Prepare for Success

Winter Session 2023 Info

Earn three credits online during Winter Session!

3-week courses: December 16, 2023 – January 07, 2024
6-week courses: November 27, 2023 – January 07, 2024

Questions? Email online@wsu.edu or call 509-335-3557

young woman studying at home sitting next to the fireplace,cozy ambient

Prepare for Success

Winter Session online courses will require a significant time commitment. Students need to be prepared to spend several hours a day (excluding Christmas and New Year) and some weekends in order to successfully complete the course.

New to Canvas?

If you’re new to Canvas, visit Your Virtual Course Space for helpful Canvas information.

Access your course area early

Canvas course spaces are scheduled to be opened by the Monday prior to the first day of the Winter Session. When your course space opens, you can begin preparing for the course by familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and schedule, and by ensuring you have all required materials. Submission of assignments prior to the first day of class is not recommended. Course spaces are accessed through canvas.wsu.edu.

Before the first day of your Winter Session course

  • Read the syllabus thoroughly.
  • Note the required materials and make sure you acquire the textbooks from The Bookie at least two weeks before the course begins. Order textbooks online at wsubookie.bncollege.com (choose WSU Global Campus/Winter Session) or purchase them at The Bookie on the Pullman campus.
  • Familiarize yourself with the course schedule and/or study plan.
  • Participate in any introductory activities suggested in the course space.
  • Begin the readings and any other “preparation” activities indicated as soon as possible.
  • Review the minimum Technical Requirements to help reduce potential technical problems, and make sure your computer system meets the requirements.

Time Management

  • Follow the course schedule and create a detailed timeline or outline of all required activities to make sure that deadlines are met.
  • Focus on first things first. It helps to take assignments one at a time.
  • Get started on assignments early.
  • Use available resources such as WSU Libraries.

First day of your Winter Session course

Your instructor will be participating in the course space on the first day of your course. 

  • Read the “Questions for Instructor” and “Announcements from the Instructor” forums every day to see new information, answers to questions from others, or clarification about the course materials and activities. If you aren’t sure about something and can’t find the information, post your question to the “Questions for Instructor” discussion forum.

Be sure to take care of yourself

  • Ask for help from family, friends, colleagues, and others as needed to relieve you of extra activities during this time.
  • As best you can, strive to maintain a balance with the other priorities in your life. Visit WSU Wellbeing Online for tips and strategies.
  • Stay positive and focused on your accomplishments as you work through the course content.