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What Is Independent Learning? Independent Learning is a part of the University of South Carolina (USC) undergraduate program. It is designed for students who desire some freedom in the selection of courses, who cannot schedule classes on campus or who need to supplement their schedules, and who desire to learn independently.
Independent learning allows students with time or distance restraints to take college-level courses for credit or for pleasure. As much as possible, the content of an independent learning course is the same as that of its corresponding campus-based course—only the method of study is different.
The courses listed in this catalog are designed primarily for college credit work. However, we encourage individuals interested in learning for the sake of learning to enroll. Courses listed in this catalog are, for the most part, developed and taught by USC faculty.
Students should be aware that independent learning courses are not instructor-led, but are strictly self-paced, independent study. Independent learning instructors are not one-on-one tutors—students are expected to complete the academic work on their own. Most courses now provide online tutoring through the textbook publisher’s Web site. Check your syllabus or textbook for more information.
Credits Credits are awarded on a semester-hour basis. One semester hour is the standard equivalent of 1½ quarter hours. USC degree-seeking students may apply 30 semester hours of independent learning courses toward their degree with the approval of their dean. USC students must take the last 30 semester hours of their degree in residence unless a petition to waive this rule is approved.
If a student is planning to use independent learning credits for degree requirements, he should contact the dean of his college to determine whether or not independent learning courses meet the requirements and prerequisites. The majority of academic institutions accept independent learning credits earned from an accredited college or university. However, it is the student’s responsibility to comply with the requirements of the degree-granting institution and to secure approval from the advisor or dean before enrollment.
No independent learning course will be counted toward the 12 hours required for either the President’s or Dean’s Honor List at USC.
Independent Learning courses are not offered for graduate credit by USC.
Degrees An external degree is not available solely using USC independent learning courses. Credits may be used to supplement the resident curriculum; however, a University of South Carolina degree cannot be earned solely by taking independent learning courses.
USC is a member of the National Universities Degree Consortium (NUDC), which facilitates completion of several bachelor’s degrees from Colorado State University, Kansas State University, University of Alabama, University of Houston System, Washington State University, and Weber State University. Visit the NUDC Web site for more information. www.nudc.org
Admission Formal admission to USC is not required for a student to enroll and earn credits in independent learning courses. However, established admission requirements must be met at the time of formal enrollment in any academic program of USC. It is the student’s responsibility to determine whether or not a particular course will meet her institution’s requirements. Additional information is available from the academic dean of the school or college where the credit will be used.
A student currently admitted to USC must complete a Special Enrollment/Transient Request (AS-30), including signatures of the dean and advisor, in order to enroll in an independent learning course. AS-30 forms are available online here or from the Records Office or Independent Learning.
If a student has ever been enrolled at a USC regional campus and wishes to apply credits earned through independent learning toward a degree from the University, he must secure the approval of the dean of the school or college in which he was majoring. The AS-30 form will ensure that credits earned will be added to the student's transcript.
If a student wants to take an independent learning course during her last 30 semester hours at USC, she must petition for permission through her dean. This petition is in addition to the AS-30 form.
If enrolled at a college or university other than USC, the student must have the approval of his dean or advisor before enrolling in independent learning. For his benefit, it is advisable for the student to have the permission in writing before enrolling in a USC independent learning course. Send a letter of permission with the application and tuition.
Independent learning credits may be applicable toward initial certification provided the educator holds a bachelor’s degree. Credits earned through independent learning may also be applicable for renewal of credentials. Due to the individual nature of certificate renewal, educators are urged to confirm in writing the applicability of courses for their needs with the appropriate department of education or other accrediting agency.
Specific questions concerning certification or renewal of teaching credentials in South Carolina should be directed to the Division of Teacher Quality, Office of Teacher Certification; South Carolina Department of Education; 3700 Forest Drive, Suite 500; Columbia, SC 29204. The telephone numbers for that office are 803-734-8466 or toll free at 877-885-5280. The fax number is 803-734-8264. Visit their Web site at www.scteachers.org/, where educators may also check the status of their teacher’s certificate at www.scteachers.org.
