Learning Online

The convenience of anytime, anywhere learning with the quality of SUNY Old Westbury academics provides a convenient, accessible means to higher education for students who seek or require it. 

Courses are offered in four formats: 

  • Online: All coursework completed by the student at home and on a prescribed schedule  
  • Hybrid: Combines online coursework with scheduled on-campus classes
  • Remote: Scheduled class sessions are conducted online via Zoom
  • Flex: Scheduled class sessions are conducted on-campus, but students can attend via Zoom if they choose

System Requirements for Online Classes

  • Internet capable computer and browser compatible with the Brightspace Learning Management System
  • An Internet connection
  • An email address

All students automatically get an Old Westbury email address upon enrollment that can be used. Prospective online students can check for the compatibility of their system by visiting the Brightspace Browser Support page.

Login to Online Classes 

Current student login to Brightspace

State Residency Requirements for Online Classes

SUNY Old Westbury is a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) enabling students from all U.S. states and territories, except California and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, to enroll in its online classes.  Note, though, that while California is currently not a member of SARA, it permits its residents to enroll in out-of-state public institutions without a physical presence in the state, including Old Westbury.

Consumer Complaint Information for New York Resident and Out-of-State Online Students

SUNY Old Westbury is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) and follows the complaint resolution policies and procedures outlined within the SARA Policy Manual and SARA Student Complaints. For both New York resident and Out-of-State students, consumer protection complaints resulting from distance education courses, activities, and operations may be submitted through the Campus Complaint Procedures for investigation and resolution. If a student is dissatisfied with the campus-based resolution, submit your concern to SUNY System Administration. And, if still not satisfied, file a complaint with New York State Education Department, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made. Please note, this does not include complaints related to grades or student conduct violations, both of which are to be fully addressed via campus processes, for both New York resident and Out-of-State students.

Note that since California is currently not a SARA member, in the event grievance procedures have been followed and all avenues of appeals exhausted and documented, and the issue remains unresolved, online students in California may file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.