Below you’ll find how-to guides, links to services and resources, and support for all online Institute students.

Technology Requirements

Hardware and Equipment

  • Laptop or desktop computer. Tablets may also be used to access course sites and activities via the installed web browser. Some tablets such as Chromebooks may struggle with assignments that require intensive video use.
  • Operating systems: Mac OS X 10.15 or higher, Windows 10 or higher
  • Webcam: built-in or external

Mobile Access

You may choose to use your mobile device to access course materials.

  • Canvas Student is a mobile app that can be installed for phones or tablets.
  • Download from the Google Play or Apple App Store.
  • Mobile OS requirements: Android 9 and higher, iOS 14 and higher
  • We do not recommend using a mobile device for recording audio or video.

Internet Recommendations

  • Broadband internet access (Cable, DSL, Fiber, or LAN). This will give you an optimal experience with streaming video and participating in synchronous video conference sessions.
  • Browsers: Chrome and Firefox. Make sure your browser is updated to the most recent version.

Software Considerations

Your instructor may require the use of online tools and software, including:

  • Canvas learning management system
  • Zoom video conferencing platform
  • Panopto video recording and editing tool
  • Microsoft Office suite and/or Google Applications
  • Adobe Acrobat reader

Note: These software applications are available free of charge to enrolled students.

Accreditation/NC-SARA Information

Middlebury offers distance education in accordance with regulations of the United States Department of Education and the regulations of each state or territory.

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) aids in remedying inconsistencies among state regulations and aids in satisfying consistent customer protection by centralizing the authorization process. NC-SARA is a voluntary agreement among member states and U.S. territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. The intent is to make it easier for students to take online courses that are being offered by postsecondary institutions in other states. You can read more about NC-SARA here. Middlebury is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocal Agreement (SARA) initiative. Verification of approval by SARA to offer online courses can be found by visiting the NC-SARA website. 

Student Complaint Process 

Prior to any formal complaint, students are encouraged to seek an informal resolution of their complaint directly with the employee, faculty, and/or individuals involved. Often a problem may be resolved in this informal manner. In the unfortunate event that a resolution is not achieved, students may follow Middlebury’s complaint filing process. If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved internally and the student seeks additional resolution, grievances may be appealed to either the student’s home agency or the institution’s home state agency. Please use this resource to locate each state’s contact agency.