Frequently Asked Questions
Online Learning
Am I a good candidate for online learning?
If you are a highly motivated, independent starter with good communication skills
and time management, you should be able to succeed in the online MMI program.
This format is designed for busy professionals and students who live out of
the Chicago area and are therefore not able to take advantage of Northwestern's
face to face program. The successful online student is comfortable with technology
and interacting with faculty and fellow students via email,
chats, and web conferencing.
How much time should I devote to my online course?
Each weekly class session is about 3 hours of synchronous or asynchronous learning
activities. In some sessions you will interact with faculty and fellow students-in
live lectures, discussions, and presentations. Other sessions will consist
of learning activities that can be completed independently and with the advantage
of time flexibility. Therefore, you should expect to spend about 10-15 hours
per week total on each class.
What are the MMI-Online courses like?
Courses in the MMI online program have been carefully designed as academically
rigorous learning experiences with the characteristics of working professionals
in mind. Each course has been developed to leverage what adult learners offer
- their rich life experiences, their motivation,
focus and goal-orientation, and their strong desire to be active learners.
Projects and assignments are designed to support learning outcomes and to
be meaningful and applicable to the professional work environment. Asynchronous
and asynchronous multimedia
elements are integrated into the courses to provide a variety of ways for students
to learn.
Building a learning community is an important part of the adult learning experience and group projects and faculty-to-student and student-to-student interaction are essential elements of each course. The goal is to create an environment of learning that extends beyond individual courses with students sharing professional experiences and resources with each other on a regular basis.
What technology do I need?
This is an Internet-based program, so you will need:
- An Internet browser (such as Internet Explorer, FireFox, Safari) to access
the Northwestern University web-based Course
Management System (Blackboard) as well as the University's web conferencing
system (Adobe Connect)
- Professional productivity software (such as Microsoft Office)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Adobe Flash Player
- Other software applications that may be required for certain courses
System Requirements:
Software
- Windows 2000, XP, Vista: FireFox 3.x or higher, MS Internet Explorer 7.x
or higher, Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 or higher, Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher
or
Mac OS X 10.3.x or higher: FireFox 3.x or higher, Safari 3.x or higher,
Acrobat Reader 8 or higher, Adobe Flash Player 8 or higher
Hardware
- Windows hardware requirements (minimums)
- Intel® Pentium® II 450MHz or faster processor or equivalent (1GHz
recommended when screen sharing)
- 128MB of RAM
- Sound capabilities
- Macintosh hardware requirements (minimums)
- PowerPC G4 or Intel Core™ Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor
- 128MB of RAM
In order to participate, you will need:
- A high speed broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or higher).
- A headset and microphone (USB recommended) for Web conferences. If you
do not currently have a working headset with microphone, we recommend that
you purchase the following headset, which is inexpensive and seems to work
well with most computer systems: http://www.cdwg.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=528413.
Do I need to be an experienced Internet or computer user?
While you do not need to be a computer expert, you do need to feel comfortable browsing the Internet and using email.
Can I access course materials from more than one computer?
Yes, any computer with reliable Internet connection and your University credentials
are all that you will need.
How can I continue my studies if I am traveling?
As long as you are working on a computer that meets the system requirements,
has a reliable high speed Internet connection with an acceptable Internet browser,
and you can attend necessary synchronous sessions, you can log in and continue
your studies while you are traveling.
What is the typical size of an online class?
Class sizes will usually be about 20-25 students. This allows us to conduct small group projects effectively while still supporting individual student needs.
Are there any on-ground requirements?
All students are required to schedule an on-ground, proctored final examination
for several courses. You may take your proctored exam in a testing center in
your area. The purpose of this is to authenticate the student in the course.
Your instructor will provide this information and details will be listed on
the course management system.
Do I have to sign on at one particular time? Or place?
Courses in the MMI program will require some times when faculty and students
meet during live, synchronous sessions. These sessions will be scheduled during
times typically convenient for working professionals. The synchronous interaction
between faculty and students distinguishes this program by providing opportunities
to discuss difficult technical material, complex issues in healthcare and information
technology. For students who cannot attend the synchronous, or wish to review
the sessions, all sessions will be recorded and archived. More information
is available on the course management system.
