Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SUNY Learning Network?
Can I earn an SLN degree?
The SUNY Learning Network is not a separate degree granting institution. Students need to matriculate at one of the SUNY campuses. Students must work with their advisor on their home campus to make sure they fulfill the requirements of the degree program.

Do I have to sign on at one particular time? or place?
The SUNY Learning Network is an asynchronous network, which means that students can sign on to their courses at any time of the day or night from any place where they can access the Internet. Students develop their own schedule based on the course expectations set forth by professors and the students own schedule work habits. However, courses are semester-based which means there are starting and ending dates for the courses.

Do I have to be an experienced Internet/computer user to take SLN courses?
Although you do not have to be an expert, you must have basic computer skills such as word processing and some experience using the Internet. SLN recommends signing onto an Internet Service Provider a few months before the semester begins in order to give you time to practice using the Internet. SLN also has a help desk that is open seven days a week to answer your questions.

How do I register?
Go to How to enroll for detailed information.

Is there help available throughout the semester?
YES!! The SUNY Learning Network helpdesk is available throughout the Fall and Spring semesters seven days a week according to the following schedule (Eastern Standard Time):
Monday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Saturday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Is there a difference on my transcripts between a traditional course and an online course?
No. The grade for your online course will appear on your transcript the same as any other class.

Can I take an online course from another institution and transfer it back to MCC?
Yes. You will need to check with the Admissions Office at MCC to make sure the class you want to take will transfer back as the class you need for you program.

Is there an attendance policy for online courses?
Policies for online courses are the same as those for traditional classroom courses.

Why might someone take a course online?
There are many reasons why students take online courses:
Time constraints
Distance limitations
Flexibility
Physical limitations
Availability of programs/classes

How much do online courses cost?
Tuition costs for online courses are the same as for any other course. Some schools however, may have an additional fee for online courses.

Do I need a computer to take online courses?
You need access to a computer and the Internet to take online courses. It is highly recommended that you have your own computer.

When do courses begin and end?
Online courses follow the same semester schedule as traditional courses.

Am I still eligible for financial aid if I take online courses?
Yes. Online courses qualify students for financial aid in the same way traditional classes do.

Do you offer any in-person training for taking online courses?
Yes, MCC offers a hands-on Introduction to Online Courses every semester on the Brighton Campus. Check the hands-on introduction workshop for details.