Welcome to Walden University! We’ve compiled some frequently asked questions from students who
are navigating the exciting world of online learning with Walden. You’ll find answers to questions about
the online classroom, the Walden Library, and the Writing Center, as well as other tips for student
success.
ONLINE CLASSROOM
Q: Where can I find feedback on my papers on Blackboard?
A: The “Tools” link at the bottom of the left margin will bring up a menu page that includes the link to
your grades. Once you click on the “My Grades” link, you can view the total number of points received.
To see the original document and the instructor’s comments, click on the points received.
Q: What is Turnitin.com?
A: Turnitin is a plagiarism prevention tool that allows you to be proactive in identifying potential
plagiarism issues. For more information about Turnitin and Walden University's academic integrity
policy, visit the academic integrity area in the course navigation menu of your classroom.
You will submit your assignments to Turnitin. You can also submit drafts of your assignments in each
classroom under the “Academic Integrity” folder in the left side navigation menu. Once an assignment
has been submitted to Turnitin, it cannot be resubmitted unless the instructor clears the Turnitin box. If
you need to resubmit an assignment, you should contact your instructor directly.
Q: Is there a way to view all of the replies I have posted or color code my own posts so they are easier
to find within the discussion forum?
A: When you open the discussion thread, you will find small white boxes to the left of each post. Check
the box next to each post that you want to view. At the top of the screen, click the “Collect” tab. All of
the posts that you have checked will appear on one page.
Q: When posting an initial discussion response, it’s expected that I use APA style. Is there an
expectation that every response has a cited source? If so, what’s the minimum number expected?
A: It is a good idea to cite your sources in your original response to the instructor. Your instructor will
specify the number of resources to be used in the instructions.
Q: How do I find the grades for assignments I have submitted?
A: The “Tools” link at the bottom of the left margin brings up a menu page that includes the link to your
grades. Once you click on the “My Grades” link, you can view the total number of points received. To
see the original document and the instructor’s comments, click on the points received.
Q: How long after a course ends do I have access to my course and its materials, including discussions?
Should you have further questions, please reach out to your Academic Advising or Student Support Teams
at 1-800-WALDENU (1-800-925-3368 or +1-612-925-3368).
If you are located outside the United States, you can contact us by calling the toll-free international numbers found
here: http://www.waldenu.edu/contact.
A: You have access to a completed course for up to 60 days from the course end date. If you need to
retrieve information from a course that has closed, you should contact the Student Support Team by
calling 1-800-WALDENU (1-800-925-3368) or +1-612-925-3368, e-mailing support@waldenu.edu, or by
clicking the “Support” tab on your myWalden portal to access the live chat function. If you are located
outside the United States, you can contact us by calling the toll-free international numbers found here:
http://www.waldenu.edu/contact.
STRATEGIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
Q: How do I access information about all of the departments featured in the New Student
Orientation?
A: On your myWalden portal page, you have access to the websites for Walden’s Library, the Writing
Center, Career Services, and Academic Advising. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, try our
“Quick Answers” search on the “Student Life” tab of your myWalden portal page. You can also call us at
1-800-WALDENU (1-800-925-3368) or +1-612-925-3368. If you are located outside the United States,
you can contact us by calling the toll-free international numbers found here:
http://www.waldenu.edu/contact.
Q: I am having trouble registering for additional classes. Who do I contact?
A: If you are having trouble registering, please contact the Academic Advising Team. They can help you
determine if it is a technical issue or if more information is needed to process the registration. You can
find their contact information here: http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/academicadvising/contactus.
Q: When can I expect feedback from my instructor?
A: Instructors typically respond to student inquiries within 48 hours. For all graded assignments,
feedback will be provided within 10 calendar days.
SUPPORTING YOUR SUCCESS: WRITING CENTER
Q: I see that Walden requires APA style. Can you tell me why?
A: The American Psychological Association (APA) developed a set of standards that writers in the social
sciences follow to create consistency throughout publications. APA style is crucial for formatting,
organizing, and presenting your scholarly findings. By following these established guidelines, you will be
maintaining consistency throughout your scholarly papers. The Writing Center offers a variety of
resources for you to learn about APA style. Visit http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/apa
to access the latest materials.
Should you have further questions, please reach out to your Academic Advising or Student Support Teams
at 1-800-WALDENU (1-800-925-3368 or +1-612-925-3368).
If you are located outside the United States, you can contact us by calling the toll-free international numbers found
here: http://www.waldenu.edu/contact.
Q: How do I make a new appointment with the Writing Center if I cancel or miss an appointment?
A: Papers need to be uploaded before 5 a.m. Eastern time the day of your appointment. If we don’t
receive your paper, we will open up your appointment time to another student, thereby canceling yours.
You are free to make a new appointment at any time using the Walden scheduling system.
Q: What is Grammarly?
