Welcome to Independent Learning! This can be one of your most rewarding educational experiences. It is an opportunity to further your education without the constraints of class attendance or in some cases, the traditional semester-time period. Independent Learning differs from the traditional classroom because you will be responsible for planning and completing your own course work. In the traditional classroom, the teacher directs the learning process, but in Independent Learning, you must be self-directed, and you must plan your time wisely to get the most out of your study activities.

Flexibility is a unique advantage of Independent Learning but it is not a short-cut to receiving college credit; Independent Learning demands hard work. Remember that these are college-level credit courses paralleling on-campus courses that require fourteen weeks of classroom time in addition to homework study. For every hour spent in-class students are often expected to study for 3-hours outside of class. It’s not unusual to spend 3–6 hours per assignment.

All CDE courses have been approved by relevant academic departments of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) for course content and instructor qualifications. All credit courses are applicable to UAF degree and certificate programs. If you have questions about the requirements that your course might fulfill towards a program or degree or questions about specific department policy, please contact your program advisor or the UAF advising department at http://www.uaf/edu/advising. Student Code of Conduct Students in Independent Learning courses are subject to the same regulations regarding honesty in their work assignments and exams as are resident students of the University of Alaska. CDE requires its students to strictly adhere to the Student Code of Conduct. This can be found on the inside front cover of this guide, in the UAF catalog or online at http://www.uaf.edu/catalog/current/academics/.

CDE Help If you have any questions or concerns about your Independent Learning course or administrative policy, please contact our office.

1–800–277–8060 or 907–474–5353 or email us at distance@uaf.edu

Submitting your Lessons

1. Always attach a Lesson Cover Sheet.

• Write your name and mailing address as neatly as possible, printed in ink, as it will become your return mailing label.
• Even if you are e-mailing or faxing in your lessons, include a lesson cover sheet and its pertinent information including a return mailing address, the complete course number, instructor’s name, and the appropriate lesson number, as this will help us process and return your lesson.
• Prepaid envelopes for mailing each assignment are provided with course materials. Please do not attach these to large manila envelopes. They are not to be used as a “mailing label” and the assignment may not be delivered to us by the US Post Office. Let us know if you need an additional supply of cover sheets or envelopes.
• If you did not purchase your textbooks through the Center for Distance Education & Independent Learning, be sure that you obtain the correct editions. Look at the instructor’s comments in this study guide for a list of materials required in the course.

1. Generally no more than two assignments should be submitted per week. However, some instructors may have more specific requirements so see the instructor’s comments in this course guide for details. Lessons that exceed limits specified by the instructor may be returned ungraded to the student.

2. Please be sure that you have planned on plenty of time between enrolling in the course, actually beginning the coursework, taking the last exam, requesting a transcript if you wish the grade to be accepted at another institution/agency, and your deadline. Although the staff and faculty will do everything possible to help you, a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency for the staff and faculty!

3. CDE cannot supply official transcripts, these requests need to be ordered from the UAF Records office. There is a transcript request form at the back of this course guide, or the Registrar’s office can be reached at 877–474–6046 or online at http://www.uaf.edu/reg. When requesting an official transcript, please keep in mind that at busy times (April, May, June, September and December), it may take a few weeks to process your request.

4. When you have received your final grade you will be asked to complete a course evaluation. Please take a few moments to complete the form and mail it back to us. This will help us to continue to improve our courses and services.

Examinations Most of the Independent Learning courses have at minimum a mid-term and final examination. Please note that students must ordinarily receive a passing grade on their final exam in order to obtain credit for the course.

Fairbanks area students should take their exams at the CDE office during regular business hours. Testing stations are available on a first come, first served basis. Please remember that our testing stations are limited and are in high demand at the end of each semester.

If you aren’t able to take the exam in our office, you’ll need to complete the Exam Request Forms included in this course guide.

1. Testing Site Selection. When possible, we prefer students take examinations at University of Alaska offices located throughout the state. Arrangements can also be made through local or public libraries, other university or community colleges, or public school administrators. Relatives and/or friends cannot be proctors.

2. Schedule the exam far enough in advance to allow time for all graded lessons to be returned to you prior to taking the exam.

3. Depending on the course, exams may take from 45 minutes up to 3–4 hours so be sure to schedule plenty of time to take the exam.

4. Consult the instructor’s comments in this guide regarding policies for your particular course.

5. Complete the form with careful attention to the name or number of the exam you wish to take.

6. Return your request with your lesson in the pre-paid envelope or to the Center for Distance Education, 3352 College Road, Suite A, PO Box 756700, UAF, Fairbanks, AK 99775.

You may also request your exam using our online form that’s available at http://distance.uaf.edu/.

