Independent Learning. Distance Learning Courses. Self-paced online Term-based online Print-based correspondence

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1 university of colorado at boulder Independent Learning Distance Learning Courses Self-paced online Term-based online Print-based correspondence

2 Independent learning Welcome to the University of Colorado at Boulder s Independent Learning Program, where you can expand your educational options and opportunities through distance learning. Independent Learning courses offer CU-Boulder credit, quality, and rigor. Design your own schedule and choose when and where your learning experience will be most beneficial. Having a self-paced class allowed me to do schoolwork when I was able to focus and do my best thinking. I set goals for myself to stay disciplined, but still have flexibility. I completed these classes while in the Peace Corps in Ukraine, something I could not have done with a regular class. Shannon Zimmerman The Independent Learning Program The Independent Learning Program offers university credit courses online and by print correspondence to a diverse student population. We serve high school students trying out college-level work; college students from CU-Boulder; students from numerous national and international institutions taking courses to transfer the credit back to their home school; and working professionals who need a course for certification or recertification. You don t need to be formally admitted to CU-Boulder to take a course. You can earn extra credit toward your degree, enhance and develop your job skills, prepare for a career change, or just satisfy your curiosity all at your own convenience with CU-Boulder academic excellence. Getting Started If you are not currently enrolled in high school, you must have a high school diploma or GED. High school students must have the permission of their school counselor and parent or guardian to enroll. To determine your eligibility to take credit classes, you must meet (by phone or in person) with a Continuing Education academic advisor and provide copies of your high school transcript and SAT or ACT scores.

3 COURSE INFORMATION You will find a complete list of courses at conted.colorado.edu/ independent. All courses offered for college credit are fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Online Courses Online courses are conducted through the Internet. You will receive via the course URL and login instructions. Once you have logged on to the course, you will find information designed to help you successfully complete an online course, as well as the course content. Most of your interactions with the instructor and other students will be a form of electronic messaging, though a few courses require some items to be sent to the instructor via the U.S. Postal Service. Many courses require proctored examinations. Self-Paced Courses Self-paced courses offer enormous flexibility so you can fit course work into your schedule. Enroll any time and finish in less than a semester or take up to 6 months. Take final exams and finish projects when you have plenty of time to focus instead of when other classes, your job, or other obligations demand your attention. Term-Based Courses Term-based courses provide the dynamic experience of a traditional course with the flexibility of a web-based environment. Interact with your instructor and fellow students asynchronously through weekly assignments, activities, and discussions. Courses follow the academic calendar with strict deadlines and due dates for assignments. You should expect to spend the same number of hours actively participating online as you would in a traditional course. Print-based (Correspondence) Courses Print-based or correspondence courses are conducted entirely through the U.S. Postal Service and/or s. You have 12 months to complete your course from the time you enroll. Your course is contained in a study guide, or syllabus, available through the CU Book Store (see Textbooks and Syllabi section for more information). The study guide has been prepared by the instructor to guide you through the course. It contains several units or assignments, typically consisting of a reading assignment, the instructor s commentary on the unit, and a written assignment to complete and send to the instructor for comment and evaluation. I m keeping my teaching certificate up to date through Independent Learning courses. Continuing Ed lets me learn on my own time, while still meeting the needs of my kids, my home, and my job. Rachel Taekla

