All U of I Online courses and programs are delivered mostly or completely over the Internet. Thus, in order to participate, at minimum you must have regular access to a computer with an Internet connection and a Web browser. In addition, some courses and programs have rather specific hardware, software, and skills requirements. Our online catalog provides more information about the technical requirements for specific U of I Online courses and programs.

The Chicago and Springfield campuses have published recommended minimum hardware and software configurations for students participating in their online courses.

UIC students can visit Technical Requirements section of UIC Online. Many online program Web sites also include technical requirements, so feel free to check with the department offering the course. Questions on this subject can also be answered by the staff at the Academic Computing and Communications Center.

The University of Illinois at Springfield has a browser test on the Web site for the Office of Online Learning, Research and Service that can help UIS students determine whether they need to upgrade their hardware or software. This browser test may also be helpful to students planning to take online courses at Urbana or Chicago.

UIS students needing assistance may call the UIS Tech Support Hotline toll-free (in Illinois) at (877) 847-0443. Outside Illinois, please call (217) 206-7357. When classes are in session, telephone assistance is available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to midnight, Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 3:30 p.m. to midnight. All times are Central Standard Time. You may also e-mail otel@uis.edu or techsupport@uis.edu for after-hours assistance.