The exam will be sent directly to the proctor when you have shown sufficient progress in the course. If you or your proctor have any questions about this process, please send an email to raexams@uaf.edu.

Final Grade When you complete all of your coursework including the final exam, you will receive an unofficial notice of your final grade. This grade is posted with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Registrars’ office. You can also view your final grade and obtain official and unofficial transcripts by going to UA Online at http://uaonline.alaska.edu/. Click on the help section for instructions on the site’s use.

Bookstore Refunds on Course Materials Course materials may be returned to the bookstore for a full refund within three weeks of enrollment and if the items are returned in unmarked condition. If textbooks or materials are removed from shrink wrap, are marked up, or if the cover is damaged, only up to 80 per cent of the original cost will be refunded. No refunds will be issued for used videos, audios, or computer disk reproductions. After three weeks and within 60 days of enrollment, up to 80 per cent of the original cost may be refunded.

Policy Statement for Lessons Received by E-Mail If allowed by your instructor, the Center for Distance Education and Independent Learning will accept lessons from students via e-mail to ralesson@uaf.edu. Please include the following information with each lesson:

* your complete name
* your mailing address
* course name and number
* instructor’s name
* lesson number

Example: John Smith 1414 Blissful Way Fairbanks, AK 99709 MATH F131X UY3 Instructor: Gustafson Lesson #1

We will print your lesson when we receive it and forward the paper copy to your instructor. After it is graded, we will return the graded copy to you by U.S. mail. (Be sure to include your mailing address.)

If your instructor gives permission, you may email the lesson directly to the instructor. As you submit each lesson to your instructor, please also send a short message to ralesson@uaf.edu stating that the lesson has been sent to the instructor. Example: John Smith BA F343 UY1 Instructor: Milner I submitted Lesson #1 to my instructor today via e-mail. Your lesson grade may not be processed unless we receive this note.

Other Important Information

• Questions about books and materials used in this course should be referred to the CDE bookstore at 474–6536 or 800–277–8060 or rycde@uaf.edu.

• Off-Campus Library Services through the UAF Rasmuson Library can be arranged by calling 1–800–478–5348 within Alaska, by email at fyddl@uaf.edu or visiting http://www.uaf.edu/library/offcampus/index.html. This unit was set up to serve UAF students who do not have access to appropriate information resources in their town or village.

• UAF Writing Center and Computer Lab offers free writing tutoring to any student in any subject via telephone and fax or over the Internet. Students can call 907–474–5314 for information on how to fax a paper and have it tutored over the telephone, or engage in an interactive Internet session. Both services are free.

• Contact UAF’s toll-free Math Hotline for problem solving and math help. Call 1–866–823–6284 (866-UAF-MATH) during regular fall and spring semesters. Available hours change each semester so give the hotline a call for current hours of operation.

• UAF has a Disability Services office which provides academic accommodations to enrolled students who are identified as being eligible for these services. If you believe you are eligible, please visit http://www.uaf.edu/chc/disability.html or contact Disability Services on the Fairbanks Campus at 907–474–7043 or by email at fydso@uaf.edu.

• CDE forms for students are available on-line at http://distance.uaf.edu.

• If your course uses electronic resources it may be necessary to download software viewers or plugins. Some of these can be found at http://www.uaf.edu/dcc/FTP/.

• For Adobe Acrobat Reader go to http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readermain.html.

• For Microsoft product viewers go to http://www.microsoft.com/ and search for the software viewer you need.

Time Management One of the most important aspects of completing a distance education course is the amount of time spent on your course study. The better you are at setting aside regular study time and keeping to a schedule, the more successful you’ll be in completing your course work with a satisfactory grade. Completion won’t happen if you are a procrastinator! So, take a few moments before starting your course to think about your schedule. Be realistic. If you find yourself falling behind, reevaluate your priorities and make adjustments where needed.

Here are some additional things to think about:

If this is the first distance course you’ve taken you’ll soon see how easy it is to fall behind your intended schedule. By setting mid-course targets that are realistic and obtainable, you can complete the course successfully and count distance learning as another accomplishment!

We’ve provided a planning schedule with suggested targets for each assignment. Complete the schedule with realistic expectations–you can always make adjustments once you determine exactly how long it takes to complete a typical assignment.

Planning schedule First, enter today’s date at the top of the schedule.

Second, if you have a certain deadline you must meet for course completion, put it at the bottom of the schedule. Otherwise, set a planned date for completion. If you are a graduating senior, check with your counselor to find out the date all grades are due.

Third, opposite “final exam” enter a date at least two weeks before your planned date of course completion. If you are a graduating senior, plan to take the final exam at least one month before graduation.

