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How to Register and Prepare for Online Classes

students in a computer lab

Before you sign up for an online course, decide whether online learning is right for you. Our Online Learning Pre-Assessment Tool will help you determine your level of readiness for taking online courses. 

Ready to register for an online class at Montgomery College? Here's what to do. 

Before you can register for any class at MC, you must submit the admissions application and complete related steps. Follow the steps on Getting Started: How to Apply and Registernew window. If you're already a student at MC, you can skip this step.

Browse the listings of all available online credit coursesnew window. We also offer a variety of noncredit online coursesnew window through our Workforce Development and Continuing Education division.

If you're pursuing a degree, meet with an advisor prior to registering for classes. This helps make sure you're taking courses in the right order and staying on the right path toward your degree. Go to Make an Advising Appointmentnew window.

To register for classes, log in to MyMCnew window and click on the Registration tab. (If you're taking a noncredit class, follow the directions on the Noncredit Online Courses pagenew window.) Please be aware of the payment deadlines. If you do not pay on time, you could be dropped from the class for non-payment. Please take note of any required course materials.

ELITE Online Student Orientation

Online Student Orientation provides tips for student success and an introduction to Blackboard, the College’s course management system. We highly recommend that all new students go through this online orientation to get a feel for how online learning works. 

To access the orientation, go to Online Learning Blackboardnew window orientation page and log in with the following credentials: username: mcguest | password: mcguest

Click on Online Learning Orientation under My Course on the right-hand corner to access the orientation. You can visit the orientation as often as necessary.


English (ENGL) Orientation

Students registered for the online sections of ENGL101, ENGL102, and ENGL103 are strongly encouraged to participate in a virtual or video orientation. See the details and schedule below, or contact your instructor or the campus English departmentnew window for more information.

ELITE is not in charge of these orientations; they are conducted by the English departments. 

All orientations will be delivered online via Zoom. Students who are interested in attending the orientation can register by going to the ENGL Orientation Sign-Up Formnew window. You will receive the Zoom link for the date that you choose to attend the orientation after signing up.


ENGL 101 Orientation Dates - Register for Orientationnew window

ENGL 102 Orientation Dates - Register for Orientationnew window

ENGL 103 Orientation Dates - Register for Orientationnew window

You may get information on required course materials for any given course by searching the dynamic class schedule (also available in MyMC). Browse by term and subject. Find your course, then click on the book icon to determine which text is required for the specific section. Note that course materials for online and on-campus sections of the same course may not be the same, so make sure you are checking the correct section. 

If you signed up for a Z-course, check with your instructor for information about course materials. Z-courses are courses in which all textbook materials are available at no cost for the section. For labs and art courses, all textbook materials are available at no cost; other course materials and supplies must be purchased. Regular internet access is required for access to materials.

As a distance learner at MC, you have access to all on-campus resources and facilities, as well as online tutoring, counseling, advising, and more. Visit Academic Resources and Technical Support to learn more.

Approximately one week prior to the first day of the semester, log in to MyMC and select the Blackboard icon at the top. If you don't see your course listed under your My Blackboard screen, contact ELITE at 240-567-6000.

On the day that classes begin, log in to MyMC, then log in to Blackboard. Click on your class from the course list. Check for Announcements, download the syllabus, enter all your due dates into a calendar, and click through all menu tabs for content and resources. Start reading your text. You can also access your course through the Blackboard mobile app. 

Classes usually run from a set day of the week until the same day next week. Sign on at least three times a week throughout the semester unless directed otherwise. 

If you are taking a course that is not on Blackboard, follow the instructions that are listed with your class on your registration sheet or in MyMC.

Out of State Students

As a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), Montgomery College is approved to offer distance education courses to students in all NC-SARA states. As a student of an NC-SARA institution, you have expanded access to educational offerings and better resolution of student complaints in SARA states. To date, only California is not an SARA state; therefore Montgomery College cannot offer distance classes to students in this state. Questions should be directed to ELITE at 240-567-6000.

See the complete listing of State Contact Information for Online Students (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader - Link opens in new window) .

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