The University of South Carolina cooperates with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make it possible for eligible students to request VA benefits for independent learning. To qualify, VA-eligible students must be enrolled in an approved degree program at USC or another college or university. The VA has the final decision regarding any VA reimbursement for independent learning courses.
VA-eligible students are required to pay the full tuition fee when enrolling for courses. Any subsequent VA payments to the student would be determined by the number of courses in which he is concurrently enrolled, the dates of the current USC academic semester, and the VA educational benefit available. Specific questions may be directed to the USC Office of Veterans Services (www.sa.sc.edu/veterans/), 316 Russell House, Columbia, SC 29208, or 803-777-5156.
The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) was established in June 1974 to provide educational support for voluntary education programs for military organizations. Military personnel on active duty should contact their Education Office for additional information concerning enrollment through this program.
At the time of enrollment, military personnel must send the full tuition amount. DANTES is responsible for reimbursement procedures. For individuals receiving Tuition Assistance, include TA form along with payment of remaining balance (25 percent). The only branch of the military that accepts invoices for tuition payment is the Marines.
Enrollment Procedures A student may enroll in an independent learning course at any time. Enrollment forms are at www.sc.edu/uis/de. A student may not be enrolled in more than three courses concurrently. The enrollment form, permission form if required, and tuition and rental fees as listed should be mailed to UIS Independent Learning, University of South Carolina, 1244 Blossom Street, Columbia, SC 29208. If the enrollment form is incomplete, payment is not enclosed, or required permission is not attached, the application will be returned.
If preferred, students may register at the Independent Learning office in Columbia at 1244 Blossom Street. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., with the exception of holidays and special summer hours.
Enrollment Fees The tuition fee for courses (with no tape component) is $125 per credit hour for resident and nonresident enrollments. The tuition for a three-credit-hour course is $375. The correct tuition fee is listed in each course description. Rental fees, if required, are listed in the course description also. A nonrefundable rental fee is charged for all courses that require audio or videocassettes. The tapes must be returned to the Independent Learning office upon completion or expiration of the course, or the student’s academic record will be held, no transcript requests will be honored, and future registration within the USC System will be blocked. Students are also responsible for the replacement cost of tapes not received by Independent Learning.
Make checks and money orders payable to the University of South Carolina. Do not include textbook payments with the tuition or rental fees except for courses that have books available only from Independent Learning (see separate Book Price List). VISA, MasterCard, and Discover charge cards may be used for payment of tuition, rental, and textbook fees. Forms are provided for your use in enrolling and ordering books. To pay using a charge card, fill out the back of each appropriate form.
Independent Learning follows the University of South Carolina policy on academic fees and expenses concerning returned checks. A copy of this policy is available from our office. Transcripts will not be released until all indebtedness to the University is relieved.
Enrollment fees and course charges are subject to change without notice.
Postage Information Assignments should always be sent by First Class Mail unless you are sending assignments by e-mail (see Courses Available Online). The Post Office will not deliver mail without correct postage. If the amount of postage required is uncertain, have assignments weighed by the local Post Office. USC Columbia students or independent learning students who live in the Columbia area may bring assignments to the office at 1244 Blossom Street.
Graded assignments will be returned by First Class Mail without additional charge to addresses within the continental United States. (Students who live outside the United States should refer to the next section for information about international airmail fees.) Graded assignments will also be returned to APO and FPO addresses by First Class Mail. Final examinations are always mailed to proctors by First Class Mail.
International Airmail Students who live outside the United States must pay a one-time handling fee for each course in which they enroll. Include this international airmail processing fee with your tuition payment. Fees must be paid on a United States bank, in United States dollars. Bank drafts will not be accepted.
| International Airmail (excluding Canada and Mexico) | $42.00 |
| Canada | $14.00 |
| Mexico | $19.00 |
Textbooks The majority of textbooks must be ordered from MBS Direct. However, there are a few course materials that are only available from Independent Learning; these are identified on the materials price list. An order form is available for ordering through USC Independent Learning. If ordering textbooks from MBS Direct, mail, fax, or phone in your order, with payment for textbooks only, directly to MBS Direct. Under no circumstances should you combine payment for tuition fees with the MBS Direct textbook fees; this slows down processing of your application. You may pay for tuition and books together only if you are ordering books supplied by Independent Learning.
