Pierpont's WV WORKS Boot Camp - Understanding Class Expectations

Why Understanding Class Expectations Matters

Every class at Pierpont, whether it’s online, in-person, or hybrid, comes with expectations. Understanding what your instructor needs from you will help you stay organized, complete your work on time, and avoid surprises. When you know what to expect, you can plan better and feel more confident in any learning environment.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Understand the difference between in-person, online, and hybrid classes.
Understand what materials may be necessary for any class.
Know what instructors typically expect in college-level courses.
Use course tools and technology.
Understand the purpose of a syllabus.
Recognize the importance of communication, attendance, and due dates.
Set up a productive learning environment.
Manage responsibilities in any class format.

This module will take about 65 minutes to complete, including the activity.

Types of Classes

Not all classes look the same, and knowing what to expect can help you stay organized and choose the format that works best for your life, schedule, and learning style.

In-Person

These are traditional classes where you attend at a set time and location.

What to expect:

Classes meet on specific days (ex: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:00 AM).
Attendance is required.
You’ll interact directly with your instructor and classmates.
Some classes may include hands-on activities, group work, or lab components.

Best for students who:

Learn well with face-to-face instruction
Prefer a routine schedule
Want immediate support or clarification during class

Online

Some of Pierpont's programs are fully or mostly online.

Other programs give the option to take in-person or online sections of individual courses.

What to expect:

Weekly modules, readings, videos, discussion posts, or quizzes
Deadlines (often weekly), but no live sessions
More independence in managing your time
Communication with instructors through email or online messages

Best for students who:

Need flexible scheduling
Work jobs with changing hours
Are balancing school with parenting responsibilities
Feel comfortable using technology and staying self-directed

But don’t be fooled—online classes can be just as demanding (or more so!) than in-person classes. They require strong self-discipline, time management, and computer skills.

If you know that:

You need regular interaction with your instructor
You struggle with time management
You have trouble with subjects like Math or English

…then online learning might not be the best fit right now, unless you're prepared to use your resources.

Good news!

Pierpont offers tutoring and learning strategies support to help you succeed in online courses.

Contact: access@pierpont.edu | 304-534-7878

Hybrid

These blend online and in-person learning.

What to expect:

Some class sessions happen on campus
Other assignments or activities happen online
You still follow a schedule but come to campus less often

Best for students who:

Want the benefits of both online and face-to-face instruction
Have changing schedules
Want options in case of childcare or transportation challenges

Lab, Clinical, or Hands-On Training Courses

Some programs, especially healthcare, technical, or skilled trades, require hands-on practice.

What to expect:

Required in-person attendance
Practice using equipment, tools, or simulation labs
Skill check-offs or supervised training
Safety protocols and professional behavior expectations

Best for students who:

Are in programs like certain health sciences programs, Culinary, Aviation, or similar
Need hands-on experience to build skills

Insightful Program

The Insightful Program is used by WV WORKS students during participation in online classes to track attendance and performance.

Insightful Computer Monitoring Instructions.pdf

Materials You Will Need for Any Class

There are basic materials that will help you stay organized and prepared no matter your class format. Having these items ready at the start of the semester can make your classes feel less stressful and more manageable.

Required or Helpful Materials

Backpack or Bag
- A sturdy bag helps carry all your materials—books, notebooks, supplies, and laptop—between home, school, or work.
- Make sure it has compartments to keep items organized and easy to find.
Notebook or Paper
- Use for taking notes, writing down assignments, or planning your week.
- A separate notebook for each class can help you stay organized.
Folders or a Binder
- Keep your syllabus, handouts, and important papers in one place.
- Digital folders on your computer work too—just keep them labeled.
Pens, Pencils, and Highlighters
- Highlighters make it easier to mark important information in your notes or syllabus.
A Planner or Calendar
- Helps you track due dates, tests, and appointments.
- Some digital options: phone calendar, Google Calendar, or reminder apps.
Reliable Internet Access
- Even in in-person classes, you’ll need internet to read announcements, complete assignments, or check your grade.
A Computer or Laptop
- You'll use this for Blackboard, email, online quizzes, video meetings, uploading assignments, and more.
- If you don't have your own device, Pierpont has computer labs and your caseworker may be able help you get equipment like a laptop through TANF funds.
Headphones or Earbuds
- Helpful for online videos, virtual meetings, or studying in loud spaces.
Charging Cables & Flash Drive (Optional but Helpful)
- Keep your devices charged.
- A flash drive can store assignments or workshop materials.
Class-Specific Items
- Your syllabus will list any extra materials (ex. safety gear for labs, textbooks, calculators, or uniforms.)
- Your caseworker may be able help you get equipment like those listed above through TANF funds.

