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Visit the CMU Bookstore to find your textbooks and compare prices to find the most affordable option!

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Compare Textbook Prices Online | CMU Bookstore

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Please follow this link to search for your books for a specific class

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You're in the right place to get the right books and get right to work.

Getting your course materials is quick, easy, and worry-free. Your online bookstore and content connection in one, we make using your financial aid a snap too.

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Central Michigan University Global Campus | Online Bookstore

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You're in the right place to get the right books and get right to work. Getting your course materials is quick, easy, and worry-free. Your online bookstore and content connection in one, we make using your financial aid a snap too.

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Please follow this link for more tips and tricks from the Student Disability Services regarding study skills, time management, and so much more!

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Study Skills | Central Michigan University

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Please view this PDF for information on types of assignments online students can expect.

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9 Types of Assignments Online Students Encounter.pdf

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Follow this link to read about getting back on track after falling behind in an online class!

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By Trudy Doleman
Senior Support Representative II, APUS

It is the first Monday of the month and it's time to log into class. You can feel success on the horizon!

We have all had those feelings of inspiration and motivation during the first few weeks of class. During this time, it doesn't feel hard to complete readings, submit assignments, post forum discussions, and respond with interest and thoughtfulness to other classmates.

But just as you hit your stride finding the right balance between study times, work, family and personal time - something happens. It could be a 24-hour illness, an increase in your workload, a death in the family or even an unexpected deployment to a part of the world with spotty Internet connectivity at best.

Any number of factors have the potential to cause you to miss at least one of your weekly class deadlines. Before you know it, one missed assignment grows into several missed assignments and you have fallen way behind in your class.

What are your options? Is it possible to recover and complete the class? Yes, it is possible to recover and there are several options available to you.

Take Action Immediately and Contact Your Class Instructor

As soon as you realize you will have trouble posting your work by the due date, contact your instructor to ask if you may submit your work late. Include the reason why and a time when you will submit the assignments involved.

Also, ask your professor if there will be a penalty for a late submission and if your timeframe for completion is acceptable. If your professor allows for a late submission, it is important that you meet the extended deadline.

Submit High-Quality Work

Turn in your best possible work, just as if you were submitting on time for full credit. If there is a point deduction, try not to be discouraged. Fulfill the assignment's instructions with the attitude that earning some points is better than a zero.

It is easy to dash something off with the attitude that it does not matter since you will not get full credit anyway. Trust me: your grade will reflect your approach.

Evaluate What You Have Missed

As soon as you are able, log into your classroom to take a look at what work you missed. Review each assignment to consider how much time you will need to complete each one.

If you missed a test or quiz, consider how much time you will need to study and to take the test. Keep in mind that most quizzes and tests are timed.

Do NOT click the "Begin Test" button unless you are ready to take the test. Once the timer begins, you will be able to stop the clock on your own.

Find Pockets of Time to Study

Next, look at your available study time that you can dedicate to reading assignments, composing written assignments or taking tests. Look for small pockets of time in your day; they are there.

For example, perhaps you can get some reading accomplished on your lunch break during work hours. That is 15 to 30 minutes you can use.

If you take breaks at work, you can find another 10 or 15 minutes to dedicate toward a plan of action. That is enough time to set up your paper or make a few notes in preparation for your forum or essay.

As a parent or caregiver, you may be overlooking another cluster of time: after-school activities. Your car can become your quiet classroom while your children are on the practice fields or in the studios. You may be surprised how much work you can get done in a short amount of focused time.

Turn to University Resources

There are some great university resources at your disposal that will help you get back on track and stay on track. Start with the APUS Library. There are writing samples, tips about different writing formats and links to scholarly materials to aid your research.

APUS also offers a free tutoring service for students. You can find more information in the APUS library under the "Resources and Services" tab.

Do Everything You Can Before You Drop the Class

If an instructor does not accept the proposal for a late submission, many students' first reaction is to drop the class. While that is an option, make an appointment with an advisor before you drop the class.

Advisor contact information can be found in your Academic Plan. Advisors will be able to explain the impact that dropping the class will have on you, both academically and financially Your advisor can also help you identify possible solutions other than dropping the class.

No one plans to miss assignments, but sometimes unexpected things happen. Many instructors understand that fact and will do what they can to help students.

Resist the urge to suffer in silence as the zeros add up each week. Speak up! It is up to you to reach out to your professor and also ask for guidance from advisors. There is a team waiting to help you get back on track and stay there.

About the Author
Trudy Doleman has been with American Public University System for 15 years. She started in the Admissions Department, helping prospective students' transition to new students who are ready to achieve their academic goals. Currently, Trudy is part of the Student Support Center, working with students who need some help getting back on track with their studies. You may contact her at TDoleman@apus.edu.
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How to Get Back on Track in Your Class after Falling Behind

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By Trudy Doleman Senior Support Representative II, APUS It is the first Monday of the month and it's time to log into class. You can feel success on the horizon! We have all had those feelings of inspiration and motivation during the first few weeks of class.

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Click here for more information on what an Online Student Ally is.

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​​​The Online Student Allies are CMU students, just like yourself, who have been trained and have been successful in completing online courses. We are an extra tool for students to ​utilize when they are struggling in their online courses. Typically, we assist students with time management skills, study tactics, finding additional resources for courses and any other concerns or needs you may have.

If you're familiar with online courses at CMU you've probably noticed that we reach out to online students at least three times per term - 1 and 2 weeks before the course starts and around midterms. We do this to help prepare you for the upcoming term by sending you email reminders that contain useful information and tips such as contacting your instructor, finding your course syllabus, ordering your textbooks and checking to see if your online course is available.

