Frequently Asked Questions

When am I required to complete the Doctoral Studies Orientation (DSO)?
Students should register for the DSO in the term prior to the first term in which doctoral coursework (EDD 9200) is started.

How do I register for the DSO?
Click on the link entitled “registration” on this website http://www.fischlerschool.nova.edu/doctoral-studies-orientation/dso-hometo find instructions and a registration schedule of upcoming Doctoral Studies Orientations.

Who should I contact if I am having difficulty with the registration?
Please contact a Doctoral Enrollment Counselor (1-800-986-3223, extension 21546) for assistance.

Will I receive any communication regarding the Doctoral Studies Orientation before it begins? 
Yes, once you are registered, you will receive an introductory letter to your NSU email account from the Doctoral Studies Orientation Coordinator the week before, and subsequently as new registrations are confirmed, the start date of the orientation.

When will the DSO course become accessible to me in Blackboard? 
The course will be available in Blackboard on the start date of the two week timeframe noted on the registration schedule for the CRN for which you registered.

How do I access the online DSO 8000 course? 
The DSO 8000 course will appear in Blackboard under “course list.”
A tutorial provides instructions for accessing Blackboard, the online delivery format of the DSO. The tutorial is available at:http://www.nova.edu/help/Blackboard/

How do I navigate through the orientation?
  1. In Blackboard, choose the Doctoral Studies Orientation course in the “course list.”
  2. Watch and listen to the introductory video
  3. Choose the link, “Click Here to Start”
  4. Open the file entitled “Doctoral Studies Orientation CLICK HERE”
  5. Begin by opening one of the following six modules:
  • Office of Academic Affairs
  • Enrollment Services
  • The Applied Research Center
  • Library
  • Debt Management
  • Blackboard
Although we recommend you follow the modules in the above sequence, you may opt to complete them in any order you choose before moving to the next module. There is a brief quiz at the end of each module. Once you complete all six modules (inclusive of the quiz at the end of each), proceed to the “Confirmation of Completion” link found back on the Home Page. Note: there is one question to be answered and submitted. Once confirmed, you will have the option of completing the Final Quiz, link found on the Home Page. You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the Doctoral Studies Orientation successfully. You may repeat the final quiz as many times as necessary to pass with a minimum of 75%. 

If I have technical difficulty navigating through the orientation, who should I contact? 
If you have any technical difficulty navigating through the orientation, please contact the NSU help desk: 954-678-4357 or email: help@nova.edu.

Who should I contact if I have general questions about the orientation, or if I need assistance with the completion of the DSO?
Please contact Ms. Sue Fassanella Greenawalt, Coordinator of the Doctoral Studies Orientation, at: fassnela@nova.eduor 1-800-986-3223, extension 28378. You may also contact a Doctoral Enrollment Counselor at: 1-800-986-3223. Ext. 21546.

How will I know that I successfully completed the DSO? 
Passing the Final Quiz by 75% or more confirms that you have passed the orientation. 

Once I complete the DSO, when will the grade be officially posted for the DSO?
The final grade (P) will be officially posted at the end of the term for which you registered.

What if I am unable to complete the DSO within the two week timeframe?
Contact the DSO Coordinator, Sue Fassanella Greenawalt (fassnela@nova.edu) to discuss available options. If you are delayed more than a few days past the end of the timeframe, you may be required to re-register for a new section and begin the DSO over.

What if I am unable to complete the DSO within the term for which I registered?
You will be required to submit a DROP of the course and ADD a new section for completion of the DSO within the next term.

Once I complete the DSO, will I be able to still access the course for review purposes? Yes, you will have access to the course for review throughout your doctoral program timeline.