Online and Distance Learning Technical Requirements
All distance learners must comply with the following minimum requirements:
All users of VCSU computer and network capabilities are required to comply with NDUS (North Dakota University System) and VCSU procedures established in compliance with SBHE (State Board of Higher Education) Policy 1901.2.
Computer and Network Usage Procedures
Technical Skills
All first-time online learners at VCSU must complete the online orientation course before beginning their first online course at VCSU.
Internet Access
Distance learners must secure their own internet service. Free access may be available via local schools, libraries, cafes or other public locations. To secure a more convenient personal and private service, consult local listings for “Internet Access Providers” or “Internet Service Providers”.
Minimum Requirement: 1.0 Mbps (typically offered as an economy speed by DSL and Cable Service providers)
Recommended Service: 5.0 Mbps or higher (higher speed internet service offered via DSL or Cable Service, and some wireless services)
Computer Access
VCSU provides laptop computers to qualified distance learners upon request. The cost varies depending on the amount of mandatory technology fees accessed as part of the normal course tuition and fees. Some distance learners may be entitled to a VCSU laptop at no extra charge! Consult the following document related to eligibility, costs and procedures:
If a VCSU laptop is not used, the computer must be either a Windows or Macintosh based computer. The following table lists our minimum and recommended hardware and software computing requirements. We feel these requirements will give the user an overall better experience while taking an online class with VCSU. Please feel free to contact the VCSU
Technology Service Desk at 701-845-7340 to discuss any computing questions you may have prior to enrollment.
Note: We do not support Chromebooks, computers running the Linux operating system only, or mobile devices used as replacements for a computer.
Hardware/Software Requirements for Online Courses
PC Minimum Configuration
- Operating System: Windows 10 or later (Windows 10 recommended)
- CPU: Intel Core i5 (5th Gen) processor or equivalent AMD processor
- Memory: 8GB RAM(16GB or higher recommended for better performance)
- Hard drive: at least 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) for better speed and performance with 50GB free
- Webcam and Microphone needed for online meetings and video recording
- Software:
- Microsoft Office 365 or equivalent suite (Microsoft Office 365 recommended)
- Browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox (Latest versions recommended)
- Browser plugins: Adobe Reader, Java (latest versions)
- Audio Recording/ Video Editing: Depends on requirements of course
- Class specific software: Please contact professor for needed applications
Macintosh Minimum Configuration
- Operating System: macOS Catalina (10.15) or later
- CPU: Intel Core i5 or Apple M1
- Memory: 8GB RAM (16GB or higher recommended for better performance)
- Hard drive: At least 256GB SSD (Solid State Drive) for better speed and performance witih 50GB free
- Webcam and Microphone are needed for online meetings and video recording
- Software:
- Microsoft Office 365 or equivalent suite (Microsoft Office 365 recommended)
- Browsers: Safari (latest version), Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox (latest versions recommended)
- Browser plugins: Adobe Reader, Java (latest versions)
- Audio Recording/ Video Editing: Depends on requirements of course
- Class specific software: Please contact professor for needed applications
Mobile Devices- Recommended Apps
- Blackboard Mobile Learn
- Citrix Receiver
- Pages, Numbers, Keynote (Used for creating or reading Office documents)