Changes in Guided Independent Study Courses
 

On June 15, 2007, Guided Independent Study (GIS) courses adopted a session-based format. You will no longer be able to enroll in and begin course work at any time during the academic year.

If you enrolled in a GIS course prior to or on June 15, 2007 you will follow the original nine-month course schedule. These non-session-based procedures will remain the same until April 2008.

Following is a summary of how session-based GIS courses will differ from the non-session-based format. Telephone the Center for Credit Programs at 800-272-6430 or 319-335-2575 with questions.

Enrollment changes:

• You must enroll in GIS courses during on-campus registration periods (this includes early registration).
• You have two academic terms to complete GIS courses, although you may complete the course in one academic term. If you do not complete the course in one academic term, you will automatically be assigned an “I” for “Incomplete.” You will not have to request an “Incomplete” from an instructor.
• Section numbers on GIS courses will change from GW to EX.
• The EX section number indicates the semester-based rules apply to course registration.

Billing changes:

• You may no longer pay by credit card.
• Tuition charges will be charged to your University Bill.
• The Cashier's Office offers two payment options:

1. Pay Balance in Full

If you choose to pay the full amount, you will pay the total shown as the "Balance Due" by the date indicated on your bill.

2. Deferred Payment Plan

By paying the Minimum Periodic Payment listed on the billing statement you automatically become enrolled in this plan, and you will be billed in three installments.

Fall and Spring semester installments will be billed as follows:

         Fall Semester - August, September, October

         Spring Semester - January, February, March

A $20.00 Deferred Payment Fee will be assessed on the last installment of the semester if you choose this billing option.

Summer semester installments will be billed in June and July.

 

A $15.00 Deferred Payment Fee will be assessed on the last installment of the summer semester if you choose this billing option.

Fall session 2007 and the new GIS format

Fall 2007 courses begin August 27. Grades will be posted to transcripts in late December for students who finish coursework during the fall semester. April 1 is the firm deadline for all coursework. Grades for those who were not included in the December grade report will be posted to transcripts in May.

All GIS courses in the new system will continue to be delivered online. The option to purchase print-based materials will still be available with most courses. If you wish to receive your course grade at the end of the session in which you enrolled, the courses provide a recommended schedule for assignments and exams. However, GIS courses in the new format still allow you to set the pace for your coursework over the extended two-semester enrollment period.