Current Online Student
Important Dates
- Main Session is January 7 - May 8. Enrollment for Main session classes ends January 13 at 11:59 pm CST.
- First 8-Week Session is January 7 - March 4. Enrollment for First 8-week session classes ends January 8 at 11:59 pm CST.
- Second 8-Week Session is March 5 - May 8. Enrollment for Second 8-week start classes
ends March 6 at 11:59 pm CST.
Need Help?
Online Course Advising
HCC Canvas Help Desk: Technical Support for your Canvas account is available 24/7 at (877) 323-8037.
Information Technology Help Desk: Technical Support for your MyHCC account and Highland email is available through the HCC IT Help Desk during regular business hours at (785) 442-6060.
Your dedication to pursuing your education through HCC Online is truly inspiring. At Highland Community College, our faculty and staff are committed to your success—offering guidance, resources, and encouragement every step of the way. We know the journey toward your goals can have its challenges, but you’re never alone. Your success is our priority, and we’re proud to be part of your educational journey.
Self-Enrollment Guide
If you haven't done so already, apply for admission to HCC. After you've applied, login information and an acceptance letter will be sent to the email address provided on the student application for admissions form within 2-5 business days.
Note: Students who have not been enrolled for 12+ months must reapply for admission to re-enroll.
If you are accessing your account for the first time, check your personal email for your username and temporary password. Never got one? Select "Forgot MyHCC password" for steps to reset it.
When you first log in, you will access "Classlink," this is where all Highland apps are stored and conveniently available. You can download the Classlink app on your mobile device for quick and easy access on the go. Important apps to explore:
- MyHCC - Search for classes, enroll, make payments, view unofficial transcripts, and more!
- Canvas - Where students can view coursework, submit homework, and attend their online courses.
- Word, Excel, & Powerpoint - All HCC students can access Microsoft Office programs online or download to their desktop. Need help, contact the IT Helpdesk.
- Email - Instructors and HCC staff will be primarily emailing with this email account. Be sure to check it often so you don't miss anything.
Once Enrolled, What's Next?
When you study with HCC Online, everything you need for success is right at your fingertips. Log in to MyHCC to check your email and student resources, access your classes through Canvas, and take advantage of tutoring and digital library tools for extra support. Every resource is designed to make your online learning experience smooth, engaging, and rewarding.
Tips for Success in Online Learning
Instructors and the Online department contact students via their Highland email account (not their personal email). If you are not checking your email, you may miss contact from your instructor. You should check your HCC email at least every 24 hours. You can receive your HCC email on mobile devices.
Bookmark these websites:
Pay attention to the directions given by your instructor for submitting work. Upload files into Canvas when requested. Email assignments as attachments or in the body of an email when directed. Use the correct file extension (.txt, .rtf, .doc, .pdf, etc.) when submitting work. If your instructor can’t open your file it cannot be graded. If work is not correctly submitted by the posted due date you can receive a zero on the assignment. If you need help with these tasks, contact the IT Help Desk before the due dates.
You can never prepare for technical problems or electrical outages that would interfere with you completing your assignments on the due date. Therefore, you should ALWAYS complete them before they are due to allow time if issues arise. Do not wait until the last few hours to submit your work.
If you are having technical problems with your Canvas classroom, contact the Canvas Help Desk and have your technical problem reported. The Canvas Help Desk is located in your account along the left side menu using the question mark icon. Email your instructor if your problem is not immediately resolved so they are aware of your issue. If you are having problems with your Highland accounts, contact the HCC IT Help Desk at (785) 442.6060.
If you are trying to communicate with your instructor, the help desk for technical support, or another office at HCC, you should receive a response within 2 business days. If you do not, please report this delay to hcconline@highlandcc.edu for assistance. We strive to be timely with our responses, so if there is a delay we need to confirm the message was received and matter resolved.
Your grades are posted in the Canvas classroom on the left side menu under “Grades.” Check your grades weekly and contact your instructor immediately if you see a discrepancy.
Notify your instructor if a life event occurs. If something in life arises that will interfere with you completing your homework/exams on time, notify your instructor promptly and in advance when possible, so they may consider working with you (i.e.: funerals, medical procedures, etc.).
HCC does not tolerate academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty by students, which is not limited to cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, or facilitation of academic work, is reason for proper disciplinary action. Students should submit their own academic work. When completing research, properly cite your sources. Assisting another student in completing their coursework, accessing course material inappropriately, and reporting false technical errors is academic dishonesty.
Be responsible for your learning. Successful students get involved in their studies, create a schedule to stay organized, and connect with their instructors early. Be an active participant in your education starting TODAY.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can access your online courses by logging into Canvas through your MyHCC Account.
Or by going to Canvas directly
Students will gain access to their Canvas courses on the first day of each term.
Students are encouraged to contact their course instructor if they join a class during late registration.
To become familiar with Canvas, check out our tutorial below:
1. Purchase through the Campus Bookstore
2. Access eBooks Through VitalSource
Many HCC Online classes utilize digital material through VitalSource. eBook access is available through the Canvas classroom. VitalSource makes your online reading experience effortless through various navigation features.
Are you having problems accessing your eBook? Contact the HCC Bookstore
Absolutely! Online students have access to the same assistance as on-campus students,
and information about some of the resources available are listed below:
- IT Help Desk
- Student Support Center
- Student Support Services (TRiO)
- Campus Library
- Campus Bookstore
Students can get advising from the Student Services Coordinator for Online Programming, Nicole Bartel.
To successfully complete courses delivered by HCC Online, you will need a computer, software, and a reliable, continuous connection to the Internet, as well as basic technology skills.
Computer
Netbooks, tablets, and mobile devices may be used for some components of online courses, but they do not have the computing power of a normal laptop or desktop computer and a student should not expect to complete all coursework on these types of devices. A laptop or desktop computer is required.
Note: HCC Computer Application courses follow a PC based curriculum and do not provide Mac based instruction.
Minimum System Requirements
|
Hardware and Software |
PC |
MAC |
|
Operating System |
Windows 7 |
MAC OS 9.0 |
|
Memory |
512 MB |
512 MB |
|
CPU |
1.0 GHz or higher |
Power MAC G3 or higher |
|
Free Disk Space |
10 MB or more |
10 MB or more |
|
Browser |
FireFox, Internet Explorer, Chrome |
FireFox, Chrome, Safari |
|
Browser Settings |
JavaScript enabled |
JavaScript enabled |
|
Productivity Software |
MS Office or viewers |
MS Office or viewers |
|
Internet Connection |
56 K modem (DSL recommended) |
56 K modem (DSL recommended) |
|
Other |
Sound card and speakers (microphone and webcam recommended) |
Sounds card and speakers (microphone and webcam recommended) |
If you purchased a computer within the last three years, in all probability your computer meets these requirements.
Software
HCC provides all enrolled students with free access to Microsoft Office 365. Many classes utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Some courses require additional software as a Consumable Item added to the course cost and sent to the student in their bookstore order. Examples are: QuickBooks for Computerized Accounting, Adobe Lightroom for Photography courses, and Science Lab programs.
Internet Connection
You should always have a back-up plan to accommodate for Internet connection and technology issues. Public libraries or community gathering or eating places often provide free wi-fi access.
Technology Skills
You should have these basic technology skills:
- Connect to the Internet
- Navigating the Internet, HCC Website, and Moodle classroom
- Install or update hardware and software
- Manage Plug-ins - Plug-ins are small applications that allow your Internet browser to display and/or access the latest tools used in web pages.
- Use Highland email
- Add attachments to emails
- Download a file
- Upload a file
- Use a discussion board
- Use the internet to research information
- Cut, copy, and paste text and images
- Save and rename files
HCC provides technical support for our online students and classrooms, as well as Highland MyHCC and Email account accounts and HCC usernames and passwords. Access the IT Support website for contact information.
Of Course! All Highland CC students are invited to participate in commencement.
Will my degree show that I was an online student?
No. Online students at Highland Community College are completing and earning the same degree as their on-campus counterparts and are awarded the same degree. There is no mention of online learning on either the diploma or transcript issued.