Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs about Ellis University
Faculty
What credentials do you require of Ellis University faculty?
Every Ellis University faculty member possesses strong academic credentials. All faculty teaching undergraduate courses have a relevant graduate degree, and many hold a Ph.D. or other terminal degree. Approximately sixty-five percent of faculty teaching graduate courses hold a terminal degree, and the remainder hold a relevant non-terminal graduate degree and have been certified by the University's Chief Academic Officer as well-qualified to teach graduate classes due to exceptional professional expertise, exceptional graduate-level teaching experience, or both.
How do students interact with instructors?
Ellis University ensures that all of its instructors are available - and approachable - both inside and outside of class. Every instructor is required to log on at least six days per week to answer questions and participate in student discussions. In addition, many instructors hold regular, real-time chat sessions within the course platform where they can answer questions and coach students on upcoming assignments. Students may also interact privately with the instructor via the Faculty 1–to–1 feature available within all courses.
Learning Experience
What is Ellis University's online learning environment like?
Ellis University offers a unique and interactive learning environment like no other. Courses come to life with highly engaging simulations, videos and demonstrations. You'll be immersed in real–world work situations which enable you to "learn by doing" so you can acquire knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately to your current job. Our community-oriented environment ensures that you don't learn alone by continually connecting you with classmates and instructors though a variety of tools including discussion boards, real time, online chat and a faculty 1-to-1 feature that enables you to interact privately with your instructors.
Ellis University also ensures that you receive the support you need to succeed by providing you with an Academic Advisor who will closely monitor your progress and help you achieve your educational goals. In addition, faculty are online six days each week to answer your questions and provide guidance.
Is there any kind of training provided for using the online classroom environment?
Yes – Ellis University offers an in-depth orientation session after you enroll and before you attend your first class. During the orientation, you'll have a chance to:
- Review the Ellis University learning environment
- Learn about services and support available to you
- Engage in a question and answer session with staff members
In addition, all students enrolled in a Bachelor's program are required to take a College Success Seminar as their first class. This seminar provides you with invaluable information for ensuring success in your online degree program. Furthermore, every course includes its own orientation that includes a Getting Started tutorial as well as a short Flash demonstration about how to navigate the Ellis University course platform.
Do I have to log in to my courses every day?
No – at Ellis University, daily postings are not required. Students are encouraged to refer to their course syllabus to retrieve information on assignment due dates as points are typically deducted for late submissions.
What time are classes held?
There are no set times when classes are held, although there are specific due date for assignments. You may complete your coursework whenever and wherever it is convenient to you as long as you meet assignment due dates.
Do classes have specific start and end dates?
Yes. There are nine times per year when students can start their programs. Click here to see the calendar.
Technical Support
What are the technical requirements for taking Ellis University courses?
COMPUTER AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
In order to be successful at Ellis University, there are some basic technical requirements we have for students.
BASIC TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS ARE:
Computer Access - Home computer or reliable access to a computer (work, library, etc.) The ability/authority to allow video and screen-sharing connections to the computer.
Internet Connection - Reliable high-speed internet connection.
Installed RAM - Installed RAM 512 MB (1 GB or stronger highly recommended)
Operating System - Windows XP (or higher) or Mac* OS X or higher)
Display - 1024x768 pixels or higher, thousands of colors or higher recommended
Sound - Sound card and headphones or working speakers connected to the computer
Webcam - Web cam with 640x480 video pixel resolution or higher. Microphone A working microphone connected to the computer. We recommend a web cam that has a built in microphone.
Printer - Recommended
CD-ROM - Required. Some books come with a CD-Rom needed for class work
Web Browser For Windows - Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or 8.0, Firefox 3
Web Browser For Mac - Safari 4 or later, Firefox 3
Plug-Ins - Adobe Flash 9 or later, Adobe, Shockwave 8.51 or later, and Apple QuickTime 4.1 or later (Adobe Reader recommended) Links to download plug-ins are located in the Browser Check on your dashboard.
Software for Windows - Microsoft Office Pro 97, 2000, 2002, 2003, or 2007
Software for Mac - OS X, Microsoft Office 2004
You may also use an office compatible suite with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, and MS PowerPoint file formats. Certain courses may require additional software.
*Not all elements of all courses are accessible with Apple hardware and software.
Is technical support available?
Yes. We have a help desk available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Central Time. Contact the help desk at help@ellis.edu or via phone at 877.355.4762 when you need help accessing or navigating your courses.