Fourth, enter planned dates for submitting each written assignment. Try to pace yourself. Unless otherwise specified by your instructor, up to two lessons per week should be submitted. (You might want to enter your plan in pencil, so it can be revised if necessary.)

If you are a graduating senior or have any other personal deadlines, it is imperative that you write to your instructor on your first lesson and inform him/her of your needs. Although the staff and faculty will do everything possible to help you, a lack of planning on your part does not constitute an emergency for the staff and faculty! Please plan ahead!

YEAR-LONG: Remember, we assume you will take up to a year to finish this course. At a bare minimum, it should take three months to complete a course. Instructor permission (in writing) must be obtained to finish in an accelerated time frame.

SEMESTER-BASED: If you are a semester-based student, follow the semester time requirements provided with your book purchase. Remember lessons cannot be accepted if turned in all (or several) at once.

Planning Schedule

START I began this course on _________________________ .

	Date to	Actual		Date 		
	Submit	Date sent	Received	Grade

Lesson 1 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 2 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 3 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 4 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 5 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 6 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 7 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 8 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 9 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 10 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 11 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 12 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 13 _________ _________ _________ _________

Lesson 14 _________ _________ _________ _________

Exam 1 _________ _________ _________ _________

Final Exam _________ _________ _________ _________

DEADLINE Grade must be received by _________________ .

Personal Information Sheet The following information will help your instructor make this educational experience more meaningful for you. Please include this completed form with your first lesson.

Name: ___________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________

E-mail: ________________________________________________________________

Purpose of your Enrollment: ________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

FORMER EDUCATION High School: ___________________________________________________________

College: ___________________________________________________________

Other: ___________________________________________________________

Occupation: ___________________________________________________________

Comments: Use this space and back of this page to introduce yourself to the instructor. S/he will be interested in anything you have to say about yourself. Thank you.

This study guide is used for both yearlong (orange-yellow cover sheets) students and semester-based students (various other colored cover sheets). Please read the information below that pertains to you depending on how you are enrolled in this course. If you are unsure how you are enrolled, please call CDE Student Services at 1–800–277–8060 or 907–474–5353 or email us at distance@uaf.edu. ‘’‘ YEARLONG STUDENTS’‘’ (Orange-Yellow Cover Sheets)

Time Requirement You are allowed twelve months from the date of enrollment to complete an Independent Learning course.

We suggest a student take at least three months to complete a course to allow adequate time for lesson submission, grading, and reflection on course material. The instructor must be notified if a student wants to finish in an accelerated time frame. Lessons should be submitted throughout the entire course at a rate of no more than two lessons per week. This insures timely grading and return to the student so the student can take advantage of instructor comments. If more than two lessons are handed in at one time, the lessons will be held by CDE and distributed to the instructor only at the rate of two-lessons-per-week. The submission of an unusually large number of lessons at one time will not be accepted.

Course Drop A student may drop a course within the first three weeks of enrollment. Requests to drop a course must be in writing, preferably on the “Drop” portion of the UAF Drop/Add Form (see back of course guide). Tuition, fees, and materials (depending on condition) costs MINUS a $15 processing fee will be refunded if the student drops and returns all materials in perfect condition within the three-week time period. Request forms are available at http://distance.uaf.edu.

Transfers Transferring from one Independent Learning course to another must be done within 60 days of the initial enrollment date. Only one transfer (Drop/Add) is allowed for each course.

Each request must be accompanied by 1. a completed Drop/Add form 2. $15 transfer fee 3. payment for the new course materials Credit for 80% of unmarked books and materials in excellent condition can be applied toward the new course materials and/or transfer fees.

The expiration date for the new course of study is the same as that established for the original course (original enrollment date plus one year). Transfers from one student to another cannot be made. Request forms are available at http://distance.uaf.edu.

Withdrawals Student-Initiated: A student may withdraw from a course through the seventh month of the year-long term. Withdrawal requests must be in writing, preferably on the “Drop” portion of the UAF Drop/Add Form (see back of course guide). After 3 weeks and within 60 days from the enrollment date, a student will receive a refund of 50 percent of tuition only. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THE 60 DAY TIME PERIOD! See the section on CDE Bookstore policies to understand return options for books and materials. Request forms are also available at http://distance.uaf.edu. A “W” appears on the transcript; the “W” is not included in the computation of the grade point average. CDE will provide periodic reminders to students of the amount of progress that should be made.

Faculty-Initiated: You may be withdrawn from your yearlong course if you have not shown sufficient progress in the course by the seventh month following registration. CDE will provide regular notification to students reminding them of approaching deadlines in their yearlong course. A “W” appears on the transcript; the “W” is not included in the computation of the grade point average. CDE will provide periodic reminders to students of the amount of progress that should be made.