Textbook titles, editions, and prices are subject to change without notice. Order the textbooks for your course at the same time you enroll to ensure receipt of the correct edition. Send your questions about ordering books to the Independent Learning coordinator (UTSQUEST@mailbox.sc.edu). You may also contact the Independent Learning coordinator at 800-922-2577 or 803-777-7210.
MBS Direct may buy back independent learning books from students. Contact MBS Direct for textbook buy-back information.
Other questions concerning textbooks should be directed to the Independent Learning coordinator (UTSQUEST@mailbox.sc.edu). You may also contact the Independent Learning coordinator at 800-922-2577 or 803-777-7210. Identify yourself as an independent learning student.
Financial Aid Scholarships or other forms of financial aid are not available through Independent Learning. Information about veterans’ benefits is listed under Admission: Veterans.
Business organizations sometimes have educational programs whereby employees are reimbursed for enrollment fees. Check with your employer before enrolling to confirm the availability of such programs. Enrollment fees must accompany the application even if reimbursement benefits apply.
Courses taken by correspondence may not be used to make up full-time enrollment status for loan deferments and will not appear on the academic record until completed and assigned a grade.
Tax Relief Act of 1997 The Tax Relief Act of 1997 provides tax benefits to help families meet the cost of post-secondary education. These tax benefits are intended to help parents as well as all working Americans to fulfill a variety of educational objectives. Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Credit applies to tuition and fees for undergraduate and continuing education course work. Please consult your tax advisor concerning this tax credit when completing your tax returns.
Transfers You may transfer from one course to another before mailing the first lesson and within 30 days of the registration date. You may not transfer your registration to another student. The transfer fee is $40. Complete the application for the course to which the enrollment is being transferred and send with the transfer fee, the written request for transfer, and the approval form, if applicable. Also, the materials for the course from which you are transferring must be returned to the Independent Learning office unused and undamaged.
Refunds In the event a student decides not to take a course in which she has enrolled, a refund of 75 percent of the tuition fee will be made provided the following conditions are met: (a) the refund request is received in writing prior to an enrollment of one month, (b) no assignments have been mailed for grading and (c) course materials are returned undamaged to the Independent Learning Office. No refund can be made if course materials have been used or damaged in any manner. Once payment has been receipted, the 75 percent refund rule will apply. Fees paid by check are not subject to refund until three weeks after payment is received by Independent Learning.
Full tuition will be refunded only in cases where the application is not accepted by Independent Learning. Requests for refunds are processed on the first of each month. Checks are mailed to students by the University Financial Services office approximately four to six weeks later.
Time Requirements Each student is allowed 12 months from the date of enrollment for completion of independent learning course(s). All assignments and the final examination must be completed by the enrollment expiration date. The 12-month enrollment period allows adequate time for completion of all lesson assignments and the final examination. However, a three-month extension from the enrollment expiration date can be requested for a fee of $40.
Only one extension of three months will be permitted. The written request for extension and the payment must be received by the Independent Learning Office before the enrollment expires. The extension will begin on the date the original enrollment expires. The student will receive a receipt indicating the new date of expiration. Students are responsible for maintaining a record of the enrollment expiration date of all original enrollments and any extended expiration dates.
If the course enrollment expires and is not extended, the student will be automatically dropped from the records. A grade is not reported to the University Records Office unless a student actually completes a course. Any assignments turned in after the course has expired are void. If a student decides to complete the course after the expiration date has passed, she must reenroll and pay required fees.
No course may be completed in less than two months from the date of enrollment. This is not a guarantee that a course may be completed in two months from the date of enrollment; completion time will depend upon the number of assignments in the course, restrictions stated in the syllabus by the professor, and the time available for study. The amount of time required for completion varies with each student and with each course. However, the average completion time is four to six months, provided the assignments are completed systematically.
All assignments and the final examination must be completed at least three weeks prior to the date credit is needed.