4 conted.colorado.edu/independent Adding and Dropping You may drop a term-based course only during the full refund period with no record on your transcript; if you withdraw during the partial refund period, a mark of W will show on your transcript. If you do not complete a term-based course within the semester it is offered, an F will appear on your transcript. The add/ drop schedule can be found at conted.colorado.edu/independent. Click on Program Information. You may drop a self-paced online or correspondence course within 40 days of registration without any mark on your transcript and receive a full tuition refund. You may drop the course online, in person, by mail, by fax, or by to cewww@colorado.edu. Withdrawals and Extensions If you do not complete your self-paced online course within 6 months of your enrollment date, or 12 months for a self-paced correspondence course, you must formally withdraw before the expiration date in order to receive a W on your transcript. If you do not withdraw before the expiration date you will receive an F. If you need additional time to complete your self-paced online course, you may request a 6-month extension for a fee, or a 12-month extension for a correspondence course, if your request is received before your expiration date. For 40 days after the expiration date you may still request an extension for an additional per course reinstatement fee added to the per credit hour extension fee. No extension is allowed after the 40-day grace period. You may enroll in and extend each class only once. If you do not complete a class before your extension expires, you must file a petition for additional time to complete the class and you must furnish documentation demonstrating your need for additional time (e.g., military service or disability). I benefit from the many community perspectives, cultural differences, skill levels, and life experiences of my classmates. Independent learning is easy to integrate into your life. You still have work to do, but you don t have to worry about being in a classroom at a set time. It allows life to happen work and family while you re studying towards a degree. Mark Mangione If you need a grade posted to your transcript by a certain date, all course work, including the final examination, must be completed at least five weeks before that date. Generally only two units of work may be submitted during a one-week period. Permission to work faster must be secured from the instructor. Credit University-level Independent Learning courses earn semesterhour academic credit. If you wish to apply the course work to licensing or other certification, contact the licensing or certification agency before enrolling. Textbooks and Syllabi Textbooks and syllabi must be ordered separately. Textbooks must be ordered from the CU Book Store or other book retailer. Call the CU-Boulder Book Store s Independent Learning Section for textbook price quotes at or toll free or visit

5 Library Services You may use the CU-Boulder libraries by presenting your course receipt at the checkout desk. You are also encouraged to use local libraries and to order materials that are not locally available through interlibrary loan. Online services are available at libraries.colorado.edu for remote access to article databases, document delivery, electronic books, and reference tools. Exams Many Independent Learning courses require a midterm exam in addition to quizzes and exercises throughout the course. Most courses require a final exam. Generally, a passing grade is required on the final in order to earn credit for the course. Exams are proctored at a variety of locations including our office during regular business hours. You must request your exam at least two weeks before you plan to take the exam. Requests are processed after your instructor confirms that you have completed all the course assignments. Additional information, including an online exam request, is available at conted.colorado.edu/independent. Financial Assistance You may qualify for federal loan programs and student loans. Visit for more information. You can also make a personal or telephone appointment with our financial aid advisor at conted.colorado.edu/student-resources. Veterans Administration benefits may also be available to qualified students. Contact the CU-Boulder Veterans Services office at or visit In addition, limited scholarships for nontraditional students who are at least 22 years of age are available. For more information and an application go to conted.colorado.edu/ student-resources/financial-aid. Problems If you need assistance with problems regarding your course, advice on planning an Independent Learning program, or information on courses and services provided elsewhere at CU-Boulder, call us at or toll free , or us at cewww@colorado.edu. You may take your exam at a continuing education office of a nearby college and/or university or under the supervision of a notary public, education official, military education officer, clergy, librarian, or other public official. Your relatives and fellow students are not allowed to proctor your exams. Official Transcripts Complete information on ordering transcripts can be found at registrar.colorado.edu/students/transcripts.html. Academic Advising Continuing Education has academic advisors available for all Independent Learning students who need help choosing a course. Visit conted.colorado.edu/studentresources to schedule a personal or telephone appointment or call or toll-free You may also questions to ceadvisor@colorado.edu. In a face-to-face class, people tend to stress about tests. In an online course, there s nothing to be afraid of. It s all spelled out. The instructor s notes distill what you should get out of every chapter, and if I ever have a question, I can reach her by . There are sample problems and exams, plus a really good web interface. Adam Dawdy

6 Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies 1505 University Avenue University of Colorado at Boulder 178 UCB Boulder, CO conted.colorado.edu/independent Suzanne Nelson, Biology As an academic advisor and former online student herself, Nelson knows firsthand the benefits and challenge of online education. I have my students select NOVA movies to study and report on. One student may want to learn about how the body adapts to marathon training, while another may want to understand something about the insect world.