Student Expectations & Tips

What to expect and how to succeed in Westminster’s online classes and guidelines to set yourself up for success.

Getting Started

One week before the term begins, your course will open in Canvas (assuming your tuition is paid). During this “early access” period, you will have the opportunity to access your syllabus and modules.


Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your course:

  • Read the syllabus. Note the schedule of lectures, readings, and assignments due as listed in the course outline section and estimate how much time you should block for study or class meetings (when applicable).
  • Purchase your books (if you haven’t already). You will find this list in your syllabus or in the course’s ‘at-a-glance’ page. Purchase your books as soon as possible so that you are prepared to complete your assignments. The WTS Bookstore curates our reading lists and typically offers a cost-effective way of purchasing your books (within the US).
  • Connect with your small group. Most courses require meetings with a small group of peers. We recommend reaching out to your group members at the start of the term. The earlier you schedule, the easier scheduling becomes for everyone’s calendar! Locate your group members by going to the “People” section of your course in Canvas.

Tip: you can chat with your Small Group by creating a Workplace chat group.


Practices for Successful Learning in WTS Online Courses

You’ve joined a demanding and—we pray—rewarding curriculum.  Here are some best practices that have helped Westminster students navigate the challenge and make the most of their opportunities for growth.


Take advantage of your learning community.

You are learning alongside brothers and sisters with a wide variety of backgrounds, cultures, and professional experiences. Westminster’s courses are intentionally designed with a social component, so you will get the most value for your time if you engage your learning community.


Your Instructor

Your instructor is your expert guide. Start conversations in Workplace and prioritize any planned live meetings with your instructor. All questions, doubts, and thought experiments regarding the course’s content are welcome and will probably interest at least some of your fellow students. You are also welcome to email your instructor directly or schedule an office hour for one-on-one conversation.


Small Groups

Most students tell us that their small groups are essential opportunities for growth, learning, and a source of motivation to persevere! Of course, fruitful dialog is a group effort, so come ready to bring your own reflections, questions, and understanding to learn from (and teach) your peers.

  • See this article on small groups for more guidance.
  • Westminster provides a secure Zoom link for your Small Group in the Course Information module. 
  • Small group participation is a required component of most courses. If you are unable to attend a small group meeting, then we ask that you notify your group ahead of time as a courtesy.

Workplace

Workplace is an informal space to get to know your instructor and classmates, receive supplemental material, and engage thoughtfully with course content. You can find your course’s dedicated group by clicking the Workplace link (in the top module of your course). A great way to start the term here is to post a note or video, saying hello to your class (include things like your name, where you are from, or a fun fact). Typically, your instructor will post his or her own introduction within the first week of class.


Work methodically for higher quality learning.


Reading

Try to make progress each week by following the suggested schedule in your syllabus. This not only breaks up your reading into a more manageable load but can also enhance learning by weaving its content with other media related to the subject of any given week. Beyond that, as most of us know, it can be very difficult to read for depth and understanding once you have fallen behind!


Assignments

Review the full assignment description and requirements before starting an assignment to plan appropriately. If you are new to academic theology or biblical studies (or if it has been some time since your last paper!), plan to engage your instructor and peers for advice and avail yourself of Westminster’s  resources for writing and research available from our library and our Center for Theological Writing.


Submitting Assignments & Receiving Feedback

Assignments are one of the main ways you will interact with your instructor on your work and evaluate your learning.  


Feedback

Instructors will typically provide feedback within one to two weeks (depending on the length of the assignment). Let your instructor know if you have questions about the feedback; just note that there may be occasions (e.g., after the submission of larger assignments) that instructors may need additional time to respond to questions about their feedback.


Late work

Students are required to complete all assignments by the given due date. Typically late work is deducted 2% for each day it’s late. Some exceptions apply, so be sure to note the late assignment submission policy in your course’s syllabus. We recommend reaching out to your instructor several weeks before a due date if there is a possibility that you might submit the assignment late. An extension or further guidance may be available.


Extensions for final assignments (i.e., any assignments due in the last two weeks of the term) cannot be granted unless explicitly granted by the instructor before the due date has passed; extensions generally cannot be granted after the term end date (email support@wts.edu in this case).


Exams

Your ability to synthesize and articulate what you’ve learned ‘on the spot’ for ministry is likely a big part of why you’re here, so use your exams as learning opportunities. Here are some tips for preparing and taking exams:



  • Don’t wait for exam week to study. Test yourself throughout the term by writing your own questions from readings and lectures and returning to them periodically. Simply taking notes can be helpful for reference, but if you really want to develop recall and make your knowledge accessible, the learning science agrees that reviewing your notes is the least effective study method. You need to practice accessing your knowledge by testing. 
  • During the exam—for short answers or essays—write your response in a separate word processor or notes app and copy and paste into Canvas. This is helpful for two main reasons: first, if you experience an internet outage during the exam, you’ll not lose your response; second, you’ll keep your responses for your future personal reference.
  • Take note of where gaps remain in your knowledge and where you would like to continue growing after the course!

Note: your exam responses will not be available to you in Canvas once the term closes. This is intended to protect the integrity of the exam, but you are welcome to retain your own responses within your own files (still, sharing responses with others is of course prohibited).


Norms for Live Engagement (Zoom)

Please plan to be seen and heard.


  • Read the relevant course materials ahead of time and reflect on any discussion prompts and readings to be prepared.
  • Use your name as your user ID (see sign-in info below) in Zoom to help your instructor and classmates learn who you are.
  • Use a mic and earbuds for best audio and to cut out background noise.
  • Keep your video on (as you’re able) and present yourself so your class and professor can see you. Well-lit spaces or simple, static virtual backgrounds can help others see you.
  • Adjust your environment—as much as you are able—for quiet spaces for focused attention.
  • Be ready to engage at the scheduled start of the Zoom meeting.
  • Trouble-shooting: if Zoom is freezing up, try leaving and rejoining the session, or even restarting your computer can help. Turning off your video can sometimes help as well.

To get started with Zoom: Sign-in using your student.wts.edu account, Download, and learn more Zoom tips.


Support Lines

Your online instructor is your class’s subject matter expert and guide. Reach out to your instructor by posting in your course’s group in Workplace (or email for personally sensitive issues) any time for things like:

  • Questions or observations related to course content
  • Questions about your assignments or syllabus
  • Assistance if you are falling behind in your course 

  • Help finding resources related to your course



Student Success Team: support@wts.edu

Our Student Success team is here to support you, especially in these ways:

  • Advice on your academic plan, financial aid, billing, other academic policies
  • Discuss options if you have experienced a hardship that may prevent you from completing a course.

  • We curate  our info centers  for resources and provide answers to common questions.



Center for Theological Writing: ctw@wts.edu & CTW resources

  • General advice on research methods and writing papers at WTS

Spiritual Care: schedule a conversation with Dean of Online Students, Rev. Dr. Jerry McFarland