Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to help—explore the topics below
Need more assistance? Get connected with us at [email protected] or schedule an appointment.
General FAQ
What steps do I follow to drop a course?
Students desiring to withdraw from a course must contact the Registrar’s Office to initiate the process. Requests to withdraw must be in the form of a written statement either in person or from the student’s Nelson email account. You can email the Registrar’s Office ([email protected]) with your request or for more information. Please keep in mind that there is a fee assessed per course for withdrawing. Also note the last date to withdraw listed on the official school academic calendar. For more click HERE.
How do I contact my professor in an online course?
Professors can be contacted via email through Blackboard or your myNelson email account.
How many credits do I have left to graduate?
You can view your remaining credits by accessing your Degree Audit through the MyNelson portal. This tool outlines completed coursework and remaining degree requirements. Check the Course Catalog for your program’s details
How do I know what my classification is?
Classification is based on completed credit hours:
Freshman: 0–29 credits
Sophomore: 30–59 credits
Junior: 60–89 credits
Senior: 90+ credits
How do I know if a class has a prerequisite?
Prerequisites are listed in the Academic Catalog and in course descriptions here. You must meet all prerequisites before enrolling in a course.
Why do I have to take PED 1141 two times?
Nelson University requires 2 credit hours of physical education activity courses. PED 1141 is a 1-credit course, so it must be taken twice to meet the requirement.
What is GES 1122 Strategies for Student Success?
This is a required 2-credit course for all new online students. It introduces time management, university resources, and academic planning. It must be completed in your first semester.
What do I do if I lack time to do assignments?
Time management is a common challenge for online learners balancing school with work, family, and other commitments. Connect with our team to set up an appointment and we can help you create an individualized study schedule.
What does the Session A/Session B mean?
Nelson divides semesters into two 7-week sessions:
Session A: First half of the semester
Session B: Second half of the semester
This allows students to take accelerated or staggered courses. An accelerated course covers the same content as a full-semester course.
How can I access my…..academic calendar, student portal, degree audit
Academic Calendar: View here
Student Portal: MyNelson Portal
Degree Audit: Available in the MyNelson portal under the “Academics” tab
How do I get access to Microsoft 365, Grammarly?
You can log into Microsoft 365 using your my.Nelson email credentials. You will receive a Grammarly invite during your first semester. If you need additional help logging in please contact [email protected]
What technology do I need for online learning?
You’ll need:
A reliable computer
High-speed internet access
Access to Microsoft 365 (provided by the university)
A webcam and microphone for some courses
Billing and Financial Aid
What if I have a question about my bill?
Contact the Student Billing Office at [email protected] or call 972-825-4645. You can also view and pay your bill through the MyNelson portal under Admin > My Ledger.
Can I get financial aid as an online student?
Yes. Online students are eligible for federal and state financial aid. Complete the FAFSA and consult the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] for assistance.
How do I apply for scholarships?
Visit the Scholarships page to view and apply for institutional and donor-funded scholarships. Also, complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov to be considered for federal and state aid. Priority FAFSA deadline is March 1.
How do I pay my tuition?
Tuition can be paid in full or through a deferred payment plan. Payments are made through the MyNelson portal.
Course Work Policy and Scheduling
Who do I contact for assistance with selecting or scheduling courses?
Nelson Online at [email protected].
How many credits should I take as an online student?
A full-time load is 12 (~3 hours in a course) or more credit hours per semester. Many online learners take 6–9 credits per term to balance work and family responsibilities.
Can I take courses in both Session A and Session B?
Yes. You can take courses in either or both sessions. Just be mindful of the workload and deadlines.
What happens if I stop submitting assignments?
If you do not submit graded work by the Online Course Participation (OCP) deadlines, you may be administratively withdrawn from the course.
What is the participation policy for online courses?
Participation is based on actively completing gradable assignments in your course, such as submitting assignments or discussion posts. Logging in alone does not count.
What is academic integrity in online courses?
All work must be your own. Using AI tools, other students’ work, or unauthorized materials without proper citation is considered academic dishonesty and may result in disciplinary action.
Resources from our Library
Our library offers a full range of options for our online students