Student Services
Is there an orientation for new online students?
Yes, new MMI online students are required to participate in an online orientation session. For more information, please visit our new students page.
What courses are offered throughout the next year?
The yearly schedule is posted on our web site. Feel free to contact a graduate program coordinator for assistance mapping out your schedule.
How many classes may I take per quarter?
Most students in this program will be part-time (1-2 classes per quarter). You can take up to three classes if you are full-time. You can take up to three classes if you are full-time. students who wish to take 3 classes in a quarter must email onlinereg@northwestern.edu requesting to change their status for that quarter to full-time in order to be able to use Caesar for registration.
What accommodations can be made for students with disabilities?
It is Northwestern University policy to ensure that no qualified student with a disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. Students enrolling in distance education programs requiring disability accommodations should contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at 312-503-4042 as soon as possible. Accommodation requests are addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need a Northwestern University email account?
Yes, this is required because Northwestern uses its email system as an official
means of communication with students. Even if you already have email, you must
still activate your Northwestern University account. For more information on
setting up and using this account, please go to the Northwestern
email information page.
How will this program appear on my diploma and transcript?
You will receive a master of science degree, awarded by Northwestern University and conferred by the School of Continuing Studies. Your transcript will show the courses you took and the name of the program, Medical Informatics.
Am I eligible for student health insurance?
As a student in a part-time program you are eligible to purchase health insurance coverage at the rate for part-time students. This coverage is limited and you should contact health services to sign up and get current pricing information. You can view information at the health services page.
Will I get a student ID card?
ID cards (WildCard) are only issued to local students, but you will have access to all electronic student resources via your NetID.
What if I have not received my Net ID or have questions about my Net ID?
Your NetID information is sent along with an admissions/registration packet. In the event that you did not receive this packet, email the graduate admissions coordinator.
If you received this information but are having problems/questions about your NetID, please call (312) 503-3333 and select option #1, Monday-Thursday, 9:00-6:00 pm; Friday 9:-00-5:00 pm (CST), or send our IT office an email: scs-help@northwestern.edu.
Note: You must establish a PIN and security question(s) when you set up your NetID. That way, you can re-set your password if necessary. SCS staff cannot re-set your password for you on the phone!
Can I use the Northwestern University library system?
With your active NetID, you can conduct research through the library's extensive
online collection. More information is available at the Northwestern Library
homepage. There is also a page dedicated to students in the MMI Distance program
at http://libguides.northwestern.edu/content.php?pid=21973.
This site will be helpful as you look for information that is more specific
to your program and will assist you as you have questions about remote access.
This area will also allow you to communicate remotely with a school librarian
who is available to assist you with your research.
Where can I learn about the rules governing plagiarism and other academic integrity policies?
Information regarding academic integrity at the university can be found in the graduate student handbook and the academic integrity page. Online students are bound by these policies.
What if I need special assistance?
It is Northwestern University policy to ensure that no qualified student with a disability is denied the benefits of, excluded from participation in, or otherwise subjected to discrimination in any University program or activity. Students enrolling in distance education programs requiring disability accommodations should contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) at 312-503-4042 as soon as possible. Accommodation requests are addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Can I attend the on-campus graduation ceremonies?
You are invited to participate in the University's annual commencement and SCS Convocation ceremonies. Students who have applied for graduation will receive an invitation and information regarding these events.
How do I get my course materials, including books?
You may purchase textbooks via Northwestern's online Abbott Hall bookstore
at www.abbotthall.bncollege.com.
Other materials will be available to you through the course web site.
Admissions and Transfer Policies
I submitted my application by the deadline. When can I expect to hear about the decision?
Decisions are made about two weeks after the deadline. You will be notified via email and postal service as soon as possible thereafter.
I am an international student; can I apply to the MMI Online program?
