Frequently Asked Questions
So you have some questions regarding the VESTA program; Perhaps these frequently asked questions can provide you with the answers you are seeking.
How do I register for a VESTA course? Registration is simple and convenient. After you have selected the course or courses you wish to enroll, complete the Common Admission/Registration form and sent to the VESTA Regional Center office.
Who are the VESTA instructors? We have an impressive collection of master instructors and industry experts that teach our VESTA courses. You can find a complete listing of our instructor by accessing the Faculty page.
Do I need to complete the VESTA application form each semester I take a course? Yes, you will need to complete the form each time you take a VESTA course. We have involvement from a variety of institutions and your contact and personal information will need to be sent to the institution that delivers the course you have selected.
What is a Home Institution and how do I select one? Your Home Institution is the institution that will grant your degree or certificate. You are free to select a Home Institution from any of the listed VESTA partners that have the VESTA AAS or certificate options approved, the choice is completely up to you. Once you have made your selection, you will indicate your choice on the Common Admission/Registration Form.
What is a Host Institution? The Host Institution is the institution that delivers a particular course. Our courses are offered by a variety of institutions.
How do I drop a course? Should you need to drop a course, it is critical that you notify the VESTA Office. You should complete the Withdrawal/Change of Schedule Form and send to the VESTA office. Failure to make notice of withdrawal or a change in schedule will result in the assigning of a failing grade for the course and continued financial obligation.
How do I pay for my classes? Once you have submitted your Common Admission/Registration Form to the VESTA office. A copy of the form is sent to the Host Institution which then admits and enrolls you into your selected course. Once you have been admitted and enrolled, the Host Institution will send you a billing statement. NO FEES ARE PAID TO THE VESTA OFFICE.
Can I use my financial aid? Yes, your financial aid is applicable to your VESTA courses, however, you must declare a home institution and be listed as either an AAS degree or Technical Certificate-seeking student.
How much do classes cost? The cost of your classes is outlined on the Tuition page of the VESTA website. You will be billed directly by each institution through which your courses are delivered. Additionally, some courses may require a lab fee. These fees are listed on the Lab Fees page.
Will I need copies of my past transcripts? If desire to be a degree seeking student, you will need to send official copies of your transcripts.
Where do I send my transcripts? Please send have your institution send official copies of your transcript to the VESTA National Center office.
VESTA National Center
Attn: Michelle Norgren
Karls Hall 201
Missouri State University
901 S. National
Springfield, MO 65897
Who do I contact if I have trouble accessing my class? Please contact the VESTA Instructional Designer Liang Lin at 417-372-3399 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any difficulty accessing a class. Or, as a second resource, contact VESTA Center Director Michelle Norgren at 417-207-9066 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Can I use previous course work toward my certificate or associate degree? Yes. All of your previous transcripts will be reviewed and where possible, courses that are applicable to your degree will be applied.
What is a Course Management System? A Course Management System is a web based format that houses all of your course materials and links. Blackboard, WebCT and Xpress are examples of Course Management Systems. Information regarding your login password and ID for your Course Management System will be mailed to you once your course registration is complete.
What does Asynchronous mean? If your course is listed as "Asynchronous" it means that the course will not be conducted in real time. All conversations between the instructor, students, and fellow classmates will be done through discussion board postings, and emails. There is no time where you, your classmates and instructor communicate in real time.
Some classes have scheduled class meeting times, how does that work? If a meeting time for your course is listed in the Class Schedule, this means there is a specific time your course will meet each week. These meetings are conducted through a program called Centra. The instructor and your fellow classmates will log onto Centra during the designated meeting time. During this time, the students and the instructor are able to hold discussions, ask questions, and interact in real time through the use of VoIP (Voice over IP).
What type of Internet connection do I need? A 56K connection speed or better is required for VESTA courses.
Are there enrollment deadlines? Yes. All deadlines for enrollment are listed on the VESTA Class Schedule Page.
How do I get my class supplies and text materials? The class supplies and textbook list can be found on the Textbooks page of the website. This page also includes the cost and purchasing information for all of your needed materials.
What is a field practicum? A field practicum is a hands-on component that is included in VESTA courses. Here students work with a mentor at a winery or vineyard of their choice for a specific number of hours during the semester to master required skills. The courses that require a field practicum are VIN 111, VIN 113, VIN 114, VIN 115, VIN 257, and VIN 259. Full practicum requirements for each course can be found on the Field Practicum page.
How do I find a vineyard or winery in my area where I can complete my Field Practicum? A list of VESTA partners who have served as field sites in the past is located on the Practicum Sites page. If you do not see a field site that is close to where you live, you are welcome to ask any vineyard or winery in your area that meets the field site guidelines found on the Field Practicum page. Once you locate a field site which agrees to provide you with a mentor, you will complete a Practicum Site Information sheet and return it to the VESTA office. Information will then be sent to you and your mentor with the appropriate forms and skills list.
What can I expect in a VESTA online course?
The most important thing to know is that every VESTA online course has an online course site to serve as your “virtual classroom.” Instead of face-to-face delivery, course information and materials are posted on the online course site for students to retrieve and view. Your instructor will guide you through the course via synchronous web-based meetings, online course site announcements and discussions, and e-mail. Your role as an online student is to actively engage in all prescribed class activities and communicate with your instructor and fellow students. Expect to devote 7 to 10 hours each week for a VESTA online course.
If we have not answered your questions, please email us with your question and we will be pleased to answer it for you. Send your questions to: Michelle Norgren, VESTA Center Director: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
This web page last updated Tuesday December 15, 2009
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