Who provides assistance with learning issues or challenges?

NECI operates the Learning Resource Center. The Center supports students that are looking to improve their study habits, get support with academic challenges and to help students further their educational experiences.

What is a Facilitator?

Facilitators are qualified food and beverage professionals and teachers who assist the Lead Instructor in day-to-day management of the course. Each Facilitator is assigned a small group of students for whom they moderate weekly online chat sessions, answer course-related questions, and conduct periodic interaction sessions. They make recommendations for major assignments, midterms and final exam grades as well as the final course grade. They work with the instructor in overseeing courses sections.

Will I have access to my instructors?

You will have access to your instructors as well as your facilitators and student advisor. Much of your communications will come via email.

Is there IT support?

As a NECI student, you have access to our technical support personnel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. You will always speak to a live, qualified professional technician, no matter what time of the day or night you call, so that you can get your technical concerns resolved quickly.

What are the IT requirements?

Are there books or resources that I need to get for these courses?

Yes, many of the courses use additional resources to enhance the learning for the course. We will communicate these to you in a welcome email before the course begins.

Can I get the books through the NECI library or bookstore?

NECI does not have a bookstore. Students may purchase their books through the bookseller of their choice. We do not recommend buying all of your books at once, as course revisions may change textbook requirements in future courses.

Are there specific times that I have to attend classes?

By design, NECI online classes are flexible as to the time of day that you participate. However, there are very clear expectations as to the frequency and the level of participation from each student.

Class Participation Expectations
NECI’s online courses are intensive and fast-paced. To be successful in this environment, students are required to participate actively throughout the duration of each course.

Active participation includes completion of assignments, frequent and meaningful participation in discussions, and completion of tests, quizzes or other class exercises. Merely logging in to a class or adding an insignificant post is not considered active participation. Students who are not actively participating will be considered absent and will be withdrawn after seven days as outlined under absenteeism.

Excused Absences
If a student knows in advance that he/she must miss one or more days, he/she must always receive prior approval from the Facilitator and Instructor.

Excessive Absenteeism
Facilitators monitor student presence and participation on the platform. If a student is not present for three days, the Facilitator reaches out to him/her via email with the Instructor and Student Advisor copied. If there is no response, the Student Advisor reaches out on the fifth day via phone or email and lets the student know that after seven days of non-participation he/she will be automatically withdrawn from the course. On the seventh day, the student is automatically withdrawn from the course by the Student Advisor and notified via email. The Facilitator, Instructor, and Program Manager are also notified.

How long is the course?

Each of the courses is six weeks long with a two-week break between courses.

Can I take a break from the class, and is there a negative impact?

Due to the six-week duration of each course and the intensity of the study, we don't recommend that students take a break while they are participating in a class. There is a two-week break built into the end of each fall and spring term for your convenience.

Are the courses in a particular order?

There is no prescribed order in which to take the courses with this offer.

What kind of time commitment is required?

The courses and the Certification in Management for the Food Service Professional are designed for people like you who have responsibilities at work and at home. Most students find they spend about 15 to 20 hours each week studying and completing assignments. The flexible course structure allows you to fit this time into your schedule in a way that's convenient for you. Students also find that their small peer group is a tremendous source of support.

NECI is known for small class sizes and low teacher to student ratios. How many students are in class?

Each course is separated into sections or groupings of no more than 10 students per group. This allows for easy discussion of weekly topics and closer interaction not only with fellow students, but also with the Facilitator.

What is the overall structure of an online course?

Though each course is different, given the varying content, the basic structure of an online course consists of a Lead Instructor with a Facilitator to assist. Much like an on-ground course, each online course requires weekly, active discussion as well as various weekly assignments. Some courses also include quizzes to further assess students understanding of the material learned. Each course has a final assignment or exam, which will allow the student to demonstrate his/her overall knowledge of the subject matter.