Instructional Procedures Plagiarism, even a first offense, will earn you a failing grade in the course. The University of South Carolina Freshman Program defines plagiarism as “presenting, as one’s own, the work or the opinion of someone else.” Most students define plagiarism as “copying material of some sort, either word for word or sense for sense.” Although that definition is accurate, the criterion is not merely copying material; ideas, conclusions, and ways of organizing material can also be plagiarized. Specifically, students are guilty of plagiarism when:
Upon receipt of the application and enrollment fees, Independent Learning will send course materials by mail or e-mail depending upon the student’s preference as indicated on the enrollment application. The course packet will include the instructional materials, assignments, directions for preparing assignments, and instructions for sending assignments by e-mail or pre-addressed envelopes for sending assignments by mail. If the course materials have not been received within two to three weeks after sending the application, contact the Independent Learning office. Unless otherwise notified, we will assume that the course materials have been received. The enrollment period begins on the date the course materials are sent to the student.
The material in a course is equivalent to a semester of work on campus. To receive full educational benefits from a course, do not send an assignment until the previous assignment has been graded and returned. A professor may require that a graded assignment be returned before proceeding with the next lesson because of the structure of the course and materials to be covered. These specific instructions will be stated in the course syllabus. In any case, a student may not turn in more than 20 percent of the total assignments in a seven-day period in any one course. (For most courses this equates to no more than three assignments per week.) An entire course may not be turned in for grading at one time. A student should begin the course immediately after receiving the course materials and send the assignments at regular intervals.
If a student chooses to mail assignments, pre-addressed envelopes will be included in the packet received in the mail. If a student chooses to send assignments by e-mail, instructions will be sent by e-mail describing the entire process. All assignments must be sent to USC Independent Learning. The Independent Learning office cannot be responsible for assignments or materials sent directly to the instructor.
All questions concerning course work, fees, examinations, grades, workbooks or other materials, or credits should be directed to the Independent Learning office. Instructors are not prepared to answer any administrative questions pertaining to the Independent Learning program. When such questions are received by the instructor, they are referred to the Independent Learning office. If there are questions concerning the content of a course, write a note to the instructor and include it with an assignment. It is important for the student to correspond with the instructor if she is uncertain about a particular assignment. But remember, this is an independent learning course and instructors are not expected to tutor students.
When an assignment is received, it is sent immediately to the instructor of the course for grading. The instructor reviews the assignment, writes comments or suggestions on the lesson, and assigns a grade. Graded assignments are then returned to the student by the Independent Learning office by mail.
The instructor is allowed two weeks for grading an assignment. Considering the time involved in mailing the assignment to Independent Learning, grading by the instructor, and return mailing, the student should receive the corrected assignment in about three weeks. Students who choose to send assignments by e-mail can save up to a week in the processing time, but graded assignments turned in by e-mail will still be returned by standard mail. Delays in grading and returning assignments may occur during holidays, summer months, vacation periods, University final examination and registration periods, and between the ending of one session and the beginning of the next. Students should be particularly aware of possible grading delays if attempting to meet a strict deadline.
Evaluation of each assignment is the responsibility of the instructor. Each lesson will receive a grade of A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D, F, INC or an equivalent numerical grade. An “INC” (incomplete) on an assignment indicates that the lesson has not been completed and that the incomplete section or sections must be completed before a grade can be given for the assignment. All incomplete assignments must be repeated and received by the Independent Learning office before the final examination is requested.
The final examination is generally the only supervised component of an independent learning course. A passing grade on the final exam is required in order to earn credit for the course. The student is expected to maintain a passing average on all written assignments, but the assignment grades will not be counted toward the final grade unless pass the final examination (if required). Students who fail a final examination will receive a failing grade for the course. All final grades, passing and failing, will be sent to the University Records Office for entry on the student’s permanent record. A reexamination is not permitted to raise a grade or remove a failure. A Pass/Fail option does not apply to independent learning. Students enrolled through Independent Learning are expected to follow the same standards of academic responsibility as set forth in the University of South Carolina Student Handbook and Policy Guide (copies available upon request). Any evidence of dishonesty or plagiarism by the student in assignment preparation or testing will result in a failing grade for the course.
After completing all the course assignments, the student will take a proctored final examination covering all course material. A passing grade must be earned on the final examination to earn credit for the course. Reexaminations are not allowed.
