To be successful learning online at Saint Louis University, it is important that you have basic skills and access to technology.
Skill Competencies
Your success in online classes will depend on your ability to communicate, engage and participate in all course activities. Completion of online courses requires that you keep up with all assignments, coursework and discussions.
While classes are asynchronous and don’t require students to log on during specific days and times, regular participation in discussions is an important part of an online course and is not optional.
You should be able to:
- Connect to the internet
- Browse the internet, recognize web links and print web pages
- Use internet search engines such as Google or Bing
- Create and edit bookmarks
- Download and install software
- Use basic word processing software, such as Microsoft Word
- Use presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint
- Send and receive email messages
- Attach files to email
Hardware and Software Requirements
Basic computer software and hardware components are required in order to fully participate in your online courses at Saint Louis University.
Reference the ITS Check List and Recommendations for more details about hardware and software requirements.
Specific classes may have additional hardware and software requirements. Read each course syllabus for further information. The School for Professional Studies uses Canvas to manage online courses. Access it at myslu.slu.edu.
Internet Connectivity
High-speed internet access is recommended. Using older, slower computers may result in difficulty accessing the course or some of its functions, or in getting course pages to load in a timely manner. Likewise, connecting to the internet via a dial-up connection decreases the speed with which you can interact with course material; audio or video files will take substantially longer to load, and may appear choppy, or not at all.
You should also ensure that your internet service provider doesn’t have a firewall, as it may interfere with certain online course features. This mainly happens in workplace settings. If you are accessing course content from a computer system at your job, be aware that many companies have strict firewall and internet security protocols and policies.
Participation
If you are unable to participate in a scheduled class activity or discussion, you must notify the instructor within the week of that class module or discussion.
An unexcused failure to engage or participate in the class will be counted as an absence. Two unexcused absences may result in the failure of the course. The instructor reserves the right to make a judgment on accepting or making up assignments missed because of failed participation in the course activities.
Students in an online course should expect to spend a minimum of 15 hours per week working with the course material. This includes time spent online and offline. Though 15 hours per week is average, some weeks may require less time and some weeks may require more time.
Web Services
SLU Net ID
In order access your classes, you’ll need to know your SLU Net ID. Your SLU Net ID is the first part of your SLU email address before @slu.edu. This ID is used to log into mySLU, the online portal that lets you register for classes, pay tuition through Banner Self-Service and take classes online with Blackboard.
To get started, go to password.slu.edu to change your SLU net password.
Canvas
SLU utilizes Canvas as its online course management system. Access your courses from any computer with an Internet connection. SLU SPS courses may be accessed by logging into your mySLU account at auth.slu.edu, clicking on the “Tools” tab, and then clicking on the Canvas icon.
SLU Email Account
It is important to set up your SLU email account to gain full access to all online resources before your class begins. Students should check their SLU email account regularly for important news and updates from instructors, advisers and the University.
View additional recommendations for hardware and software system requirements.