Frequently Asked Questions

Our online learning platform CANVAS makes your classes engaging and easy to access. Online learning at the Island Online has two parts: 

The online classroom where you go to complete your coursework, have discussions with peers and faculty, take tests and quizzes, and more. 

Live, interactive seminars that are led by a faculty member in real time. 

You’ll log into the Island Online class portal to get to your classes.  

Additionally, there are access points for everything from your degree plan to your grades, progress, and important updates and notifications. 

In the CANVAS student portal, you’ll see a list of your current classes. When you enter a course, you’ll find all the necessary resources and tools you need to be successful, such as: 

• Course syllabus (outlines what you’ll study and what’s expected of you) 
• Grading rubrics (explains the expectations for each assignment) 
• Classroom discussion board 

• Assignment drop box 
• A list of checkpoint activities (must be completed before you can move on to the next unit) 
• Quizzes 
• Reading materials 

Yes.  Through the Mary and Jeff Bell Library, TAMU-CC Online students have access to an extensive online library with numerous publications, research databases, guides, services, and resources to support you in your studies. 

Features include: 

•  Ask Us: Go to https://help.library.tamucc.edu/ for 24/7 live chat help, or contact us via email, phone, or text. Need more assistance with research? Schedule an appointment with a librarian for yourself or your group. Or visit the Library’s FAQs.
• Quick Search: Search through all library materials in print and online format. This includes articles from databases, ebooks, and media content, too. Type in your search terms in the box on the library’s main page to begin your research.
• Research Databases: Search through the library’s 339 research databases to choose subject-specific and general content like scholarly journals, trade publications, magazines, videos, and more. Choose by subject, content type, or browse by alphabetical list.
• Kanopy: Included in the library’s databases, this “Netflix-like” streaming video repository has over 26,000 documentaries, educational videos, and feature films. 
• Interlibrary Loan: Order items that the library does not have through the quick, easy, fast online Interlibrary Loan service. 
• Research Guides: Need to know which resources are best for your subject? Research Guides are like mini-websites devoted to the best sources for various topics and other useful information.
• Library Tutorials:  Browse tutorials and videos on the library’s Youtube channel.

Yes, our Information Technology Anytime Access is there to assist you 24/7 by phone, email, and live chat. They can help you with: 

• Login issues 
• Updates to your password 
• Navigating the student portal 
• Finding answers to questions about the online portal, seminars, classroom platforms, and more 

If you are a student having difficulties accessing course materials from your home computer, contact the IT Helpdesk at 866-353-2491 or submit a request via email to ithelp@tamucc.edu. 

The recommendations should serve as a guide to students for selecting a laptop based upon the needs of their academic program.

• Nursing, Business, Education and Human Development, Liberal Arts (Except Graphic Design, Music, Multimedia Degrees) should use the Minimum to Recommended specifications for either Windows PC or Apple devices.
• Science and Engineering, Liberal Arts (Multimedia, Music, Graphic Design) should use the Recommended to Advanced specifications for either Windows PC or Apple devices.

Visit https://www.tamucc.edu/information-technology/get-started/laptop-recommendations.php to see the minimum recommendations.

Yes. Online students are eligible for consideration for a wide range of federal, state and institutional aid as administered by the Office for Student Financial Aid, which also administers a limited number of privately funded scholarships. These include grants, scholarships, loans, and other included aid. Descriptions of financial aid options are on the Cost and Aid page. For more in-depth information as well as how to apply, go to the Student Financial Affairs website. 

TAMU-CC admits students to the Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. Please be sure to follow the application guidelines for your term of interest.