CourseShare for Non-UMN BTAA Students

Your CourseShare Questions Answered + Tips for Success

The University of Minnesota (UMN) welcomes students from Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) universities who are registered for language and culture classes through the CourseShare program. As a student enrolled in a course through CourseShare, you will be an honorary Gopher for a semester with access to some UMN technology and educational resources, while ultimately receiving credit from your home institution.

At UMN, CourseShare is coordinated by the Language Center, with the support of the local language programs. Your home university CourseShare program is another source of support for you. We also encourage you to consider participating in the TandemPlus program, which is aimed at building a stronger language learning community on and off campus through language partnerships.

Important: If you are registered for a UMN course through CourseShare, please expect to receive an email from the UMN registrar to your home university email account about initiating your new UMN email account. This is the most essential step in accessing your course and connecting with your instructor. The email will come from the address [email protected] with the subject “ACTION REQUIRED: CourseShare Registration - University of Minnesota.” Please read this email carefully and follow the instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started and During the Class

When does my class start?

At UMN, the semester start dates are timed to national holidays. Fall semester classes begin the day after Labor Day, and Spring semester classes begin the day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Please see the UMN Academic Calendar for full information about the calendar, including break periods and final exams. Please note that UMN is in the Central Time Zone.

How do I access the course?

Make sure to initiate your UMN email account first (see above). Once you initiate your account, you will be able to access your email and class information via the University student portal at MyU.umn.edu. Please note that this email account will be the primary method of contact between you and your instructor. You can access your University email account directly at mail.umn.edu.

Is this class remote? Do I need to go anywhere to attend class?

The class may be fully remote (everyone will attend remotely), HyFlex (some students will attend in person and others remotely), or a combination of two. However, if you are taking a UMN course through the CourseShare program, you will attend remotely. In most cases, you do not need to go to a designated location to receive the course, and can connect from home or a convenient quiet location for you. If you do need to report to a particular location, your local CourseShare coordinator will be in touch with you, or this will be on your home campus schedule.

What do I do if I’m having trouble with my account?

If you encounter issues initiating your Internet account, please contact UMN technology help (or call 612-301-4357 or email [email protected]). If the technology helpline is not able to help you, please email the Language Center at [email protected], providing as much information as possible.

What technology does the class use?

Technology varies by class, but you will likely use Canvas and Zoom at minimum. Any technology tools you use for class will likely be centrally supported at UMN.

I joined the class late or there has been a delay in getting me enrolled. I’m not officially in the class yet. How can I connect to the class?

Please email the Language Center at [email protected] and indicate the course you are enrolled in. You can also reach out directly to the instructor. Please use the public class search to see the schedule and instructor name. You might also reach out to your home CourseShare program or advisor with questions.

How do I get books or other learning materials?

Please check your course syllabus. The course materials may be available for purchase through the UMN Bookstore, which does provide shipping services.

I have disability accommodation at my home university. How do I request to use my disability accommodation for this UMN course?

Please let your home disability resource center know that you are enrolled in a remote course at another university, and contact the UMN Disability Resource Center or email [email protected].

I’m interested in a UMN language course, but not eligible for the CourseShare program. Can I enroll another way?

Yes, most UMN language programs that have a remote enrollment option welcome guest and non-degree students. Please see information from the College of Continuing and Professional Studies, and register as a non-degree student. Please follow up with the instructor or academic department if you require a permission number to register.

Final Steps (after the class ends)

How do I get the course credit / grade at my home institution?

The grading process requires the work of multiple staff at two universities, and it does take time. You can check with your CourseShare contact at your home university, but there is probably nothing special you need to do for your grade to be applied – it may simply take longer than it does for regular classes. Please note that the UMN classes begin earlier and end later than some other universities, so the grades may come through later than your home institution.

My grade isn't in yet. What can I do?

Start by looking at the UMN Academic Calendar to confirm that the term has ended, and that university is not on a holiday break. You might reach out to your home CourseShare contact, or the UMN CourseShare program at [email protected] for assistance.

Tips for Success

Make sure you know the start date of your class (see the UMN Academic Calendar)
Look for the email from the UMN registrar and follow the instructions (see above)
Use your UMN email account to connect with your instructor, and access the UMN Canvas site
Speak up early if you have connection problems, or do not have access to course materials
Consider participating in TandemPlus to connect with other learners
Email the Language Center at [email protected] at any time with questions or concerns