Montgomery Community College offers distance education opportunities in both curriculum and continuing education programs through the use of the North Carolina Information Highway and Internet online courses.
The Office of Distance Learning Help Center is located in Capel Hall (Building 200), Room 273.
If you need assistance with your online course(s), please give The Office of Distance Learning a call at the numbers below or stop by the CATS lab located in Room 273 at the back of the MCC Library.
Where can I find technical help with issues such as logging in or getting started in Blackboard?
MCC has several ways you can get assistance with technology and online courses.
- MCC CATS Lab: Call 910-898-9648 or stop by the lab and speak to one of our lab assistants
- MCC Blackboard Helpdesk: Call 1-855-588-2930
- MCC Distance Learning Office Staff:
Mallory Smith at 910-898-9646 or email smithm1522@montgomery.edu
Alex Linnell at 910-898-9648 or email linnella2360@montgomery.edu
This College is committed to making programs, courses, and services accessible to all citizens.
Is Online Learning Right For Me?
Is Online Learning Right For Me?
Do you have the skills needed to be successful taking classes online? Online students need to be self-directed, have good time-management skills, and work well with limited supervision.
To learn more about online courses at MCC, students are encouraged to complete the Distance Learning Orientation in Blackboard. To enroll, please contact Mallory Smith at smithm1522@montgomery.edu.
Tips for Online Students
1. Read Your Syllabus
The course syllabus contains important information about your course. Don’t just skim through…be sure to thoroughly read the syllabus and print a copy for quick reference.
2. Be Tech-Ready!
Make sure you have the proper technical equipment and software needed for the course. Read your syllabus and course requirements the first day of class. Ask your instructor if you are not sure.
3. Schedule Time for Coursework
Online courses allow flexibility, but they are not easier than traditional courses. In fact, because you are required to do more work on your own, you will probably find that they require more time! Set aside a specific time each day to focus on your coursework.
4. Ask Questions!
Just because you are not in a “classroom setting,” you can still learn as effectively if you get involved. If you do not understand a concept, your instructor is there for you. Common methods for asking questions include the course discussion forum or email.
5. Engage in the Material
Take notes as you read or watch a video. Print course notes and study materials to highlight text and jot down questions.
6. Stay Organized
Students enrolled in traditional courses usually have a consistent schedule to follow each week, with in-class instruction followed by out-of-class assignments. For online courses, students may have to find their own ways to stay on top of their work. Make sure assignment due dates are on your calendar, create online or paper folders for each week, and keep coursework materials together.
7. Create a Consistent Workspace
One thing online and in-class courses have in common is that students still need a place to study or complete assignments, whether it’s a coffee shop, the school library, or at home. Wherever you choose to study and complete assignments, make it a consistent location that’s free of outside interferences.
8. Log On and Check Email Frequently
Be sure to check your course site and email a minimum of 5-6 days a week. Since your course does not meet face to face, your course page and email is how all communication is handled. If you let too many days go by without logging on to your course discussion group, you will get behind and find it very difficult to catch up.
Distance Learning Complaint Process for Out of State Students

State Authorization and Out of State Complaint Process
Montgomery Community College desires to resolve student grievances, complaints, and concerns in an expeditious, fair and amicable manner. Students residing outside of the State of North Carolina while attending MCC who desire to resolve a grievance should follow the College’s Student Grievance Procedure as outlined in the Student Handbook. However, if an issue cannot be resolved internally, you may file a complaint with your home State. The Student Grievance Contact information for Individual States provides phone numbers, emails and/or links to state education agencies.
Montgomery Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Montgomery Community College.
The Commission may be contacted for the following reasons: 1.) to learn about the accreditation status of Montgomery Community College, 2.) to file a third-party comment at the time of the Montgomery Community College decennial review, 3.) to file a complaint against Montgomery Community College for significant non-compliance with a standard or requirement. Click here for the complaint policy and form.
Normal inquiries about Montgomery Community College, such as admission requirements, financial aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to Montgomery Community College and not to the Commission on Colleges.
STATE AUTHORIZATION

Montgomery Community College has been approved by the State of North Carolina to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary education.
