Parent PerspectiveParents are an important part of a student’s college education. This resource page includes answers to common questions and important information to help you guide your student through PSEO and Early College at Northwestern.
Application and Registration DatesSummer 2013
Fall 2013
Getting ConnectedOptional OrientationWe do have an optional orientation during the summer that you can attend! Orientation will include course advising, registration, online learning demonstration and more! Visiting the NWC campusIf your student is considering attending Northwestern after high school you may contact Admissions to arrange a time visit Northwestern. You can set up a personalized visit or to attend one of ourcampus visit events for prospective undergraduate students. One-on-One VisitsOur admission staff is also happy to answer your questions about PSEO and Early College. Please contact an Early College/PSEO admission counselor for a personal appointment by phone or in-person. Student ServicesOnce your student is admitted, the student services staff works with your student to answer questions and encourage their success. An academic advisor will help your student each semester to make a plan that will fit for a variety of post-high-school options. We also encourage your student to set up meetings with other colleges that he or she is interested in to learn about what classes they require. Additionally, the academic advisor should be consulted if the student is experiencing challenges. The deadlines below are important to keep in mind if changing or withdrawing from courses is being considered; we encourage your student to always consult first with the academic advisor before making any course change decisions. You can reach an academic advisor at 651-631-5300, or use the e-mail address that corresponds to your student's program: earlycollege@nwc.edu or pseo@nwc.edu. Course Change DeadlinesSummer 2013
Fall 2013
Ensuring Student Success for Online PSEO and Early CollegeNorthwestern’s online PSEO and Early College programs require students to have internet access to complete their courses. Our courses consist of online video lectures and readings as well as a book, depending on the course. Students have a professor to answer questions just like any other class. Our courses are offered in either an Independent Study or Learning Group format. For both of these types of courses student must show responsibility, time management and the ability to complete college level work. We encourage you to discuss this type of course format with your student to see if this is something they would be able to adapt to and succeed in.
Independent StudyAn independent study course means that while you study, you are independent of other students, of weekly due dates, and of regular interaction with your professor. You can work on the course at your own pace as long as you are able to complete the course by the end of the semester.
Online Learning GroupAn online learning group course allows students to interact with other students and their instructor via an online discussion board, submit assignments and exams electronically, and have an added time requirement. Semester start and end dates are critical for a learning group course. The group of students starts the course together, works through the course materials and assignments together, and finishes together. This type of course has greater accountability since assignments have due dates which are to be followed throughout the semester.
Study GroupsAny parent can help their student stay on track with the course calendar. Encouragement and accountability are two things that parents can offer their students! There are a few study groups in the Twin Cities area listed below. These groups are independent and not affiliated with Northwestern College. You may check with a school counselor or homeschool cooperative to see if there are other groups or resources in your area.
PSEO Study Groups
Program ParticipationHomeschooled StudentsNorthwestern understands the needs of homeschooled learners and will help guide you through the process. Nearly 50 percent of our PSEO students are homeschooled and approximately 10 percent of Northwestern's traditional undergraduate students have been homeschooled. PSEO through Multiple InstitutionsThe Minnesota PSEO program allows you to take courses through multiple institutions, but please keep in mind that you must apply to each PSEO program individually and will need to work out details with your high school. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)Your student and your student's education records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. We recommend that you review the FERPA Frequently Asked Questions on our website to gain more understanding about this Act. Computer RequirementsParticipation in Northwestern’s online courses requires the use of a personal computer with Internet access. Download a copy of our computer requirements. |
