Online Learning & Distance Education Programs

MBC Online

Our commitment to academic excellence and expanding access to education aligns with the rich legacy of Morris Brown College (MBC) as an HBCU dedicated to empowering students from all walks of life. We are proud to offer an enhanced online learning experience that honors our history while embracing innovation to support the success of current and future students.

Guidance and Advice

Success in an online classroom takes commitment, strong communication, and the courage to stay focused when life gets busy. Remember, you’re not alone—your professors, advisors, and support services are here to help you thrive every step of the way.

Stay engaged, stay organized, and reach out when you need help. Let’s make your comeback story a success—log in, lean in, and let’s grow together!

Start strong. Stay connected. Succeed at Morris Brown College!

Equip Yourself

You will need regular access to a computer and the internet to complete online courses at MBC.

Computer and Internet recommendations:

Computer System: Mac or PC capable of running at 2 Ghz or greater
Internet Connection: Broadband internet connection supporting data rates of 3.0 Mbps or greater. Run a Speed Test here.
Browser: Online Support Services recommends the use of either the Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers. Though other browsers may be supported by Brightspace, these browsers provide the optimal experience when using Brightspace. If you encounter issues using a supported browser other than Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, please switch to one of those browsers to check if your issues still persist. You can run a system check here.

Software:

All MBC students have free access to Microsoft O365 (including Word, Excel, etc.). Download O365 applications here. You can also download O365 apps on your smartphone or tablet.
- NOTE: You will need to have access to your MBC Email account, If you do not have access please submit a helpdesk ticket to servicedesk@morrisbrown.edu.

Create a Routine

Becoming a successful online learner takes initiative and self-discipline. It’s very easy for an online class to go “out of sight, out of mind.” To create a consistent routine:

Once a week, take some time to plan out your work for the week. Write down all activities due for that week and prioritize them.
Utilize the Brightspace Pulse app which helps students manage their course needs on the go, while learning to plan for the future. With Brightspace Pulse, you can:
- Quickly view updates and announcements for your courses and content.
- Configure push notification and real-time alerts for courses and content.
- View course, assignments, grades, calendars, and more.
- Manage your course workload and edit activities to properly plan for the future.
- Brightspace Pulse is available to all students, there is no charge to use the app.
To download Brightspace Pulse, search your device’s application store or download it here, to learn more about Brightspace Pulse review this video.

Note: The pulse app is most useful when used as a companion to the Brightspace website. There are some features that may not be available in the app. For instance, you can check your individual grades in the pulse app but to see a holistic overview of your course standing, you must do so from the browser, in-app or otherwise.

Be Proactive

Communicate with instructors about problems that are preventing you from completing any assignments. Make sure to do this before the due date whenever possible.

Communication is key! Your instructors want to hear from you.

Know who your contact

If you need assistance navigating the Brightspace Platform or require technical support contact the MBC HelpHub by emailing servicedesk@morrisbrown.edu or by visiting https://support.morrisbrown.edu and submitting a helpdesk ticket.

The department of Distance Education also offers workshops on using Brightspace which can be scheduled using our Advising/Tutoring site Accudemia.

Donovan McKelvey

Executive Director of Online Learning

404-458-6085 Ext: 2012
donovan.mckelvey@morrisbrown.edu

Instructional Technology

Morris Brown College uses D2L Brightspace as its official Learning Management System to support teaching, learning, and academic operations. Brightspace provides students, faculty, and staff with centralized access to course materials, assignments, grades, and course communications. Faculty and staff can access guidance on course management, instructional tools, and available technical support, including the use of approved third-party integrations. Students can view their current and upcoming term courses and access academic resources designed to support their success throughout the semester.

Brightspace Training

To help you become familiar with the Brightspace Learning Platform, Morris Brown College provides the MBC 111 Student Training course within Brightspace. This training is designed to guide students through how to navigate the system, complete assignments and coursework activities, check grades, and access other important academic tools.

Additional online documentation and support resources are also available on the by clicking the Using D2L Brightspace to Access Courses button below.

The MBC 111 Student Training course is available 24/7 within the Brightspace Learning Platform. If you do not see the course in your account or need assistance locating it, please submit a Help Desk ticket by emailing servicedesk@morrisbrown.edu.

Training: Using D2L Brightspace to Access Courses

Understanding Modes of Instruction

All courses at Morris Brown College are facilitated through the Brightspace Learning Platform, regardless of course modality. Students should review their course schedule and syllabus carefully to understand course expectations.

Face-to-Face
Students and instructors meet together on campus at scheduled days and times. Course materials, grades, and assignments are managed through Brightspace.
Synchronous
Students and instructors meet live online at scheduled times using Class for Brightspace, the College’s virtual classroom platform within Brightspace.
Asynchronous
Students complete coursework on their own schedule within established deadlines using Brightspace course materials and activities.

Students are expected to log into Brightspace regularly, review announcements and college email communications, and complete coursework by assigned deadlines.

Complaints Process

Morris Brown College is committed to resolving student concerns and complaints in a fair, respectful, and timely manner.

For academic-related concerns, including grade appeals, students should first communicate directly with the instructor. If the concern is not resolved, the student should then contact the department chair. Students seeking a formal grade appeal must complete and submit the official Grade Appeal Form in accordance with institutional procedures. If additional review is necessary, the matter may then be referred to the Office of the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for final academic review.

Students seeking to file a grievance or complaint should follow the procedures outlined in the Morris Brown College Catalog and Student Handbook. Additional information regarding academic policies, student rights, conduct expectations, grievance procedures, and appeals processes is available in the Morris Brown College Catalog and Student Handbook.

If a concern cannot be resolved through Morris Brown College’s institutional processes, students enrolled in distance education or online courses may then pursue external complaint procedures through NC-SARA and the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC/GA-SARA), in accordance with applicable state authorization and consumer protection requirements. Morris Brown College participates in NC-SARA and complies with all related requirements regarding student complaints and consumer protection.

Information regarding the SARA student complaint process can be found at the following link: Student Complaints Against an Institution.

TRACS Student Complaint Process

MBC is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). Students may follow the Complaints against Member Institutions or TRACS.

NOTE: TRACS will not investigate a complaint unless the student has exhausted all available grievance procedures outlined by the institution.

The contact information for TRACS is:

Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
15935 Forest Road
Forest, Virginia 24551

Telephone: (434) 525-9539
Website: https://tracs.org/

NC-SARA/GA-SARA Complaint Process

Morris Brown College (MBC) complies with the requirements of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) related to professional licensure disclosures. Programs leading to professional licensure or certification are designed to meet educational requirements in Georgia unless otherwise specified. Because licensure requirements vary by state, students who plan to seek licensure outside of Georgia should contact the appropriate state licensing agency before enrolling.

Morris Brown College is a participating institution in the Georgia State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (GA-SARA). Students enrolled in distance education courses have the right to file a complaint or grievance regarding consumer protection matters covered under SARA policies.

In accordance with SARA policy, students must first attempt to resolve complaints directly with the College using the institution’s established complaint and grievance procedures. If a resolution cannot be reached at the institutional level, the complaint may then be submitted to Georgia’s SARA State Portal Entity, the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC), for review.

Additional information regarding the national SARA student complaint process, including State Portal Entity contacts and complaint procedures by state, is available through the NC-SARA Student Complaint Process.

Please note that SARA complaint procedures do not apply to complaints related to student grades or student conduct violations, as those matters remain under the jurisdiction of institutional policies and procedures.

Georgia SARA Portal Entity Contact Information:

Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC)
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220
Tucker, GA 30084

Website: GA-SARA Student Complaints Information