Information for Independent Study Program
Current Students
- Contact Information
- Programs and Majors
- Course Schedule
- Registration and Enrollment
- Financial Aid
- Time Limits
- Extensions
- Refund Policy and Course Withdrawal
- Administrative Withdrawal
- Program Details
- Accelerated Summer Courses
Refund Policy and Course Withdrawal
Withdrawing from classes is an expensive decision and may change the amount of, or eligibility to receive, financial aid. Independent Study Program staff members are available to discuss this decision with you. A grade of W (withdrawal) is recorded for any course from which a learner withdraws.
Upon receiving a request for withdrawal, using the number of lessons submitted as compared to the total due, a refund of tuition is made according to the following guidelines.
|
Refund Percentage |
|
| On or before the first day of the enrollment period* | 100% |
| After the first lesson through 10% of the enrollment period | 90% |
| After the first 10% through the first 25% of the enrollment period | 50% |
| After the first 25% through the first 50% of the enrollment period | 25% |
| After the first 50% of the enrollment period | 0% |
* An enrollment period is defined as the number of lessons to be submitted during a six-month period of time, as determined by the University, during which semester credits are earned toward graduation. The refund/repayments shall be calculated using the percentages noted above as determined using the number of lessons completed and the number of lessons yet to be submitted.
Learners who withdraw from a course prior to submitting the first lesson or who are administratively withdrawn for non-submission of lessons will be charged an administrative fee of $93.
You may appeal the refund calculation if you feel there are extreme circumstances that warrant an exception to the published policy. Make your request in writing, documenting the extreme circumstances, and submit it to the Executive Director for the Center for Distance Education. A response to the appeal will be made within two weeks.
A grade of AW (administrative withdrawal) is recorded for any course from which a learner is administratively withdrawn. At least one complete unit must be submitted to the instructor within the first 60 days of the enrollment period or the learner will be administratively withdrawn from the course.
Course Syllabi
Course syllabi will be sent electronically to the student's UIU email account. With approval, printed versions may be sent by U.S. mail.
Supplementary Reading
Some instructors list supplementary reading for their course. These books may often be found at your local public or university library or obtained through interlibrary loan. If books cannot be located from any of these sources, they may be available at Upper Iowa University's library. If the books are available for circulation, they may be obtained by sending a written request (including author, title, and publication date of the book) to Henderson-Wilder Library, PO Box 1858, Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA 52142, or fax your request to 563-425-5271. Books from Upper Iowa University's library circulate for one month. Periodicals and journals are not available for circulation, but you may obtain photocopies. Note: Required texts are not available from Upper Iowa University's library.
Lesson Submission
Lessons may be submitted for grading by U.S. mail, fax or email, if approved by the instructor.
Examinations
The course materials you will receive at the beginning of the course will explain what exams are required, when to request the exams and what material will be covered. You will need to make arrangements to complete your examinations under the supervision of a qualified proctor (someone to administer the exam). You must bring a photo I.D. with you to the exam.
Approved exam proctors are:
- school principals
- superintendents
- guidance counselors
- full-time school or public librarians
- testing centers at an accredited community college/college/university
- embassy officials
- military education officers or test control officers
- company education directors, directors of training and development or human resource directors (learner must be employed by the company).
- professional exam center
- UIU education center staff
NOTE: Teachers, employers, relatives, close friends, and other UIU learners cannot serve as proctors. Exams will not be sent to residential locations.
Here's some helpful links to more information about UIU: