Traditional Face to Face
Traditional classes meet in a classroom the days and times as listed in the schedule. Students are expected to attend every class as listed. Faculty members teach each class in person, while providing consistent interaction between students. Traditional classes allow for group work, collaboration, and community among peers.
Online (Internet) Learning
Online courses are offered using the Internet, making it convenient for you to complete assignments and interact with your instructors and classmates fully online. Your computer must pass the system check for online courses. Please check your system at https://cca.desire2learn.com/d2l/systemCheck. Additionally, students must have reliable Internet access for all online courses. To login to courses using Desire2Learn, students will simply log in to MyCCA, and click on the link to Desire2Learn for course access. If you have never taken and online class, it is strongly recommended that you meet with a Pathway Advisor before enrolling, especially if you are a new student to determine your preparation and skill level for the demands of an online course.
Hybrid
Hybrid courses combine the flexibility of online courses with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the instructor and classmates. Some of the work will be completed online using a learning management system, and the remainder through scheduled meeting times that are published for each course. Some or all meeting times may be mandatory depending upon the course and instructor.
Weekend
Weekend classes are intended for students who may not be able to attend classes on weekdays, as well as for those who may wish to complete a degree or certificate in a shorter period of time. Classes may not meet every weekend. The first class will detail information about additional class sessions and course requirements. Consult the Schedule of Classes for a complete list of Weekend College classes and meeting dates.
Independent Study
The College may provide for individual student needs through independent study. All requests for independent study are subject to the approval of the appropriate Dean of Academic Affairs. No more than 6 semester hours of independent study course work may be applied to any Associate degree program.
Special Topics
Special Topics courses provide instruction on selected topics within a program. The number of semester hours of credit is determined by the department offering the course and approved by the Dean of Academic Affairs. No more than 6 semester hours of Special Topics course work may be applied to any Associate degree program.
Supervised Field Experience
The Community College of Aurora recognizes the need for supervised field (off-campus) experience in various programs. Supervised field experience may be titled "work experience," "practicum" or "internship." These field experiences are designed to provide on-the-job training for students with the goal of increased employability upon completion of their education. In a supervised field experience, the community, its resources, and employees become an extension of the college. All supervised field experience courses include: (1) course descriptions; (2) an instructor with credentials in the program area to supervise the off-campus instruction; (3) course activities designed by the instructor; (4) attendance at a minimum of one class session per week with the assigned instructor; (5) a plan developed by the student and instructor, including all assignments required for completion of the course; (6) grading following the established grading policy of the College; and (7) instructor scheduling of the supervised field experience hours, requiring the same types of assignments and preparation as for on-campus courses.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
The Associate of Applied Science degree programs and related certificate programs provide occupational education for students who are seeking job preparation, career mobility or job retraining.