Have a question about commonground University? Well, we hope to have an answer. Please see the below FAQ's.
Common Questions
- How do commonground University courses work?
- What is my expected commitment to the course?
- How do I pay?
- Can I go on vacation?
- When do I participate?
- What if a big project comes up?
- How big are the classes?
- How do I achieve certification?
- Do I have to have a PayPal account to register?
- Can I pay by check?
- What if I need to cancel?
- Is there a group discount?
- Is there a discount for early registration?
Commonground Team Contact Information
If you have a question, suggestion, or feedback, please don't hesitate to contact commonground support.
Interested in Having a Group take a Course?
If you have a large group (15 - 50 employees) at your company interested in a commonground University course, and would like to schedule it at at date that works for you, contact commonground@edrnet.com.
How do commonground University courses work?
All commonground University classes are conducted entirely online. Participants may use any internet connected computer and any browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari) to access the course.
The PCA and EDD courses are six (6) weeks long and the ASTM course is four (4) weeks. Each week it is expected that participants will spend 4-6 hours listening to narrated presentations, reading online material, offering their thoughts in forums and completing short quizzes. The content is divided into modules and each week 4-5 modules will be covered. Students are encouraged to complete modules daily, however it is understood that sometimes it is necessary to do groupings of the modules to work around vacation or work schedules.
The courses are facilitated by industry professionals. The facilitators will hold two to three WebEx meetings over the courses. Although they are often available, they will also hold scheduled and fixed office hours each week where students can be sure reach them by phone, chat, Skype or email. The facilitators will help with Forum discussions and grade forum participation.
Certificates are earned by achieving 80% of the points available in a course. Points are earned by participating in forums and answering quiz questions correctly. Some courses also have final exams.
What is my expected commitment to the course?
Plan on committing approximately 5 hours/week. The PCA and EDD courses are six (6) weeks long and the ASTM course is three (3) weeks. It is your decision as to when you commit those hours.
How do I pay?
All major credit cards are accepted. Orders are processed through the PayPal system - however a PayPal account is NOT required. No additional fees are included as a result of this process.
Can I go on vacation?
Absolutely. It is inevitable that a person is pulled away or has plans to be away for a few days or even more than a week. When you know you have plans to be away, it is recommended you complete the modules before you leave or plan on catching up with them the week you return.
What if a big project comes up?
Unforeseen projects and events are just that - unforeseen. That is why we have structured our courses with flexiiblity so that professionals can complete the course and remain in step with their work. If something does come up, simply notify the facilitator that you will be out for a period of time and that you will complete the modules as soon as you return. If you have some advance notice, we encourage you to complete as many as you can prior to leaving on your assignment.
How big are the classes?
Class size is limited to 40 to ensure the optimum experience for participants. Average class size is 25.
How do I achieve certification?
Certificates are earned by achieving 80% of the points available in a course. Points are earned by participating in forums and answering quiz questions correctly. Some courses also have final exams. See the course details for more information.
Do I have to have a PayPal account to register?
No. We use the PayPal processing sytem to complete the transaction, but all major credit cards are accepted. If you have an account you may use it, however it is not required and most people simply use a credit card.
Can I pay by check?
Payment is requested by credit card. If there is an issue with credit card processing, please send an email to commonground@edrnet.com and we can arrange to invoice you. Payment is required prior to the start of the course.
What if I need to cancel?
If you need to cancel 2 weeks prior to the start of the course you may do so with a full refund. After 2 weeks and before a course begins, you may request a transfer your registartion to another person or a course at a later date. If for some unexpected reason you need to withdraw after the course starts and prior to the 2 week point in the course, you may also request to have your registration transferred to an upcoming class. After the 2 week mark, participants are expected to complete the course material within the allotted 6 weeks and refunds will not be given.
Is there a group discount?
Yes, if you register 4 attendees, you will receive the 5th registration for free. If you have a group of 15 - 40 attendees from your company, contact us to learn about group options at commonground@edrnet.com.
Is there a discount for early registration?
Yes. We offer a $100 savings for early registration! Just sign up 30 days in advance.