A final examination cannot be requested until all assignments have been received by the Independent Learning office. Final examinations are proctored at the Independent Learning office. Students outside the Columbia area may take examinations under the supervision of an approved proctor:
Examinations may also be taken at the Independent Learning office of any institution that is a member of the University Continuing Education Association (www.ucea.edu/). An Examination Request Form giving complete instructions will be included in the course materials or course syllabus. Independent Learning reserves the right to accept or reject the nominated proctor.
Students with disabilities who come to Columbia for testing are assisted through the USC Office of Disability Services (www.sa.sc.edu/dss/). The professionally trained staff works with students in compliance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities who have tests administered at sites outside the Columbia area should notify the proctor of any special needs when scheduling the test.
All assignments and the final examination must be completed at least three weeks before the date credit is needed. If the student is attempting to meet a deadline, he must inform the Independent Learning office of this date at the time of his enrollment. A note concerning any deadline date should be attached to the first assignment so that the instructor will be aware of the situation. The deadline dates for completion are especially important for May, August, and December graduations.
Repeating Courses In order to repeat a failed course, a student must reenroll and pay the required fees. All assignments must be redone and submitted for grading before a student can request the final examination. All assignments mailed under the original enrollment are void.
Courses Withdrawn or Temporarily UnavailableOccasionally it is necessary to discontinue accepting applications for a course because the syllabus is being revised or because of changes in curriculum by the department. In such cases, the application and payment will be returned with a letter of explanation. The student may select another course or await the completion of the revision when applicable.
Grade Reports and Transcripts Final grades are forwarded to the Records Office and the student. A copy of the course grade report will also be sent to another school or to a state department of education if the student includes this request on the enrollment application.
Official transcripts must be requested from Student Records (803-777-5555). A Transcript Request form will be included in your course materials or you may print one from the USC Registrar’s Office Web site (http://registrar.sc.edu). The fee for one transcript is $8. Please make check or money order payable to USC and mail directly to Transcripts, Office of the University Registrar, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208 or fax it to 803-777-6349. If you prefer, you may fax the completed request form, along with a valid VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number and the card expiration date to 803-777-6349.
The present grading system of the University of South Carolina for grades entered on student transcripts applies to Independent Learning.
Confidentiality of Student Records Independent Learning follows University of South Carolina policy in abiding by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Under this act, education records of students are released only with written consent and request of eligible students except, in accordance with the law, to authorized persons within the University and to authorized agencies outside the University.
Courses Available Online Most courses are now available with an online component as well as in the standard correspondence study mode. Choosing to take a course online gives each student the option of receiving course materials via e-mail or online, sending assignments by e-mail, and checking grades online. Assignments sent by e-mail should be Microsoft Word files or Adobe Acrobat PDFs.
The University of South Carolina uses Blackboard software to make independent learning courses available online. In order to take an independent learning course online, the student’s computer must meet or exceed the following specifications.
Platform: Windows 98, 2000, NT, ME, or XP; MacOS9 or MacOS X
Hardware: 128 MB RAM, 1 GB of free disk space
Browser: Windows users should have Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher or Netscape 6.2 or higher. Macintosh users should have Internet Explorer 5.2 or higher or Netscape 7.0.
Data Communications: 56K modem
Once enrolled in a course, a user ID will be assigned and the student will be sent information by e-mail about how to log on to the USC Blackboard server.
High School Independent Learning Supervised high school independent learning courses at each high school grade level in required subjects are available. A catalog of high school courses will be sent upon request.
University Continuing Education Association The University of South Carolina is a member of the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA), a professional organization through which colleges and universities cooperate to develop, maintain, and advance sound education practices. The Independent Study Division of UCEA publishes The Independent Study Catalog which lists independent study courses offered by accredited universities and colleges nationwide. The Independent Study Catalog may be ordered from UCEA Book Order Department, Peterson’s Guide, PO Box 2123, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-2123 or call 800-338-3282 to order by phone using a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover. Order the catalog online at Peterson’s Web site: www.petersons.com. Go to the Online Bookstore and click on Distance Learning. A copy of the catalog is available for review in the USC Independent Learning office.
Accreditation The University of South Carolina is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Questions? If you have any questions regarding College Independent Learning
courses, send e-mail to
Carol B. Williams or call 800-922-2577 (in the
continental United States) or 803-777-7210.
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