Yes. Since you can complete the program without coming to the US, no visa is needed to take classes. A visa may be required for students planning to attend graduation ceremonies.
I have been admitted and I have decided to begin studies in a later term. What do I need to do?
You need to notify us in writing of your intention to defer to a future quarter or start earlier, if possible. You may defer up to three quarters before needing to apply again.
Can I transfer any course credits for work done elsewhere to Northwestern?
No. At this time, all credits toward this degree or certificate must be earned at Northwestern. However, in cases where you have taken courses that overlap with our required classes significantly, we may allow you to take electives in their place. Please contact
SCS graduate admissions for more information.
Can I switch between Northwestern's online and the face-to-face MMI programs?
Students who are in one program cannot take courses from the other without transferring to the other program. You may apply to transfer once in your academic career. Students may typically transfer up to three courses from one program to the other.
Can I switch between non-degree and degree-seeking status?
If your academic goals change once you are in the program, you may switch between non-degree and degree-seeking (either way) with no penalty. Just submit the transfer form found at this page.
Technical Questions & Troubleshooting
What if I have questions about using the course Web site?
If you cannot get into the Course Management System or are having technical difficulties using it, you can an e-mail to: course-management@northwestern.edu or call (847) 491-4044 or the NUIT Helpdesk at (847)491-HELP.
If your question is related to course content, assignments, or anything specific to the course itself, please contact the instructor directly via email.
How can I access my Sync Session if Blackboard is down?
Your instructor may have posted the link to your Sync Session as an announcement.
If they have not done this, please ask them to do so. This link should be bookmarked
so you can use the link directly from your browser to access the classroom
without needing to log into Blackboard. Please note that Adobe Connect is a
persistent environment, which means that you will access the same URL for every
Sync Session in a term.
What should I do if I can't remember my Adobe Connect login and password?
Remember, your Adobe Connect login in your NU e-mail address. If you forget your password, please click on the "Forgot your password?" link.
Can I access the Sync Session without my Adobe Connect login and password?
We recommend that you always use your Adobe Connect login and password; however
you may also enter the session by using the Guest access. When you click on
Guest, you will need to type in your name. A message will be sent to your instructor
requesting to allow you to enter the classroom. You to enter, you will then
receive a prompt indicating that you need to wait until the instructor arrives
and/or allows you to enter.
Why is my voice cutting in and out during my sync sessions?
There are several possible reasons for audio cutting in and out. Below are possible
problems and solutions:
-
Inadequate bandwidth, or poor network quality. Please run the
Adobe Connect connection test (https://admin.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm)
to assess whether your network meets the system requirements.
- Improper audio setup. To clear up this issue, run the Audio Set-up Wizard
within Adobe Connect (Meeting > Manage My Settings > Audio set-up wizard).
- Your distance from the microphone is variable. A headset microphone that remains in place will clear up this problem.
- Noise in your environment. To address this problem, we recommend working in a quiet location. We also recommend that you run the Audio Set-up Wizard, which will allow Adobe Connect to detect your environment's level of background noise and attempt to compensate to lessen potential audio issues.
What do I do if I cannot use my microphone (e.g. no one can hear me)?
You can use the text chat pod to type responses and questions during the session so you do not miss out during the Sync Session. We also advise you to run the Audio Set-up Wizard (Meeting > Manage My Settings > Audio set-up wizard. If this does not work, please check your microphone set-up on your computer to ensure that their microphone is properly set up and enabled on their computer. Finally, if you still cannot resolve the issue, please e-mail scsconnect@northwestern.edu for additional help.
Who do I contact should I have additional questions, concern, or feedback regarding Adobe Connect?
You can e-mail scsconnect@northwestern.edu.
I can't remember my NetID password. How can I reset it?
You can re-set your password yourself as long as you set up a PIN and security question(s) when you activated your NetID. If you still have problems, please call (312) 503-3333 and select option #1, Monday-Thursday, 9:00-6:00 pm; Friday 9:00-5:00 pm (CST) send an email to:
scs-help@northwestern.edu.
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