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Apply and Enroll

Online courses are open to all students. Online courses are designated with section designators beginning with the number “9.”  For example, an online English course is ENG 101.90. Online Learning Readiness Questionnaire.  Before enrolling in an online course, you should first assess your readiness for stepping into the online learning environment. Your answers to the following questions will help you determine what you need to do to succeed at online learning. Post-survey feedback will also provide you with information on what you can expect from an online course.

Step 1:  Secure funds for your education.

  • Learn about financing your education, paying your tuition, and taking advantage of various payment options, by visiting the Financial Aid website.  Financial Aid is available to students from federal, state, local and private resources, institutional grants, scholarships, loans and work-study awards. 
  • Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Pay special attention to the priority deadlines.
  • Review available institutional scholarships delineated in the University’s Scholarship Guide.

 

Step 2:  Apply for admission.

  • Visit the Office of Admissions website.
  •  Review the undergraduate or graduate admissions requirements.

 International students should visit the International Student Services website.

  • Learn more about the available infinite possibilities by scanning the University’s View Brochure.
  • Apply for admissions, transfer or re-admission. 
  • For additional undergraduate admissions information, call toll free 800-274-1821 or email admissions@nsu.edu.
  • For graduate admissions information, call 757-823-8015 or email lcarpenter@nsu.edu.   When the graduate application file is complete, the application is reviewed by the Departmental Admissions Committee, which makes a recommendation on admission.  Upon completion of the process, the Graduate School conveys the decision, in writing, to the applicant with a copy to the appropriate graduate office.

Step 3:  Confirm your intent to enroll.

If accepted for undergraduate admission, you will receive a congratulatory enrollment packet.  

  • Complete and return the enrollment response form.  Without this confirmation, you will be unable to register for any courses.  After receipt of this form, you will be given information about how to access your MyNSU account.  Students use MyNSU to manage their student accounts and register for classes. 
  • Review the MyNSU Guide for detailed information about the campus portal.

Step 4:  Activate your MyNSU account.

MyNSU, the University’s educational portal system, provides access to your NSU e-mail account, Office 365, and Blackboard Learn.  Setting up your account is quick and easy.  The University sends official communications to this account.

  • Go to the MyNSU login.  When prompted enter your user name (for example: j.j.jones) and password then click the Sign In button. Your MyNSU ID and password.  This is the same as your username and password for other campus network computer resources.  In order to access MyNSU you need a computer with Internet access and one of the following supported web browsers:
    • Internet Explorer 8.0+
    • Chrome 20+
    • Firefox 3.5+
    • Safari 4.0+

For questions or concerns about accessing MyNSU, please call NSU Client Services at 757-823-8678 or email clientservices@nsu.edu.

Step 5:  Register for Classes

  • Log-in to MyNSU, click the Spartan Self-Service Student Menu.
  • Select “Plan Courses” then the Course Planning Wizard to select your coursework for the designated term.
  • Use the tools provided to email your academic advisor your completed course planning guide.

Your academic advisor will review your educational plan for any courses added and requiring approval.  

Step 6: Pay Your Tuition and Fees

  • Pay your tuition and fees.  There are different payment options.  Regardless of the option chosen, make certain payment or satisfactory arrangements are made by the scheduled class cancellation dates published for each term.
  • Log-in to MyNSU, click the Spartan Self-Service Student Menu.
  • Select “Make a Payment.”
  • Choose “Pay for registration.”

Step 7: Verify you have the appropriate tools.

The Blackboard Learning Management System can be accessed using most web browsers. However, it is very important that your web browser is configured correctly.  Additionally, your course may require the use of course contents from publishers or an online proctoring tool.

A best practice is to delete cookies and browser history at least once per month.  Please close all applications in your computer, start the browser, use the CTRL+SHIFT+DELETE keys to delete or clear the cookies and the browser history. For the best online learning experience, you will need:  Windows 7 or, Mac OS X 10.6 or later

  • At least 512 MB RAM
  • Broadband Internet Connection (1.5 Mbps required, 3.0 Mbps recommended)
  • Adobe Flash 10.1 or later
  • Latest version of Java
  • User privileges to install software for required software installations
  • Microphone and webcam (headphones with microphone recommended) for courses that require online meetings with audio and/or video participation and for online proctoring.

NOTE: While mobile devices, especially smartphones, are convenient and may be utilized for some course functions, they cannot be the primary device for completing your online course work.

Step 8: Begin Your Online Learning Experience

Log in to MyNSU, then choose the Blackboard icon to access your courses.  Your registered courses that have been made available by your professor will show under the My Courses module.  Some may require synchronous meetings using a webcam. Detailed technology requirements, proctoring and testing procedures, and assignment submission instructions will be delineated on your course syllabus.

If you have questions or concerns, please email nsuonline@nsu.edu or call toll free 1-844-266-4990.