Getting Started
African-American girl at computer in Waterfiled Library.

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Getting Started

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Other links: Getting Started Is Online Learning for Me? | Online Student Services | Racers Online |  Non-Credit Online Certificates

How to Begin Your Online Class

myGate

It is imperative that students are able to log-in to myGate, as it allows you to pay bills; add/drop courses; print class schedules; and check your final grades. Go to www.murraystate.edu and under "Racer Tools" click on the “myGate” link. You can also go to our student website, RacerNet, to gain access to the system. 

myGate Help Documents - Instructions on how to search for classes and register for classes online.

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Setting Up Your E-Mail Account

Your instructor will contact you using your Murray State RacerMail e-mail account. Therefore, it is imperative that you can access your account and check it regularly. RacerMail can be accessed through this website. For more information about your account, visit RacerMail FAQ or CTLT's blog. If you need assistance, please call the Help Desk at (270) 809-2346.

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Blackboard

 Blackboard is the most comonly used program for delivering online classes.

Please note that you will not be able to access your course immediately after you register. It will take twenty-four hours for the system recognize your course and post it on Blackboard.

Each instructor will make their course available on Blackboard at a different time. Some instructors make their course available several weeks before the course starts. Others make it available the first day of classes.

 To learn how to navigate Blackboard and watch video tutorials, visit  http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm. If you need assistance, e-mail msu.blackboard@murraystate.edu or call the Help Desk at (270) 809-2346.

On Blackboard, be sure to check your Personal Information and enter an e-mail account that you check often. Instructors will use this e-mail address to send you important information about the class.

 

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When Can I Log In to My Course?

Please do not expect to have full access to your class until the first day of classes.

Check Blackboard on the first day of classes. You may also receive an e-mail from your professor. If you do not receive any information from your professor the first day of classes, contact your professor directly and check your schedule on myGate to ensure that you are registered for the course.

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Technical Support and Log-In Troubleshooting

Please refer to RacerNet and CTLT for technical difficulties and log-in support. You can also contact the Help Desk at (270) 809-2346. They will be able to assist you with passwords and log-in issues.

A new online Knowledge Base has just been created that contains a database of frequently asked questions.

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Ordering Your Textbook

All texts and instructional materials are furnished by the student.  Most texts may be purchased directly from the publishing companies or the Murray State University Bookstore.  Used books are sometimes available at the MSU Bookstore.  You are encouraged to call them at (270) 809-4388 or (800) 749-8580, or go to their website.  Phone and online orders may be paid for with a credit card and books will be shipped directly to you.

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Technical Requirements

At a minimum, you must have a computer with reliable internet access, an active MSU e-mail address, a current browser, and most instructors require Microsoft Word. 

Some courses may have specific technical requirements, which will be listed in your course information. Please contact the instructor before class if you have questions. For course-specific instructions, click here.

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Do I Need Any Special Equipment?

Your instructor will alert you at the beginning of the class if any special equipment is needed. Some professors prefer that students own a microphone and camera for interactive chat sessions.

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Murray State Handbook and Catalogs

The MSU Student Life Handbook very useful to refer to for certain university policies and procedures. You can view the handbook online by clicking here. The Murray State Bulletin is also a helpful reference for questions regarding policies for admissions as well as academic programs and class information.

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Special Assistance

Students requiring special assistance due to a disability should visit the Office of Student Disability Services immediately for assistance with reasonable accommodations. For information for students with disabilities contact the Office of Student Disability Services, 423 Wells Hall, Murray, KY 42071.  Telephone: (270) 809-2018 (Voice) (270) 809- 5889 (TDD).

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Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your professor or the coordinator of online courses, Lisa O'Neal at loneal1@murraystate.edu or (270) 809-2159. For technical help, contact CTLT at (270) 809-2346.

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