A: Grammarly is the Writing Center’s automated grammar tool for academic writing. This program
reviews your paper at the sentence level to check for grammar and other mechanical issues. It’s a great
tool for confident writers who have just a few grammatical issues to resolve. For additional instructions
on using this tool, view our Grammarly tutorial, along with this demo student report.
You can use Grammarly for as many assignments as you’d like, and you can use it multiple times for the
same assignment. Grammarly doesn’t keep track of what you submit—each time you log in it begins a
new session. You can save a copy of the feedback you receive to print or to reference later.
SUPPORTING YOUR SUCCESS: WALDEN LIBRARY
Q: Where do I go to find peer-reviewed articles?
A: The best place to find peer-reviewed articles is research databases. Visit
http://libraryguides.WaldenU.edu/peer-review to learn more about peer review and how to find
articles. If you have any trouble finding or identifying peer-reviewed articles, please contact the library.
Q: What is the expected turnaround time for the library to answer questions?
A: If you submit a question electronically (e-mail, form, website), the turnaround time is 24 hours. If you
call and leave a voice mail, the library will call back within one hour during its normal business hours.
Q: Is there a one-stop place to look for a specific article?
A: A good starting point is Thoreau, a research tool available through the Walden Library. Thoreau
searches multiple (but not all) databases at one time. Depending on what kind of information you need,
a librarian can assist you. Remember: all course readings are available in the “Course Guides” section of
the library website (see: http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/courseguides).
Q: How do I contact the library with a specific question related to research that does not come up in
any of the online searches?
A: The toll-free number to reach the Walden Library is 1-855-764-4433. If you call and leave a voice mail,
the library will call back within one hour during its normal business hours.
Should you have further questions, please reach out to your Academic Advising or Student Support Teams
at 1-800-WALDENU (1-800-925-3368 or +1-612-925-3368).
If you are located outside the United States, you can contact us by calling the toll-free international numbers found
here: http://www.waldenu.edu/contact.
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Q: What Walden programs require residencies?
A: The following programs have academic residency requirements: all Ph.D. programs; Doctor of Education (Ed.D.);
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.); Doctor of Information Technology (DIT); Doctor of Social Work (DSW);
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH); Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal
Preparation); Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA); M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; M.S.
in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; M.S. in School Counseling; Master of Social Work (MSW); and M.S. in
Addiction Counseling. For the most up-to-date list of programs, see: http://residencies.waldenu.edu/AboutResidencies.htm.
Q: When should I complete my first academic residency?
A: Students should attend their first residency as soon as they are able. We recommend attending your first
residency 90 days after you complete your foundation course but before you start your third term. Ideally, this is
some time in your second term.
Q: Do I have to select a research topic before attending my first academic residency?
A: No, you do not need to have a topic determined when you arrive at your first residency. We recommend that
students keep an open mind and discuss their research ideas with faculty members and fellow students at their
first residency before choosing a topic.
Q: Can I complete a virtual academic residency for my program?
A: The virtual residency experience is available to Ph.D. program students for Residency 2 or 4. NOTE: Ph.D. in
Psychology students with a specialization in Clinical Psychology who entered the program after September 2011
can attend Residencies 2 and 4 virtually. Read more about virtual residencies here:
http://residencies.waldenu.edu/About-Residencies/Virtual-Residencies.htm.
The difference between virtual and in-person residencies is the delivery model. Students experience 11 days of
synchronous sessions during a virtual residency versus a five-day face-to-face experience.
Q: Where can I find more information about residencies for my program?
A: The Academic Residencies department has a comprehensive website. Choose from topics like residency
registration, calendar, costs and funding, and other helpful information as you plan for your first residency. Visit it
here: http://residencies.waldenu.edu/.
DOCTORAL CAPSTONE
Q: Are there opportunities to view dissertation oral defenses prior to having to go through that process?
A: Walden provides archived versions of previous defenses to help you prepare and know what to expect for your
own oral defense.
Q: Can students get additional assistance when working on their capstone?
A: Yes, there are optional capstone intensive retreats available. Many students take advantage of this experience
Should you have further questions, please reach out to your Academic Advising or Student Support Teams
at 1-800-WALDENU (1-800-925-3368 or +1-612-925-3368).
If you are located outside the United States, you can contact us by calling the toll-free international numbers found
here: http://www.waldenu.edu/contact.
in the latter part of their program. You can read more about those here: http://capstoneexperience.waldenu.edu/.
The Walden Academic Skills Center also offers optional workshop courses for students to spend focused time
revising specific portions of their capstone. See more here:
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ASCcourses/ASCworkshops.
Q: A practicum or internship is required as a part of my program. Where can I find more information?
A: You can find manuals and forms in your myWalden portal on the “Academics” tab by clicking the “Program
Forms” link, or you can visit http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience.
Should you have further questions, please reach out to your Academic Advising or Student Support Teams
at 1-800-WALDENU (1-800-925-3368 or +1-612-925-3368).
If you are located outside the United States, you can contact us by calling the toll-free international numbers found
here: http://www.waldenu.edu/contact.