Please keep in mind we are a separate entity from your course instructor, therefore questions that involve course content, grades and tutoring questions should be directed toward your professor.

We would be more than happy to help you with any concerns or questions you may have throughout your online course. Please do not hesitate to send us an email or give us a call! The Online Ally services can be reached via email onlineally@cmich.edu or via phone (989) 774-7205.

We look forward to hearing from you!​

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​​​The Online Student Allies are CMU students, just like yourself, who have been trained and have been successful in completing online courses. We are an extra tool for students to ​utilize when they are struggling in their online courses.

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Struggling in your math courses? CMU offers FREE math help! Follow this link for more information.

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Tutors are essential to the success of the Mathematics Assistance Center. If you are interested in becoming a tutor, you should be able to:

Answer a student's questions thoroughly

Help clarify course material

Demonstrate problem-solving skills

Work through example problems with students

Attend tutor training sessions as necessary

Qualifications and requirements
To become a tutor at the Mathematics Assistance Center, you must meet the following requirements:

Completed college mathematics courses through at least Calculus II

Earned an A or A- in the majority of your math courses

Maintained a cumulative GPA or 3.0 or higher

Application process
When positions are available, the director of the Mathematics Assistance Center will set up interviews with qualified applicants.
To have a completed application file, you must:
Department of Mathematics
Central Michigan University
ATTN: Reggie Becker
Pearce Hall 214
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859

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Mathematics Assistance Center at Central Michigan University

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If you are just looking for a few tips and tricks for writing, the writing center offers a variety of resources in addition to the services they provide.

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This link provides everything you need to know about proctoring for courses.

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What is an online proctored exam?

This is an exam taken online through Blackboard under the administration of a proctor. Your proctor will need to provide a computer with reliable Internet access available for you to take your online exams. (Wireless Internet is not recommended due to instability concerns.) You will not be permitted to utilize your own personal computer. Once you have accessed your exam in Blackboard, the proctor will enter a password that will open the exam for you.

What is a proctor?

A proctor is an approved person that administers an exam to a CMU student and agrees to fulfill the proctor responsibilities required by CMU. The proctor will verify a student's identity by checking a photo ID and will ensure academic integrity guidelines during exams are followed (e.g., no notes, textbooks, outside assistance, etc.).

Do I need a proctor?

Online Courses require a proctor for one or more exams during the course. Check your course syllabus or Blackboard to determine whether or not your course requires a proctor or click here. It is the student's responsibility to locate and designate an acceptable proctor with CMU Online.

Who can be a proctor?

Acceptable proctors include:

CMU Campus Centers

CMU Online Staff

Local librarians

Military/industry education or testing centers

School/college counselors, administrators, and teachers

Friends, relatives, direct supervisors, co-workers, or anyone the student has a personal relationship with are not qualified proctors and will be denied. Any individual who cannot provide a suitable testing environment will also be denied as a proctor. Contact information - phone and email address - must be affiliated with the proctor's organization.

CMU reserves the right to deny any proctor or assign proctors to students as necessary. If you have questions about a prospective proctor, contact our office at (989) 774-4461 or e-mail cmu.online.proctor@cmich.edu for clarification.

How do I designate a proctor for approval?

To designate your proctor, you will need to complete the Proctor Designation Form. Click on the maroon circle, Identifying and Designating a Proctor, and follow the steps to designate a proctor. If you wish to designate a New Proctor for Approval, click on the box and submit the proctor's information. The approval process is performed during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, and approval/denial is generally completed within one to two business days. You will receive emails once your designation is received and once it is approved/denied.

When is the exam information sent to my proctor?

Once your proctor has been approved, your exam information is sent to the proctor. Exam instructions are sent to proctors the first week of the term, or upon approval of a proctor designation after the first week of the term. Your proctor designation carries over for each term. It is best to contact your proctor to be sure they are still available for exam proctoring. You should also double-check that your proctor has received your exam information prior to your scheduled appointment.

How do I schedule a proctored exam?

If you will be using CMU Online as your proctor, you can schedule your exam at the Park Library in Mt. Pleasant by following these steps:

See (below) Use CMU Online as a Proctor.

Click on Schedule Your Appointment Now.

Complete the online appointment scheduler -name, contact information, date, time, and course. You will receive an email confirmation for your appointment. Be sure to have a photo ID with you for check-in.

To schedule an exam appointment at a CMU Center or with another proctor, please contact that Center/person directly.

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What is an online proctored exam? This is an exam taken online through Blackboard under the administration of a proctor. Your proctor will need to provide a computer with reliable Internet access available for you to take your online exams. (Wireless Internet is not recommended due to instability concerns.)

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Looking for assistance with your papers and projects? This is your place!

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CMU Writing Center | Central Michigan University

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Follow this link and log in with your global ID to access CMU's Knowledge Base.

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Central Michigan University Login | Central Michigan University

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CMU is an AA/EO institution, providing equal opportunity to all persons, including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities. | CentralLink Copyright Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Mich. 48859 | Phone 989-774-4000 | Privacy Statement | Legal | Feedback

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If you would like to request a course calendar, please email the Online Allies and include the following: 8 digit course EPN and whether you prefer a hard copy word document or an .ICS* format version. Please note, due to high demand of calendars the allies are only able to create one or the other and will only create a maximum of 2-3 course calendars per semester (depending on demand).

*A  .ICS file is a global format for calendar files widely being utilized by various calendar and email programs including Google Calendar, Apple iCal, and Microsoft Outlook.

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Any additional questions or concerns can be directed to the Online Ally email!

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Any additional questions or concerns can be directed to the Online Ally email!

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OnlineAlly@cmich.edu

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