Online with eSMLR

Welcome to a webpage specifically dedicated to online courses offered through eSMLR and Rutgers Online. Use this webpage to increase your knowledge about online learning, decide if you’re an appropriate candidate for enrolling in an online course, access eSMLR online course numbers and descriptions, and gain information on the enrollment procedure and the technical requirements necessary to take an online course. 

Online Courses are Different from Classroom-based Learning.

Successful online students:

• are self-directed, self-motivated, and organized in their approach to studying;

• utilize effective time management practices;

• exhibit quality English language skills and are confident in communicating through the written word;

• are comfortable when using a computer and the internet and competent in completing basic word processing and online communication tasks;

• have regular access to a computer throughout the semester.

Students must work on a computer that meets the hardware and software requirements for the course, be able to save course files and assignments so that they are easily accessible, and log into the course regularly for blocks of time each week. Using a computer lab or a worksite computer as one’s main source to engage in an online course is not recommended.

• What to Expect

  • eSMLR online courses are dynamic, interactive, and academically rigorous.

  • Student course responsibilities using this learning venue require the same if not more commitment than traditional courses. In turn, you will learn as much or more than you would learn in a traditional class.

  • Courses are not self-paced tutorials.Students are required to interact with each other regularly and submit assignments according to established deadlines. Students log into online courses multiple times a week to access resources, assignments, and engage in discussions.

  • Course structure varies according to course objectives and desired student outcomes, but usually involves a combination of reading and/or listening requirements; short writing assignments and/or papers; group discussions via written message streams; quizzes and/or exams.

  • A key online course element is the discussion forums that occur throughout the semester on topics critical to the subject of study. Participation is required but it is also something that most find extremely rewarding. Students report that when forum dialogues unfold over a period of time, they are able to reflect deeply on course content and learn from peers. Meaningful discussions are a result.

  •  In addition to the benefit of engaging in high quality courses, there is a distinguishable convenience to online courses. SMLR courses are asynchronous. This means that within the deadlines set by the instructor, students can devote time to course responsibilities on their own schedule.

• Computer Skills Needed for Online Courses

  Successful online students are able to complete these tasks:

  • Open PDF and PowerPoint files on websites.

  • Download and install program plug-in updates (such as Adobe Reader, Flash).

  • Open a web browser and navigate through websites.

  • Follow directions for uploading and downloading files.

  • Use word processing to open documents; edit and save them.

  • Format documents (headers/footers and page numbers).

  • Find files and documents on your computer.

  • Send and receive email messages.

• Course Platform and Student Support

  Rutgers University contracts with eCollege to provide a platform that is reliable, easy to learn, and easy to use. With the support of eCollege, RutgersOnline courses are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the semester. In addition, students can log onto RutgersOnline from anywhere there is an internet connection.

  Student technical assistance is available around the clock by contacting eCollege staff via email or telephone 1-877-7RUTGER (1-877-778-8437).

• eSMLR Online Courses

  Course offerings are expanding each semester. Online course descriptions will give you a sample of the online courses offered. For more information about any of the courses listed, contact your student advisers. Note: IE8 may require you to use Ctrl-Click to open links.

• Course Schedules

  ♦ Bachelor LSER - New Brunswick
  ♦ Bachelor, LSER - Western Monmouth Freehold
  ♦ Bachelor, Cape May

  ♦ HRM Minor

  ♦ Master of Human Resource Management

  ♦ Master of Labor and Employment Relations

Online Course Enrollment Procedure 

If the Labor Studies class you are interested in is not available, classroom or an online class, please do the following (forms are no longer required for Labor studies online classes):

•  Email your request to sp@work.rutgers.edu.
•  Put in the class name, number, section and index number you would like to request.
•  Include your name, RUID and cell phone number.
•  Explain any special reasons why you must have this class—Our Director will take your reasons into consideration. However, when classes are full more permissions cannot be granted.

Register as early as possible to secure your seat.

If you have additional questions, you can always email your Student Adviser. Your location/program would determine who to contact see below.  

Labor Studies and Employment Relations courses 37:575:XXX or 38:578:XXX
New Brunswick Campus: Amy Marchitto, amarchitto@work.rutgers.edu
Western Monmouth Campus: Joe Walsh, jww8v@rci.rutgers.edu
Atlantic/Cape Campus: R. Cal Maradonna, marradonn@camlink.rutgers.edu

Graduate Human Resource Management courses 38:533:XXX
All Campuses: Joanna Eriksen, jeriksen@smlr.rutgers.edu

Undergraduate Human Resource Management courses 37:533:XXX
All Campuses, minors : Rebecca Tinkham, tinkham@smlr.rutgers.edu
All campuses, majors: Bill Castellano, castellano@smlr.rutgers.edu

Look for an Email from eCollege at Rutgers University

Prior to the beginning of the semester you will be sent an email from eCollege to your Rutgers email address confirming your enrollment. The contents will provide orientation information. The letter will indicate how to locate and access your course.

The address to which this email will be sent is usually the email address that you were given when you became a Rutgers university student.
Example: janedoe@eden.rutgers.edu, janedoe@camden.rutgers.edu

Log into the Course

On the first day of the semester, you are required to follow the instructions provided in the orientation email and log into your course. You will need to know your NetID.

Check Your Computer

Students are responsible for the viability of their computer (PC or MAC) and the software used to complete assignments. You’ll need:

Plug-ins Must Be Up-to-Date

Some plug-ins may be required.

Reliable Internet Access

Students must have an Internet Service Provider (ISP). An ISP is a company that provides the software and access necessary for getting onto the Internet.

If your computer has a firewall, pop-up blocker, and/or antivirus software running, you will need to change the settings so that www.rutgersonline.net and ecollege.rutgers.edu are set as trusted sites. Contact the eCollege 24/7 Helpdesk for assistance or consult the help documentation area associated with your firewall, pop-up blocker, or anti-virus software.

• Be Technically Prepared

  Engage in a browser test. eCollege recommends using Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher (PC) and Safari 1.2 or higher f(Mac OS X) as your browser.

Computer that is not older than 2–3 years

• A screen, a keyboard, a mouse, speakers, and a sound card
• Microsoft Word or a software program that can open and save documents in Microsoft Word.

• Adobe Flash Player (to watch Flash graphics and Camtasia videos), Adobe Reader (to open a PDF), and latest versions of RealPlayer or Window’s Media Player (to listen to audio)
• All plug-ins can be downloaded into your computer for free. All that is required is clicking, accepting, downloading, and perhaps restarting your computer.