FAQ

Program logistics  |  Managing courses  |  Completing the certificate  |  University resources
Other questions

Program Logistics

How will I know I’m registered for a course?
You will receive an email from the program coordinator confirming your course enrollment within two weeks of completing the online registration form.

What is a PID?
The personal identification number is a number assigned to each person affiliated with the university. This number is a universal number unique to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The number is nine digits long and replaces all existing card numbers previously used on campus. The PID is the primary record-keeping key for all departments within the university.

How can I look up my PID if I already have one?
Once enrolled, you can look up your PID using your social security number and date of birth. Students who have been enrolled at any time at UNC-Chapel Hill have a PID.

What is an Onyen?
An Onyen is your UNC-CH username, or Only Name You’ll Ever Need. Create your Onyen and password at Onyen Services with your PID and last name.

How do I get a UNC-CH email account?
Please see our Getting Started page.

Can I forward my UNC-CH email address to another address?
The use of a UNC-CH email address for all class-related email is preferred, but students can forward a UNC-CH email address to a different email address. We recommend students check their UNC-CH email frequently to make sure forwarding is working properly. UNC-CH employees who are on the Microsoft Exchange server cannot set up UNC email forwarding. This service is only available to non-employee Heelmail users.

I have taken classes at Carolina before, but this is my first online course. Will my old Onyen and password still work?
They will if the password hasn’t expired. Onyen passwords expire every 90 days.

I don’t remember my Onyen password.
Visit Onyen Services to manage your password and to reset a lost or forgotten password.

How do I pay tuition?
Payment for tuition and fees can be made online in your ConnectCarolina Student Center. See Payment Options for more details. Enrolled students will receive notification at their UNC email addresses when bills are available in the ConnectCarolina Student Center. Past-due accounts are subject to holds that prevent registration and transcript/certificate release.

Managing Courses

How do I access my course(s)?
Course content is managed in Sakai. Students need an Onyen and password to access Sakai. Courses are not available until the first day of classes.

How do I know which books to purchase?
Reading assignments vary by course and instructor and are posted on each course’s Sakai site. Many of the resources will be articles and research available on the Internet. Instructors also may assign texts, which can be purchased online at various retail sites. You will be notified by email of required textbooks before the start of the semester.

How do I change my email address in Sakai?
Sakai pushes emails out to your UNC email address because it is linked to your UNC account. There is no way to change this. You can, however, forward your UNC-CH email to a preferred email address. This service is only available to non-employee Heelmail users.

How do I drop a course?
Please see our Courses page.

Where is my final grade?
Final course grades can be found in your ConnectCarolina Student Center at the end of each semester.

Completing the Certificate

I am in my last certificate course. How do I apply for graduation?
In your last semester, you may apply for graduation through your ConnectCarolina Student Center beginning the first day of class. On the Academics tab, select “Apply for Graduation” from the drop-down box and click the arrow. Please see Apply for Graduation for more detailed instructions and information.

Will I receive a certificate?
You will receive a certificate within three to four months after your graduation date. Certificates for university certificate programs measure 8 ½” x 11.” Your certificate will be mailed to the home address (not the mailing address) listed on your ConnectCarolina Student Center at the time of graduation. It is each student’s responsibility to ensure that this home address is correct in the system. To update your home mailing address, log in to ConnectCarolina and click “Update Personal Information.”

How will my name appear on my certificate?
Your certificate will be printed with the full legal name as listed in your ConnectCarolina Student Center. To check that you name is listed correctly, log in to ConnectCarolina. Click the link on the left-hand side of the webpage “Update Personal Information”. After logging in, your full legal name will be listed at the top of the page. If this is not the full name you wish to appear on your diploma, you must process a name change through the Registrar.

How can I obtain a transcript?
Transcripts can be obtained from the University Registrar.

How do I get technical support?
UNC-CH Information Technology Services provides support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for students and faculty members. The ITS website offers extensive online help, including a database of frequently asked questions. For help by phone, call (919) 962-HELP.

Please keep your instructor and the MJ-school Graduate Studies staff in the loop if you’re having technical problems that are preventing you from completing your assignments, or contact us for help navigating your course’s Sakai site. Casey Hart is your MJ-school contact for these issues.

Do I have access to campus libraries as an online student?
 The UNC Libraries provide support for online learning and respond to questions by phone, email and chat. Visit http://www.lib.unc.edu/de for library support. Students have access to scholarly journals and other library resources via Onyen login. The libraries provide online tutorials for more information.

The School of Media and Journalism’s Park Library provides expertise and resources specific to our courses and the field of communication.

Whom do I contact about billing questions?
The University Cashier provides assistance related to tuition billing, payments and student accounts.

What career assistance is available?
Jay Eubank, the MJ-school’s director of career services, meets with students by appointment and keeps them aware of opportunities via Twitter and email updates. University Career Services also offers programming for job-seekers.

Other Questions

Have another question? Email mjgrad@unc.edu or contact the appropriate member of the administrative team.