Frequently Asked Questions

Golden Gate University offers individual courses, degree programs and professional certificates through CyberCampus that are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Although the web-based format is unique, the courses are the same as those offered at any Golden Gate University location. CyberCampus courses are taught by the same faculty and are held to the same rigorous academic standards as courses offered in traditional classroom settings.

The university offers certificates, degrees, and individual courses through a special Open Enrollment program. For more information on specific admissions requirements for any of the above, select one of the following:

• Degrees & Certificates
• Admissions
• Open Enrollment

Just like a physical campus, CyberCampus has students, faculty, advising and staff. The only difference is that students interact using web-based conferencing, e-mail, phone and fax in a distance-learning environment.

System Requirements

• Internet Browser: Netscape 4.77, 4.78, 4.79, and 7.0 (Windows and Mac); Internet Explorer 5.5 and above (Windows) or 4.5 and above (Mac)
• Screen Resolution: 800 x 600 pixels
• Internet Service Provider: Any Internet service provider will suffice if it provides reliable access to the Internet.
• Operating System: Windows 98 or later, or Macintosh 8.1 or later.
• Computer Memory: At least 64 megabytes of RAM.
• Modem Speed: At least 28.8 kbps, though we recommend 56K or better.

For more specifics on system requirements and to take a browser test, click here.

Additional Requirements

• E-mail Accounts: In order to participate in a course, you will need to have an e-mail account. In the course your instructor and all participants will have access to your e-mail address. If you prefer not to use your primary e-mail account for your course, you can obtain a free e-mail account from a variety of companies, including:
  

Yahoo Mail
Netscape Webmail
Hotmail

• Virus Protection: While participating on the online course, you may choose to share documents and files via e-mail. You are expected to use your own updated virus protection software. Anti-virus software can be downloaded for free or for a small charge from the Internet, or you can purchase a program at your local software retailer. For more information, visit the following web sites:
  

http://www.macvirus.com/ (for Macintosh users)
http://www.mcafee.com/ (Macintosh and PC)

Since new viruses appear almost every day, we encourage you to update your anti-virus software regularly. Some classes require software from Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, etc.) and Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF files). Most math and finance courses will require either a financial or graphing calculator.

For most courses, you will be able to order books from the San Francisco GGU Bookstore via phone, mail and e-mail. For courses that require additional material, specific instructions will be provided.

You may also make purchases from the bookstore online by clicking here.

Prerequisites are the same as those stated in the general GGU catalog and class bulletins. This information is provided in the class schedule or you can contact an academic advisor at cyberadvise@ggu.edu or 1-800-GGU4YOU.

Limited class size and integrated use of Web-based software enable CyberCampus faculty to create a seminar-style 'classroom' environment in which students interact with each other as much as they do with their professor. Since discussions are asynchronous (simultaneous participation is not necessary), you can ask questions as they arise and contribute to discussions at any time.

You can contact an instructor through the course software, by e-mail and by phone.

All units applied to a certificate program must be earned at Golden Gate University. For information on the transferring of units for degree programs please click here or contact a CyberCampus enrollment officer at cyberadvise@ggu.edu or 1-888-874-CYBER(2923) or 415-369-5250.

Students may choose from a variety of billing options, including employer-sponsored tuition-reimbursement programs or installment-payment plans. Scholarships, grants, loans and work-study jobs are available also. Financial Aid counselors are available at the San Francisco Campus from 11 am to 6 pm, Monday through Thursday. For complete information on financial aid programs, eligibility, deadlines for applications and requirements, visit the Student Financial Services website, e-mail finaid@ggu.edu, call 800-GGU-4YOU (448-4968) or 415-442-7270, or drop by the San Francisco Campus during scheduled hours.