The U.S. Department of Education regulation 600.9(c) State Authorization requires that if an institution is offering distance education in a state where it is not physically located, the institution must meet individual state requirements for offering distance or correspondence education within that state. Montgomery Community College is participating in NC-SARA, National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. As a result, MCC is authorized to offer distance education courses in states that are also participating in NCSARA. Depending on the outcome of further discussion regarding this regulation, MCC could notify students residing in particular states that they are not eligible to register for distance education courses.
STUDENT COMPLAINTS
In compliance with §668.43 (b) Institutional Information, Montgomery Community College is required to provide current and prospective students with information for filing complaints.
MCC strives to resolve complaints in a fair and timely manner. Students residing outside of the State of North Carolina while attending MCC who desire to resolve a complaint should first refer to MCC’s General Complaint Policy.
If the student decides to initiate a formal complaint, the written grievance should be submitted to the Vice President of Student Services, Beth Smith. Contact Ms. Smith at smithb@montgomery.edu or 910-898-9610. Mailing address is 1011 Page Street, Troy, NC 27371.
If after following the College procedures the issue is not satisfactorily resolved internally and the student seeks additional resolution, the resources below may be used to file complaints with the appropriate agency.
NC POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION COMPLAINT PROCESS
A student may file a complaint with the North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints unit. First review the NC Post-Secondary Student Complaint Policy (PDF). Then print and complete the NC Post-Secondary Education Student Complaint Form (PDF) and submit the complaint to:
North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints
c/o Student Complaints
University of North Carolina System Office
910 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688
Website: https://www.northcarolina.edu/post-secondary-education-complaints/
For more information, call (919) 962-4550 or send an email to: studentcomplaint@northcarolina.edu
SACSCOC STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCESS
Students may also file a complaint with Montgomery Community College’s accrediting agency, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), to award associate degrees. Students who file a complaint with the accrediting agency should follow the SACSCOC Complaint Procedure. Print out the Complaints Against Institutions: Information Sheet and Form. Submit two copies of the formal complaint to:
President, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
1866 Southern LaneDecatur, Georgia 30033-4097
Telephone: 404-679-4500
Website: http://www.sacscoc.org
SARA-NC COMPLAINT PROCESS
Students may also file a complaint with SARA-NC. SARA-NC is the portal for the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority. Students should follow the SARA-NC Complaint Process and use the SARA-NC Complaint Form (PDF). Submit the complaint to:
SARA North Carolina
North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
P.O. Box 14103
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Telephone: (855) SARA-1-NC (727-2162)
Telephone:(919) 549-8614, ext. 4667
Website: www.saranc.org
Email: complaint@saranc.org
NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMPLAINT PROCESS
Students may also file a complaint with the North Carolina Community College System. Submit the complaint to:
Dr. John Evans
Associate Director of Student Life
jevans@nccommunitycolleges.edu
919-807-7212.
FIND YOUR HOME STATE’S COMPLAINT PROCESS
Students may also file a complaint with their home state of residency. Access the Directory of State Authorization Agencies to find the appropriate contact information for each state.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE STATEMENT
Programs at Montgomery Community Community College that prepare students for professional licensure are designed to prepare a student to apply for applicable licensure in North Carolina. In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations regarding distance education and professional licensure, MCC is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of North Carolina. MCC cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure outside of the State of North Carolina.
Please contact the respective department at MCC of the degree program that you want to pursue.
Montgomery Community College does not currently offer any online degree programs that lead to professional licensure, nor do we allow students to conduct field placement experiences outside of North Carolina.
