Using the Digital Learning Cooperative
As you meet with students to plan their spring schedules, you may have some who intend to take their classes entirely online in the spring. While we are offering a wide variety of online classes through Behrend, you might come across a student who needs an online section of a course that we do not have in the spring. The student has two options: they can enroll in the class through the Digital Learning Cooperative if it is available, or they can utilize multi-campus registration (more on that in an upcoming edition of the Advising Essentials).
What is the Digital Learning Cooperative?

The Digital Learning Cooperative (DLC) is a course sharing reservation system across all Penn State campuses. Not all courses are available in the DLC, but due to the virtual options for spring, there is a variety being offered next semester. To access the DLC, you can navigate to dlc.psu.edu and select “Log In,” which will require your Penn State credentials.

How do Students use the DLC?

Students are not able to access the DLC website by using the above link. However, they are able to view the DLC courses Behrend has secured seats in using the Schedule of Courses and Schedule Builder when they are planning their schedules. Students can tell a course is a DLC section because there is a letter at the end of the section number, which you can see in the COMM 150N-900U example below. When viewing the course information, the student may notice the class note will indicate that they need adviser support and Registrar permission to add the course, as highlighted in the example. 
How do Advisers use the DLC?

As an adviser, you can view DLC courses just as students do, or you can utilize the dlc.psu.edu link. This will allow you to see all courses on the DLC, not just the ones in which Behrend currently has seats. If you see a course in the DLC and Behrend does not have seats in it, you may work with the Behrend Registrar’s Office (REGBD@psu.edu) to see if Behrend is able to secure seats.

The screenshot below shows the main page of the DLC. You can utilize the drop-down menus to filter, and you can view more information for the courses.
Scheduling DLC Courses

Students are not able to enroll in DLC courses on their own. If a student approaches you and would like a DLC course, first verify that they plan to take all of their courses remotely in the spring since priority is given to students who need entirely online schedules. If the student plans to take on campus classes or a mix of modes, they can find an alternate course already offered through Behrend.

If the student needs an entirely online schedule, adviser support is required. To request a DLC course on behalf of a student:

  1. Identify the course name, section, and class number.
  2. Send an email to REGBD@psu.edu with the above information and the student’s name and Penn State ID number. Students are not able to be added to a DLC course before their enrollment date, so this request can be sent to the Registrar’s Office on or after the day the student is able to schedule classes.
  3. If there are still seats available, the Registrar’s Office will add the student and send you a confirmation email.
  4. Please follow up with the student and let them know that they have been added to the course.
The Digital Learning Cooperative is a useful tool in helping students make academic progress and maintain a remote schedule if needed. If you have additional questions about the DLC, please reach out to the Behrend Registrar’s Office (REGBD@psu.edu) or the DUS Advisers.
Upcoming Student Workshop

The DUS Advisers are hosting a schedule-planning workshop for first- and second-year students on November 17 from 5:00-6:00pm EST at Zoom meeting ID: 814 898 6112. Students may stop by any time during that session and speak with the first-available adviser. Please share this workshop with your students!