Time Extension If all lessons and examinations have not been completed at the end of the year, an Independent Learning student may apply for one, and only one, six-month extension. However, extensions will be granted only if the student has completed at least half of the course assignments.

The student may submit a Course Extension Request Form at anytime during their enrollment but no later than ten (10) days prior to the expiration date of the current enrollment, accompanied by a $50.00 fee for each course. Request forms are also available at http://distance.uaf.edu. At the end of the six-month extension period, a final grade (may be an “F”) will be computed based on work completed.

If a student has allowed an extension to expire and if at least 75% of the course assignments have been completed, a reinstatement of three months from the original expiration or extension date can be granted. A Reinstatement form must be submitted to CDE within two weeks after the expiration date. A $75 fee will be charged for this reinstatement. The course must be completed within those three months because no further extensions or reinstatements will be allowed. A letter grade (A – F) will be awarded at that time. If the course is still not completed by that time, the student must re-register and pay the appropriate tuition and fees.

Final Grade Once you have completed all the required coursework and exams within the allotted time, your instructor will assign a letter grade A – F. Consult the Instructor’s comments in this course guide for specific policies related to assigning final grades in this course.

In some circumstances your instructor may elect to assign a No Basis (“NB”) registration status. NB registration status means that there is no basis for assigning a grade and the student did not initiate withdrawal paperwork. Instructors may award an “NB” if there is insufficient student progress and/or attendance for evaluation to occur. No credit is given, nor is the “NB” calculated in the GPA. It cannot be changed to a grade by later completing the outstanding work.

SEMESTER-BASED STUDENTS Independent Learning semester-based students should follow the same guidelines that pertain to on-campus semester based courses.

Time Requirement A student has until CDE’s established end of semester date to complete the course. Please note this date is usually earlier then the regular UAF semester. Your instructor may have set specific deadlines for your course that will be listed in the introductory comments. See lesson cover sheets for specific dates established by UAF.

Course Drop Student initiated course drops must occur within the specified time-period applying to on-campus courses (generally about two weeks after the semester start). All UAF policies regarding adding and dropping of on-campus courses apply to semester-based independent Learning courses A student may drop by going to UAOnline (http://uaonline.alaska.edu/) or through the registrar’s office. A dropped course does not appear on the student’s academic record.

Withdrawal Student-Initiated: All UAF policies regarding withdrawing from on-campus semester-based courses apply the same to Independent Learning semester-based courses. Students must withdraw within the specified time-period no later than the tenth week. A student may withdraw by going through the registrar’s office. A “W” appears on the transcript; the “W” is not included in the computation of the grade point average. CDE will provide periodic reminders to students of the amount of progress that should be made and approaching institutional deadlines.

Faculty-Initiated: Some courses have progress time requirements that must be met. These requirements are part of the course design to enhance learning and successful completion of the course. These requirements are clearly outlined in the course guide. If you fail to follow these progress requirements, your Instructor may initiate a Faculty Withdrawal. A “W” appears on the transcript; the “W” is not included in the computation of the grade point average. CDE will provide periodic reminders to students of the amount of progress that should be made and approaching institutional deadlines.

Time Extension Semester-based students may apply for an Incomplete (“I) grade to obtain a time extension to complete a course. Granting of an Incomplete is at your instructor’s discretion. An Incomplete is a temporary grade used to indicate the student has satisfactorily completed (C or better) the majority of work in a course. The instructor will negotiate with the student to establish the time extension period. The time extension is generally about a month. In no case is the extension longer than one year. At the end of the negotiated time period for completion, the instructor must assign a letter grade (A – F); the Permanent Incomplete no longer exists as a grading option. A senior cannot graduate with an “I” grade in either a university or major course requirement. To determine a senior’s grade point average at graduation, the “I” grade will be computed as a failing grade. All Incomplete requests must be filed through the Center for Distance Education office before the end of the semester deadline (see dates on cover sheet). All UAF on-campus grading policies apply to Independent Learning semester-based courses.

Final Grade Once the student has completed all the required coursework and exams within the allotted time, your instructor will assign a letter grade A – F. Consult the Instructor’s comments in this course guide for specific policies related to assigning final grades in this course.

If the student has not completed all the required course work and exams and has not been granted an Incomplete, the student’s enrollment automatically expires and an A-F letter grade will be assigned based on work completed.

In some circumstances your instructor may elect to assign a No Basis (“NB”) registration status. NB registration status means that there is no basis for assigning a grade and the student did not initiate withdrawal paperwork. Instructors may award an “NB” if there is insufficient student progress and/or attendance for evaluation to occur. No credit is given, nor is the “NB” calculated in the GPA. It cannot be removed by later completing the outstanding work.