Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ is based on questions we've received about the course and edX. We will update as needed. If you have a suggestion for the FAQ, please post in the "Technical Questions for Staff" topic area on the discussion board.
How long does this self-paced course run for?
The course launched on October 18, 2016 at 16:00 UTC and will close on August 29, 2017 at 16:00 UTC.
Why are course times and deadlines shown in "Coordinated Universal Time" or UTC?
EdX learners are a global community. The edX learning platform is only available in UTC. It is up to learners to convert to their time zone to meet deadlines. Conversion calculators are freely available online.
Has this course run before?
Yes, this course has run a few times over the past 2 years. We're excited to offer it now as a Self-Paced course, which you can take at your own pace!
Can I upgrade to the Verified Certificate of achievement track during the course?
Yes, you can switch to the verified track until the course closes. Although edX courses are free to audit, some people may choose to take this course "verified," which shows that you have successfully completed the course and verifies your identity. You can then easily show off your achievement for job applications, promotions, school applications, and more. Get details about it here.
EdX does offer Financial Assistance for the Verified Certificate. Learn more here.
How do I get my Verified Certificate?
Verified Certificates are available on demand when you complete the course from the Progress tab.
How do I join the Facebook Group?
This course also has an optional Facebook Group for those who want to have further discussion and interaction. Join here and soon you will be added to the group. Remember you can adjust your notification level for Facebook, to All Posts, Highlights, Friends' Posts and Off. From a computer, look for the "Notifications" setting on the banner. On mobile, check under More --> View Group Info --> Edit Notification Settings.
How is this course graded and when is work due?
Students who have an overall score of 60% pass the course. All work is due by August 29, 2017 at 16:00 UTC, when the course closes. At the end of the course, all students are expected to submit a commitment to action in video or written form. Work is weighted as follows:
- Section Checklists, Sections 1-3: Available at the end of each section, counts your participation and engagement, including watching videos, posting on the Discussion Board, completing non-graded activities, and Personal Leadership Plan progress. (40% of the total grade)
- Personal Leadership Plan Checklist, Section 4: Completion or significant development of Personal Leadership Plan by end of course. (40% of the total grade)
- Commitment to Action, Section 4: Looks at whether you made a commitment to action for after the course and publicly shared it. (20% of the total grade)
Do I submit my Personal Leadership Plan at the end of the course?
You are not required to submit your Personal Leadership Plan at the end of the course. It is for you to keep and to continue to work on and develop. See grading details above. You may, however, choose to share part of your plan on the Discussion Board, under the topic "Voluntary Plan Sharing." Also, some learners in previous runs of the course opted to share their plans within the Facebook group.
Where can I read about the Rules for Online Conduct and the edX Honor Code?
Please read all of edX's Terms of Service and Honor Code on the edX website. Note the items under "The Following List of Items Is Strictly Prohibited on the Site" (including the Discussion Board):
- Content that defames, harasses or threatens others;
- Content that discusses illegal activities with the intent to commit them;
- Content that infringes another's intellectual property, including, but not limited to, copyrights or trademarks;
- Profane, pornographic, obscene, indecent or unlawful content;
- Advertising or any form of commercial solicitation;
- Content related to partisan political activities;
- Viruses, trojan horses, worms, time bombs, corrupted files, malware, spyware or any other similar software that may damage the operation of another's computer or property; and
- Content that contains intentionally inaccurate information or that is posted with the intent of misleading others.
I have a question about Catalyst and CatalystX courses.
Email catalystx@catalyst.org.
I'm having trouble with my edX account or have questions about how to do something on edX.
Email edX at info@edx.org. Also, check out the edX Help Center.