Starter Kit for WV WORKS Students

As part of your participation in the WV WORKS Program and as a requirement for completing this Boot Camp's educational activities, Pierpont has provided you with a basic start kit. This kit includes many of the essential items listed above to help you succeed in any course format.

Items in your starter kit may include:

Backpack
Notebook
Pencils and highlighters
Planner or calendar
Flash Drive

This starter kit is designed to give you a head start in organizing your materials and staying prepared for all your classes. You can add additional items as needed based on your course requirements.

What Instructors Expect

No matter the format, most instructors expect students to:

Check Blackboard and your Pierpont email daily
Complete assignments by the listed due dates
Participate in discussions or group work
Read the syllabus and follow course policies
Ask for help early when something is unclear

Understanding the Syllabus

Your syllabus is your guide for the entire class. It usually includes:

Required textbooks or materials
Weekly topics
Grading breakdown
Attendance requirements
Late-work policy
Instructor office hours and contact info

Tip: Print the syllabus and keep it easily accessible.

Sample Syllabus

Sample Syllabus.pdf

Technology & Helpful Skills

Even in-person classes often use online tools. Students should be able to:

Log into the Pierpont Portal
Access email
Navigate Blackboard
Upload assignments
Use Teams for virtual meetings
Check grades and announcements

Pierpont’s Support Services can help you learn any of these tools.

Make Sure You Have:

Basic school supplies: paper, pencils, highlighters, study materials, something easy to carry everything you need for class in.
A reliable computer or laptop
- - - Windows-based laptops work best for Pierpont coursework
    - Chromebooks may not be compatible with some course software
    - MacBooks can be challenging for certain programs (like OFAD)
High-speed internet
Basic computer skills (email, uploading files, navigating online platforms)
Camera, microphone, and speakers for virtual meetings
Access to a printer (on campus or at community locations)

For more information about Pierpont's Printers, click below.

(Viewing this section is not required for Boot Camp completion.)

Click Here - Pierpont Printers

Students have access to Pierpont computers and technology at all of our campus locations, but we understand that access is limited.

Community Resources for Technology Access

Local libraries often offer:

Free computers and internet
Free or low-cost printing
WiFi (use your own device)

To locate your local West Virginia Library click here below.

(Viewing this section is not required for Boot Camp completion.)

Click Here - WV Libraries

EduRoam

Pierpont students can access EduRoam wherever it is available (e.g., public schools) throughout the State and across the Nation.

For more information about EduRoam, click below.

(Viewing this section is not required for Boot Camp completion.)

Click Here - EduRoam

Using Blackboard

Blackboard is your primary platform for online classes. You will use it to:

Access lectures, readings, and announcements
Submit assignments (including attaching files correctly)
Check grades and instructor feedback
Message your instructor
Participate in discussion boards

It is extremely important to log into Blackboard multiple times a week to keep up with assignments, announcements, and deadlines.

Watch the videos below to get a brief overview of Blackboard functions.

Communicating with Instructors Online

Email Tips

Use a clear, professional tone
Include a meaningful subject line
Keep your message short and focused
Use your Pierpont email address
Allow reasonable time for a response

Reach Out Early

Instructors want to help. Don’t wait until a small issue becomes a big problem.

Discussion Boards

Stay on topic
Be respectful
Respond thoughtfully to classmates

Office Hours (In-Person or Virtual)

Arrive on time
Have questions ready
Keep the conversation focused on your needs

Setting Up Your Study Space & Time Management

It's important to create a study space regardless of your course format.

Choose a spot that is:

Quiet and organized
Free from distractions
Comfortable for longer work sessions (think about your furniture and lighting)
Stocked with helpful supplies (planner, sticky notes, pencils/highlighters, headphones)

Time Expectations:

A good rule of thumb:

2–3 hours of study per credit hour each week

Example: A 3-credit course = 6–9 study hours per week

Additional tips:

Use a weekly schedule
Set reminders for deadlines
Avoid procrastination
Treat your online classes like in-person classes. Block out time to “attend” lectures and complete assignments.