Online Programs FAQ for Current Students
- Academics
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- Business Management: Healthcare Practice
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- Exercise Science
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- Healthcare Technician
- Medical Assistant – Day
- Medical Billing and Coding Certificate
- Medical Assistant – Evening
- Medical Office Assistant
- Nursing Associate Degree
- Nursing Advanced Placement: LPN to ADN
- Paramedic Technology (Associate Degree)
- Paramedic Technology Certificate
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- Course Search Tool
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- What Can I Do With This Major?
- Programs & Courses
FAQs for Current Students in Online Learning Courses
Please read below for answers to the most common issues experienced by those in online courses.
Getting Started
What are the technical requirements for an online course?
You will need access to the Internet and to email. You will get a free email account from NECC. For email-related questions contact the academic computing office at servicedesk@necc.mass.edu.
Blackboard
What browsers are compatible with Blackboard Learn 9.1
How do I navigate Blackboard?
Here is a short video tutorial on how to move around Blackboard.
How do I submit an assignment?
Here is a video tutorial on how to submit an assignment.
How can I download the Blackboard app on my phone?
To download the Blackboard app on your phone, go to the Google Play or Apple App store and search for “Blackboard”. Search for Northern Essex Community College and then use your Blackboard username and password.
How do I log into Blackboard?
Here is NECC information about Blackboard. You can also call the IT Help Desk with additional questions at (978) 556-3111.
How do I post a discussion on Blackboard?
Here’s a video tutorial on how to post a discussion. Keep in mind that your instructor might include specific guidelines for your course. Please be sure to carefully read the instructions your professor provides.
How can I check my grades on Blackboard?
Here is a video tutorial on how to check your grades on Blackboard.
I click on my quizzes but nothing happens.
A couple of things can cause this problem:
- You have a pop-up blocker installed and since quizzes open in a new window the pop-up blocker will not allow the quiz to open. Configure your pop-up blocker to permit pop-ups.
Your quiz did open, but for some reason, it opened under the other windows. Minimize all open windows and see if your quiz exists behind the other windows.
For additional help see the Blackboard page for help with Tests and Assessments
Zoom
I’m having technical issues with Zoom; how can I get help?
How do I join a meeting?
How do I schedule a Zoom meeting on the Zoom Website?
To learn how to schedule a meeting on the Zoom Website, click here for a short tutorial.
How can I manage the meeting controls?
Please contact the Northern Essex Community College Help Desk.
Microsoft
How can I get access to Microsoft office?
To download Microsoft Office for free, Log into your NECC student e-mail. Click on the Office 365 button in the upper left hand corner. You can now use one of the cloud based Office apps or click on Install Office 2016 if you want to download it to your computer.
How can I access PowerPoint?
All students have access to PowerPoint, Word, and Excel through Office 365.Go to the NECC Microsoft Office 365 for more information about how to use and set this program up. Click here for more help.
Can I access Microsoft office at home for free?
To download Microsoft Office for free, Log into your NECC student e-mail. Click on the Office 365 button in the upper left hand corner. You can now use one of the cloud based Office apps or click on Install Office 2016 if you want to download it to your computer.
NECC Student Accounts
Is there a way for me to forward my NECC emails to a personal email account?
First, log into your NECC email on a computer. Go to myNECC, log in, and then click “Access Student Email”. You’ll need to then log in using your NECC Email address (STUDENTID@student.necc.edu). Next, click on the “Settings” wheel in the top right hand corner. Then search for “Forwarding”, click ‘Enable Forwarding” and then enter your personal email address in the field labeled “Forward my email to:”. You should then receive a copy of all of your emails in your personal email account.
What is my student email username?
Your student e-mail is YourStudentID@student.necc.edu,for example: 00112233@student.necc.edu
How do I unlock my NECC account?
If you are locked out of your NECC account, contact the IT Client Help Desk at (978)-556-3111 or servcedesk@necc.mass.edu.
How can I find out my email and password to get into my NECC email?
You e-mail is YourStudentID@student.necc.edu and the password is the same as the one you use for myNECC. Click here for more information on the student e-mail login information page.
Technical Support
Why can’t I view a PDF?
If you do not have a PDF reader installed on your computer, you will not be able to open these files. Adobe provides a free PDF reader for download from their site.
What browsers are most compatible with NECC applications?
We recommend that you use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox as your internet browser for all college applications. It is a good idea to use the most recent version of a browser for security reasons.
When I log into my student account, I keep getting “problem loading page.” What do I do?
Try logging in using another internet browser. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you can contact the IT Client Help Desk at (978) 556-3111 or servicedesk@necc.mass.edu
Additional NECC Resources
How can I get in touch with my professor?
We recommend using your NECC student email account to contact your instructor. You can find your instructor’s names and contact information in Navigate. Click on “Resources” and then “People”. You’ll see a list of your instructors and their email addresses there.
How do I download the Navigate app?
First, download the app by searching for “Navigate Student” in the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Then, search for Northern Essex Community College, and log in with your student credentials. Click here for more info on Navigate.
How do I change, drop or withdraw from my course?
We recommend that you speak with someone in Enrollment Services when changing, dropping, or withdrawing from courses, especially if you are on financial aid. The phone number is (978) 556-3700.
None of the above answered my questions. What do I do?
There are two avenues of support for your online course: your instructor, and the NECC Service Desk. The type of problem you have will determine who you go to for help.
When to contact your instructor
Your instructor will assist you with course related questions, such as when quizzes are available, deadlines and assignments. Your instructor will also assist you if your course contains software requiring an access code, and you are having difficulty with the access code. You should also let your instructor know if you are having technical problems and have contacted the Service Desk.
When to contact the Service Desk
Help with MyNECC accounts, including login problems for Blackboard, Self Service, and Student Email is now provided through the NECC Service Desk. The Service Desk offers walk-in support in Room A-341 on the Haverhill Campus, and in Lawrence, Room L-242.You can also contact the Service Desk by phone at 978-556-3111, or by email at servicedesk@necc.mass.edu.
I get a “Bad username or password” error.
You may be logging in incorrectly. Remember, your login is case-sensitive. Keep this in mind when entering your username and password.
Usernames and passwords are the same as for your myNECC, Self-service, and Online Payment account login. They are different from your student email login. If you are not able to log in, please contact the NECC Service Desk at 978-556-3111 or email: servicedesk@necc.mass.edu
I am having trouble with my NECC email account.
For NECC email accounts contact the NECC Service Desk at 978-556-3111 or email: servicedesk@necc.mass.edu
I am having trouble with a course access code.
Contact your instructor about this error. Your instructor works closely with the textbook publishers who issue the access codes. Your instructor must resolve this issue.
helpful links
got questions?
We’re here to help. Contact us if you have questions.
Enrollment Services
978-556-3700
EnrollmentServices@necc.mass.edu