Semester-Based Option
Students at the University of Alaska may find some benefit from enrolling in Independent Learning (IL) courses on a semester basis. Semester-based IL courses count toward full-time status and financial aid. Enrollment in semester-based IL courses must take place during the normal semester registration or preregistration period. Enroll through your local campus or register at UAonline.
For a full comparison of the differences between yearlong and semester-based independent learning courses see our chart.
Materials
Fairbanks students should come to the CDE office to purchase their course materials. For non-Fairbanks students, course materials will be sent by mail upon verification of their enrollment.
Abbreviated Timeframe
Students should begin working on the course assignments as soon as they receive their course materials. Due to mailing time, students should allow at least two weeks for grading and return of each lesson. Students should not wait for the first lesson to come back before beginning the next lesson. E-mail is highly recommended to expedite turnaround of lessons for some courses.
Students will be required to sign an agreement indicating their understanding of the rules and regulations governing semester-based courses.
Deadline for Completion
Semester-based courses must be completed by the stated deadlines; the grade must be submitted at the same time as all other semester course grades. If the student would like to complete the course but is unable to finish by the deadline, he or she is obligated to contact the instructor to make arrangements for an Incomplete ("I") grade; this is done when a Request for Incomplete Grade form is completed and signed by the instructor. Whether to award an Incomplete grade is entirely at the discretion of the instructor. The instructor can determine the length of time the student has to complete the course, up to a maximum of one year. At the end of the stated term, the instructor can award a grade based on work completed or will automatcially change to an "F."
Failure to Complete
If a student does not finish a semester-based course, financial aid for the next semester could be negatively impacted, depending on the individual situation. Financial aid requirements should be considered before a student decides not to complete a course. Failure to complete a semester-based IL course may adversely affect grade point average, future enrollment, and academic probation.
Withdrawal
Semester-based courses cannot be changed into regular year-long courses. If you wish to withdraw from the course, you must do so by the same deadline as all other semester courses.
Grades
All policies and procedures that apply to regular semester courses will apply to semester-based Independent Learning courses. Grades for these courses will factor into both the semester and cumulative GPA.