Students: What You Need to Know

STUDENTS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

2026 – 2027

LOG INTO PLATO

For online and all other classes using the PLATO system visit the PLATO Home Page and click on the ‘Log into PLATO’ button. For assistance with PLATO related issues you can stop in to the Center for Instructional Technology, located in Wilson 114 or call 413-572-8130. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30.

If you have trouble logging in contact Technology Support at 413.572.4357 or supportdesk@westfield.ma.edu

LATE REGISTRATION & ACCESS TO CLASSES

Students registering through ADD/DROP will have quick access to their courses in PLATO. If you do not see your courses in PLATO let your instructor know immediately.

ACCESS TO CLASSES

Students will be able to log in shortly before the semester begins and should complete the “Student Overview” training course to get familiar with PLATO. Students may see their courses but will not be able to access them until 8 am on the first day of classes. Students must log in within the first 48 hours of the class start date, or within 48 hours of registration.

PROGRAMS & DEGREES ONLINE

WSU offers Bachelor’s Completion Programs in Accounting, Management, Finance, Marketing, Criminal Justice, History, Liberal Studies, Psychology, RN-BSN and Social Work;

Graduate Online/Hybrid Programs, Masters in Social Work, Masters in Criminal Justice, Masters in Business Administration, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. For program information visit Online Degree Programs at WSU  or call DGCE @ 413-572-8020 or send email to wsucgce@westfield.ma.edu.

REQUIREMENTS & COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE

Students must have access to a computer with an internet connection, an email account, and the ability to download software. Chromebooks, tablets, and phones are not recommended as the primary device for online classes. Some courses may require the use and/or download of various programs, which may include the use of proctored test exam monitoring software.

NEED HELP WITH PLATO AND CAMPUS RESOURCES?

  • Student Overview Course
  • Lumi Chat in Brightspace
  • ThinkingStorm FREE Online Tutoring
  • Learning Cloud – Video Tutorials

For more information about these great tools visit: Online Student Resources at WSU.

TECHNICAL ISSUES?

Update all browsers and/or try a different browser such as Chrome or Firefox.

LOOKING FOR AN ONLINE COURSE?

Go to the PLATO Homepage. On the menu bar click on Online Courses. To register visit: Register for Classes at WSU.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE & CERTIFICATION

Professional licensure and certification requirements often vary from state to state. Please check with your state and program for licensure and certification requirements. Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement.

TEXTBOOK & ACCESS CODE INFORMATION

Most courses require a textbook. Some courses require a publisher text access code. Access codes and books can be purchased through the WSU Bookstore. Call for more information 859-209-6958 or visit the Westfield State Homepage to find the Bookstore in the Quick Links

STILL HAVING TROUBLE?

Visit the PLATO Help Desk, you can also find the Help Desk by clicking on the “PLATO Help & Resources” link on the blue nav bar in your course and select PLATO/CIT Helpdesk. Click “Open a New Ticket” to begin.

STUDENT COMPLAINTS

WSU is required to provide current and prospective online learning students with contact information for filing complaints. SARA Student Compliant Procedures and Forms.