Course Delivery Modes

This page contains definitions of certain delivery styles of Marshall University courses. You can see the delivery style of each class section in the schedule of classes. Different sections of the same course may have different delivery styles. For example, one section of ENG 101 might be delivered face-to-face while another is offered as an asynchronous online course.

The details of each course will be specified in the course syllabus, and it is important to review the syllabus promptly at the beginning of the semester. The descriptions below apply to all courses of each delivery style, to help you understand the general structure of a course during course registration.

Online Courses

An “online course” is a distance education course in which 100% of the course content is delivered asynchronously by technological means. There are no synchronous, face-to-face, or on-site attendance requirements. Online courses are accessible through Marshall Online, which is powered by Blackboard, a set of online course tools and supporting software. Communication between students and instructors can occur by any electronic means and there are no required on-campus or real-time meetings.

Online courses generally follow the Marshall University calendar for the term in which they are offered, but individual exceptions may apply. Students should check the syllabus for each individual class for a beginning and ending date. Students may register for online courses using myMU during the designated registration periods each term, in person at the Registrar’s Office, or by mail. Hours of enrollment are reflected in the actual term in which the student is registered. For all verification purposes, hours of enrollment are counted only in the term in which the student is registered. Note that the withdrawal periods and policies for online courses are the same as for regular courses. The refund policy for online courses also parallels that of regular courses.

Online courses are assessed a fee per credit hour regardless of residency or number of credit hours the student may be registered for in addition to the online courses. Academic and lab fees may also apply depending on college or school policies. For example, students in the College of Health Professions will still be responsible for clinical and program fees in addition to the online course fee. Likewise, students in the College of Business are still required to pay the technology fee in addition to the online course fee.

Virtual Courses

A “Virtual course” employs technological means for live, synchronous class meetings (e.g. live video). An in-person delivery format may also be available simultaneously. Virtual courses require that students attend all class meetings at designated dates/times. Students should check the syllabus for each individual class for equipment requirements and attendance information. There is no additional fee for virtual courses, and they follow all regular university registration and withdrawal periods outlined in the academic calendar.

Hybrid Courses

In a “Hybrid course”, 75% or more of the course content is delivered by technological means. There will be synchronous, face-to-face, or on-site attendance requirements described in the course syllabus that may require Internet access, a webcam and/or headset with microphone for real-time communication. Hybrid courses may also use Marshall Online and require that students attend online class meetings at designated dates/times. Students should check the syllabus for each individual class for equipment requirements and attendance information. There is no additional fee for hybrid courses, and they follow all regular university registration and withdrawal periods outlined in the academic calendar.

HyFlex Courses

“HyFlex course” refers to a course that is taught with a combination of three delivery modes: face-to-face, synchronous (live) virtual, and asynchronous. Each student can choose freely between these modes, and can change between modes on a daily basis. Each mode provides students with a distinct and equivalent learning experience.  Regardless of the mode a student chooses, the student will keep pace with the other students in the class and achieve the same outcomes. There is no additional fee for HyFlex courses, and they follow all regular university registration and withdrawal periods outlined in the academic calendar.

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