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Pre-Class Checklist
To ensure a successful term beginning, we encourage you to participate in the
online orientation and to complete the following checklist. Refer to the
term
schedule to determine the start and end date of your course.
Order Textbooks
Obtaining your class books as soon as you complete registration is
essential. Books can be ordered through CMU’s bookstore partner,
MBS Direct (Missouri Book Supply). Ordering through MBS ensures that you are obtaining the
correct edition and should an issue occur, CMU can assist you in resolution.
Books can be ordered through MBS:
- CentralLink under 'Academics' & 'Helpful
Resources'. Click on 'Order Textbooks from MBS'
- Online
- By calling toll-free (800) 325-3252
Textbooks are ordered by EPN number for your course section and will be
available as soon as registration begins for the term. For those students located in the Mt. Pleasant, MI area and close to CMU’s main campus can also purchase textbooks at the CMU Bookstore.
Students are expected to
acquire their books before the first day of class, which is the first day of the
term.
Login to Blackboard
Blackboard (Bb) is CMU’s online
learning environment. Classes appear in the "My Courses" area the day following
your registration. If the course says “unavailable” it means you are registered,
but the instructor has not yet made the course available to students. Please
continue to check the availability of your course in Bb.
View Your Course Syllabus
Review your course syllabus early to familiarize yourself with course
requirements and outline. A syllabus is also posted on Blackboard once your
instructor makes the course available.
NOTE: Even if you cannot yet access your syllabus, you can find textbook
information and/or order your textbooks at MBS Direct.
Login to CentralLink
CentralLink provides a vital link to all the resources you need as a student:
CMU e-mail, grades, registration, account balances/payments and more. Tuition
bills are sent (and paid) through CentralLink by accessing "My Account", then
"Finances", then "View/Pay My Bill". Final grades can be viewed under "My Account", then “View My Grades”.
Access Your CMU E-mail Account
Important CMU communications are sent to students’ CMU e-mail accounts once
students are fully admitted to CMU. This is the only e-mail account CMU
communicates to its students through; therefore it is vital that you access this
account frequently to receive important information from your instructor and the
university. Accessing your CMU e-mail account is done through
CentralLink and then to “Webmail”. Your CMU e-mail address is [your global ID]@cmich.edu.
Undergraduate Courses Only
Other Helpful Tips
Preview An Online Course
If you’re not familiar with Blackboard, you can preview an online course. Go to
Blackboard and enter in the user ID and password of ‘onlinepreview’. Click
"Online Preview Class" link under "My Courses". Experiment with the various
course features (online quizzes, discussion boards, etc.) in a practice
environment.
Blackboard Tutorials
Tutorials will provide you with a step-by-step guide and screen shots on the
features and capabilities of Blackboard.
Free Writing Assistance
Free assistance for paper writing is available to you through the
CMU Writing
Center.
CMU Help Desk
Assists students with Blackboard access and features, computer problems,
password resets, etc. (800) 950-1144 ext. 3662
CMU Online Staff
Assists students with proctor/exam/withdrawal or general administrative
questions. (800) 688-4268 E-mail: cmuonline@cmich.edu