Independent Learning at the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies University of Colorado at Boulder

Individualized Instruction

Individualized Instruction provides an opportunity for students to receive credit for University courses by meeting with faculty members in other than the regular classroom setting. Instruction received will be on an individualized basis outside the classroom. This option may be used whenever the student cannot reasonably be expected to enroll in the campus course. University of Colorado main campus courses offered with department titles of "Independent Study" may not be taken via Individualized Instruction. If a course is offered via Independent Learning (Correspondence or www), in most cases, it will not be approved for Individualized Instruction.

Restrictions

• Students on suspension may not earn credit through Individualized Instruction.
• Courses titled "Independent Study" may not be taken via Individualized Instruction.
• Pass/fail grading may not be used.
• Course work is not to begin until the approval process has been completed and tuition has been paid.
• No approval will be granted for work completed before registration.
• Grades will not be accepted or recorded in less than two (2) months from registration (tuition paid).

Requirements

1. A faculty member must agree to serve as instructor and to provide individualized instruction and supervision.
2. The approval form must be signed by the student, the instructor, the department chairperson, the dean of the school or college in which the course is offered, dean of student's school or college (if different) and the dean of graduate school (if appropriate).
3. Students are responsible for ascertaining whether or not the courses desired will apply toward specific degrees.
4. Students may enroll in courses through Individualized Instruction at any time.
5. Courses may be completed in no less than two (2) months nor more than four (4) months from the date the registration is completed and tuition paid.
6. Students wishing extensions of time must present a note from the instructor of the course stating the length of additional time to be allowed (the instructor will receive no additional remuneration). Extensions may not exceed 12 months.
7. The extension fee will be assessed at $60.00 per credit hour (i.e. $180.00 for a 3 credit-hour course). You may withdraw with the permission of the instructor within 30 days. The instructor must indicate percent of completion, if any. Refunds will be based on percent of completion. Failure to get permission with completion indicated may result in no refund. Non-attendance or non-payment does not constitute withdrawal. No refund will be allowed after 30 calendar days from registration.

Procedures

1. A student who cannot take a specific course on campus consults with the appropriate department to determine whether Individualized Instruction could be utilized. A faculty member in the area of specialization is asked to serve as instructor.
2. The student must obtain the appropriate approval form from the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies.
3. The student obtains signatures on the approval form. Give the faculty member a copy of the Instructor Information Sheet. A copy of the syllabus must be attached to the Individualized Instruction Approval Form when signed by the instructor. The Individualized Instruction Approval Form must be signed by the student, the instructor, the department chairperson, the dean of the school or college in which the course is offered, dean of student's school or college (if different) and the dean of graduate school (if appropriate).
4. After all signatures have been obtained, the Individualized Instruction Approval Form is returned to the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies. Tuition must be paid before course work is to begin and is payable at time of registration.
5. The student and the faculty member then meet to establish a schedule of assignments and meetings.

Tuition

Tuition for resident students is $774.00 for a three semester hour course. Nonresident students may take up to three (3) credit-hours at the resident tuition rate. Nonresidents will be assessed non-resident rates for all hours if they register for four (4) or more credits. Tuition rates are subject to change by the Board of Regents without prior notice.

Please write, call, or visit the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, Independent Learning Department regarding any questions you may have about Individualized Instruction. You may also want to check our Frequently Asked Questions.