The following programs offered at MCC may lead to professional licensure:
Program | Licensure/Certification Organization | MCC Program Contact | Mailing Address |
Allied Health – Nurse Aide I (Disclosure – PDF) | N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation | Donna Harwood, harwoodd6163@montgomeryedu / 910-898-9706 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Allied Health – Nurse Aide II (Disclosure – PDF) | N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation | Donna Harwood, harwoodd6163@montgomeryedu / 910-898-9706 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Allied Health – Phlebotomy (Disclosure – PDF) | American Society for Clinical Pathology | Jessica Hamilton, hamiltonj8964@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9674 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Basic Law Enforcement Training (Disclosure – PDF) | North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission | Pete Herron, herronp@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9710 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Basic Detention Officer Course (Disclosure – PDF) | N.C. Department of Public Safety | Riley Beaman, beamanj5707@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9683 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Dental Assisting (Disclosure – PDF) | Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. | Lori McAllister, mcallisterl@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9711 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Early Childhood Education (Disclosure – PDF) | N.C. Division of Child Developement and Early Education | Amy Frieary, friearya@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9709 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Emergency Medical Services (EMR) (Disclosure – PDF) | The North Carolina Office of EMS | Riley Beaman, beamanj5707@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9683 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Emergency Medical Services (EMT) (Disclosure – PDF) | The North Carolina Office of EMS | Riley Beaman, beamanj5707@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9683 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
HVAC (Disclosure – PDF) | North American Technical Excellence (NATE Certification) | Jessica Hamilton, hamiltonj8964@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9674 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Human Services Technology (Disclosure – PDF) | Center for Credentialing and Education | Amy Frieary, friearya@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9709 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Medical Assisting (Disclosure – PDF) | American Association of Medical Assistants | Jennifer Garner, garnerj@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9707 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Medical Office Administration (Disclosure – PDF) | American Association of Professional Coders | Amanda Beaman, beamana@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9708 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
North Carolina Fire and Rescue Commission (Disclosure – PDF) | Fire and Rescue Commission | Riley Beaman, beamanj5707@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9683 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Nurse Aide (Disclosure – PDF) | N.C. Department of Health and Human Services | Donna Harwood, harwoodd6163@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9706 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Nursing (Disclosure – PDF) | North Carolina Board of Nursing | Wendy Vaughn, vaughnw6426@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9705 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Phlebotomy (Disclosure – PDF) | American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification | Amanda Beaman, beamana@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9708 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Practical Nursing (Disclosure – PDF) | NC Division of Health Service Regulation | Wendy Vaughn, vaughnw6426@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9705 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Welding (Disclosure – PDF) | American Welding Society | Jessica Hamilton, hamiltonj8964@montgomery.edu / 910-898-9674 | Montgomery Community College, 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 |
Distance Learning FAQS
Technical Help
For technical help on resetting your password, finding your username, and more click the button below.
Why are my courses not showing up in Blackboard Learn?
Your courses will not show up until the first day of class. If you register late, it may be 24 hours from the time you registered until your course is available. If you still do not see your course(s), please call (910)-898-9648.
Where can I find technical help with issues such as logging in or getting started with Blackboard Learn?
MCC has several ways you can get assistance with technology and online courses.
- Email studenthelp@montgomery.edu
- MCC Distance Learning Office
- MCC CATS Lab: Call 910-898-9648 or stop by the lab and speak to one our lab assistants
MCC Blackboard Learn Helpdesk 24/7 Support: Call 1-855-588-2930 or visit https://help.edusupportcenter.com/shplite/montgomerycc/home
Are there computers on campus with internet access for students?
Yes! Students may use the computers in the MCC Library and individual student assistance is available in the CATS lab located at the back of the library. To login to these computers, you will need your username and password created from the instructions above.
How do I check my grades on Blackboard Learn?
Your instructor may have created a tool in the menu on the left side of the screen titled, Grades or My Grades. If you do not see this, look for a menu titled Tools, and you should find a My Grades link inside.
Do I need to have special software to use Blackboard Learn?
Blackboard Learn is a web-based tool, so any current internet browser that has JavaScript and cookies turned on should be able to access most content. Click here to view the list of supported browsers for Blackboard Learn. Montgomery Community College strongly recommends NOT using Internet Explorer. You may need additional software or plug-ins depending on what content your professor requires for class. For example, your instructor may post content that requires the Adobe Flash Player to view.
There are several browser plug-ins commonly required to display content in Blackboard Learn:
- Test your version of Java to ensure compatibility. Blackboard has tested and supports version 7 JRE. While JRE 6 may work, it could result in unexpected behavior.
- Install Abode Reader
- Install Adobe Flash Player
- Install Adobe Shockwave Player
- Install RealPlayer
- Install QuickTime
- Install Windows Media Player Plugin
Can I use the mobile Blackboard Learn app?
The Blackboard Mobile Learn app offers access to various content and features within a Blackboard Learn course and is available for multiple mobile devices.
There is a mandatory course assignment in all of my online courses - do I have to complete for each course?
Yes! It is important that you complete the mandatory assignment by the due date for EVERY course you are enrolled. If you do not complete the assignment by the due date, you will be automatically dropped from the course.