The Distance Learner

The Center for Extended Learning

The Center for Extended Learning (CEL) at Bemidji State University has designed a way for students to have access to courses and degree programs, whether they are 30 miles or 300 miles from our main campus. CEL is here to help you make the most of your education. Through CEL, you are free to take individual courses you need, or even complete an entire degree - right from the comfort and convenience of your own home or office.  For more information on the programs and benefits of CEL and distance learning, see the Center for Extended Learning website.

ID card

A student ID card will be necessary for accessing the university library online, and should you ever come to campus, it will permit you to access additional benefits.  Contact the Center for Extended Learning by phone (1-800-852-7422) or via email (cel@bemidjistate.edu) and request a Distance Education ID card.  This card will not include your picture.  

ID cards are printed Monday - Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 11 pm, Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The first ID card is free; replacement ID's are $20.00. For additional information on ID cards, contact the Information desk (218-755-3760) or visit the Hobson Memorial Union website.

The Library Online

The BSU Library has worked to ensure that distance learners are not left behind in their access to campus resources.  As a distance learner or off-campus student, you may access many of the library's resources online.  A website overview has been provided through the library website for your benefit.  See the "Library" section of this orientation or the library homepage for more information.

The Library will deliver study-related materials through Interlibrary Loan services to distance learners (students who are currently registered for BSU courses) who reside 30 or more miles from campus or need delivery because of permanent or temporary disability.

Non-returnable items (i.e. journal articles, book chapters, etc.) will be delivered to distance learners via Electronic Delivery. 

Returnable items (books, videos, DVD's, etc.) are delivered at the BSU Library's expense and returned to the BSU Library at the expense of the distance learner. 

Complete information and the application form for this special service are available at "Delivery Service for Distance Learners" on the BSU Library's home page.

Technological Services and Help Desk

BSU wants to help reduce as many of the technological difficulties between you and your education as possible.  For this reason, we provide students with the Student Services and Help Desk. 

The Student Services portion of the Informational Technologies website provides students immediate information and assistance for topics such as email, D2L login, e-Services, etc.  If you have a more challenging question that cannot be answered so easily, you may submit a "Help Ticket" to the Help Desk for further assistance.