MSU WebCT Course Request

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ addresses basic questions related to requesting MSU WebCT courses. If you don't find the answer on this page please contact MSU WebCT - phone:406-994-6550 (M-F, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Mountain Time); email: msuwebct@montana.edu

a. How do I request a course?

To request an MSU WebCT course shell go to the MSU WebCT Entry page at "webct.montana.edu" and select the "Faculty Resources" hotlink. Then select the hotlink "Request an MSU WebCT Course Shell". The MSU WebCT Account and Course Request Form is where instructors and designers can request new courses.

Note: Online requests are available for practice and credit courses. If you are requesting a non-credit course, please call (406) 994-6550.

Basic guidelines:
All courses that are built are created as blank courses (shell). Instructors decide between requesting a "practice" course (for development) or a "new" (active) course (a credit course which will be populated with students and offered in a semester).

• active course requests must have RUBRIC, SECTION #, TITLE, and CRN entered to complete the request
• practice course requests require no special information be entered in the online request form
• non-credit course requests - please call (406) 994-6550

After you request a course, it will appear (within 10 business days) on your "myWebCT" page.

Also:

• if you have requested a course previously, type your WebCT User I.D. in the textbox under "Begin Your Request" and select the "Continue" hotlink button
• if you have not requested a course previously, select "I need a WebCT User ID" hotlink
  • complete the required information to establish the MSU WebCT ID in the course request database

If you have any problems with or questions concerning the request form, please e-mail MSU WebCT (msuwebct@montana.edu) or call 406-994-6550 and ask for the appropriate specialist.

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i. How do I request a course shell that contains more than one section?

When you request a course shell that will contain mulitple sections, you will request a course shell for each section. In the comment section of each section request, you will request that the sections be merged together. Initially, a course shell for each section will be created and then they are merged into one. After the shells are created, you will receive an email with more information on how to proceed.

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b. When should I request a course?

Requests for WebCT course shells must be submitted one full semester in advance of their anticipated use.

EXAMPLES:
- If you intend to use WebCT to supplement an on-campus course or offer a course fully online in Fall Semester 2006, you must submit a course request by the end of Spring Semester 2006 (that is, by May 12, 2006).

- Similarly, if you plan to use WebCT in the Spring of 2007 you should submit a course request by the end of Summer Semester 2006 (August 11, 2006).

Note - Course requests that come in after this deadline will be handled on a case by case basis but are not guaranteed to be available at the start of the semester. Faculty at Great Falls COT and MSU-Northern should discuss their plans with their local WebCT support staff.

Remember: There is no penalty for requesting a course and not using it.

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c. How soon will a requested course be created?

MSU WebCT makes every effort to create course shells within 10 business days.

Note that peak times occur towards the front and end of each semester. Though every effort is made to accommodate everyone's urgent course creation needs it is impossible to guarantee that last-minute course requests will be built in time for the first day of any given semester. The safest route for concerned purveyors of the WebCT CMS: request your courses early!

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a. Why must I request a course?

Courses are not automatically created for every course in the MSU system. If you want to use the WebCT CMS then you have to request a course in order to get a course shell built.

If your request involves an active course, a request is also the way to convey the associated CRN so that MSU WebCT can successfully populate your WebCT course with the roster of students that have signed up for your offering.

Courses must be requested each semester - past semester courses are removed from the server after a certain period of time.

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b. What is a CRN?

A CRN (Course Reference Number) is a unique 5-digit number that is assigned to a course that is offered through the MSU system. CRN's are generated through the registrar's office. The CRN is used to get unique course rosters generated by the banner system to populate MSU WebCT courses with registered students.

You can find CRN's that are associated with your course by accessing each campus' banner system or contact the registrar's office on your campus.

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c. Who should I contact if I experience difficulty requesting a course?

MSU WebCT Support: msuwebct@montana.edu; 406-994-6550

Also:
Burns Technology Center: btc@montana.edu; 406-994-6550
Ritchie Boyd: jrboyd@montana.edu; 406-994-4660
Julie Pester: pester@montana.edu; 406-994-7799
John Usher: jusher@montana.edu; 406-994-7794

Telephone and e-mail support ongoing - all manner of WebCT questions answered by MSU WebCT support staff.

Available Monday through Friday, 9:00-5:00 PM - Mountain Time

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