching, and involves harassment, discrimination or bias by another student or the instructor, please file a grievance specifically at your college. At ACC, you may file a grievance or discuss it with the Dean of Students – dos [at] arapahoe [dot] edu
If you are unclear what to do with your complaint or concern or if it rises to the level of a grievance, please contact studentsuccess [at] cccs [dot] edu (studentsuccess[at]cccs[dot]edu) for guidance.
