Online & Distance Learners Community
Welcome to our community for Online & Distance Learners at the University of Montana! Whether you’re completing your degree remotely, balancing education with work and family, or returning to school after time away, this space was created with you in mind. We recognize the unique strengths and challenges that come with online learning—and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
This community offers resources, guidance, and opportunities designed to meet the needs of students navigating UM from a distance. From virtual career fairs and flexible internships to tech-friendly tools and asynchronous support, you’ll find ways to build meaningful connections and stay engaged on your academic and professional journey—no matter where you are.
Learn more about Experiential Learning and Career Success and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Did You Know?
You can connect with someone who will help you access career coaching and resources tailored for online and distance learners as you explore career options, prepare application materials, and navigate virtual opportunities.
What You’ll Find Here
Explore Opportunities
- Flexible career resources — articles, tools, and programs tailored for online learners.
- Virtual opportunities that align with your goals, values, and interests, supporting remote work or accommodating your schedule.
Connect & Get Involved
- Virtual events, online student organizations, and success coaching designed for distance learners.
- Campus partners providing connection and advocacy for online and distance students.
Get Career-Ready
- Career readiness tools, résumé reviews, and mock interviews adapted for remote learning and virtual engagement.
- Personalized career coaching that fits your online learning schedule.
- LinkedIn profile support and Handshake assistance.
Be Informed
- Information and events to help you thrive academically and professionally from wherever you are.
- Resources to help you build skills, expand your network, and prepare for remote or hybrid career opportunities.
UM Student Organizations & Campus Resources
Explore on-campus programs and organizations that support all students through peer connection, advocacy, academic services, and inclusive environments. These University of Montana resources promote accessibility and help students thrive academically and socially, offering mentorship, accommodations, leadership opportunities, and academic support to ensure full participation in campus life.
- UMOnline Student Support – Start with “Passport to Canvas” and “Strategies for Successful Online Learning to get comfortable with UM’s online platforms and expectations.
- Office of Student Success: Get learning strategies, success advising, and referrals to help you thrive as a distance learner.
- Undergraduate Advising Center: Advising for undeclared, pre-health, and first-year students.
- Missoula College Learning Center: Access online tutoring, study support, and academic resources tailored for remote learners.
- UM Library Research & Tech Help: Use 24/7 online research databases, live chat with librarians, and tech support.
- Student Advocacy Resource Center: Confidential support for students facing harassment, discrimination, etc.
- Office of Disability Equity (ODE): Provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities.
- Griz Hub: Central hub for student events, clubs, organizations, and intramural teams.
- UM Wellbeing Resources – Access virtual wellbeing programs, counseling, and tools to stay balanced while learning remotely.
- Financial Aid & Scholarships Office: Helps students navigate FAFSA, scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Montana 10: Scholarship program offering academic, financial, & social support.
- Financial Education Program (FEP): Offers workshops and one-on-one guidance on FAFSA, budgeting, and financial planning to help Pell-eligible and first-generation students build financial literacy.
- Handshake – Search for remote, hybrid, or flexible jobs and internships. Attend virtual career fairs and events from anywhere.
- Forage Virtual Job Simulations: Complete free, short projects from real employers to build experience and explore industries from anywhere.
- Alumni Association: Offers career advising, networking, and Handshake access to recent grads.
- First2Finish (UM Law School): Supports first-generation law students with mentorship/community.
Explore Student Life & Clubs
Want to dive deeper into UM’s student communities? Here’s where to go next—GrizHub, ASUM, WelcomeFeast, or your department.
Organizations & Resources
The organizations listed below are not affiliated with the University of Montana and are provided for informational purposes only.
- Academic and Financial Support
- Montana University System Scholarships (Award Montana): administers need- and merit-based state scholarships and grants covering up to full tuition—key support for Pell-eligible students.
- Montana Digital Academy: is a public virtual program for Montana students
- Career Support:
- Missoula Job Service: a local employment hub providing recruitment, interview facilities, and HR guidance.
- Missoula Works: connects individuals facing employment barriers with temporary and permanent jobs.
- Montana Department of Labor & Industry: offers comprehensive labor market insights and workforce services, helping students explore in-state career opportunities.
- Express Employment Professionals – Missoula: offers free online professional training (software, safety) and certifications via ExpressLearn, Workplace Pro, and Job Genius.
- National Career Development Association (NCDA): offers a vast online portal of career planning tools and resources tailored for virtual learners.
- CareerOneStop: is a free government site providing career exploration, job-search tools, and virtual learning support.
- Coursera: is a free-to-low-cost platform offering online courses, skill-building modules, and certification pathways for adult learners.
- FreeCodeCamp: is a free-to-low-cost platform offering online courses, skill-building modules, and certification pathways for adult learners.
- FutureLearn: is a free-to-low-cost platform offering online courses, skill-building modules, and certification pathways for adult learners.
“But wait! This isn’t me!”
These communities are one way to organize resources and opportunities based on common student experiences. All Grizzlies are encouraged to explore every page and resource. Our career coaches are here to support every student.
Don’t see a community that reflects your experience, interests, or goals?
We welcome your feedback. Reach out to one of our career coaches — we’re here to help you find what you need:
