Carol B. Williams or
call 800-922-2577 (in the continental United States)
or 803-777-7210. Go directly to course listings
Electives
English
Mathematics
Social Studies
Independent Learning, University of South Carolina offers high school courses through Supervised Independent Learning for high school students and for individuals not enrolled in school. The independent learning instructor evaluates all student work received for grading. The local high school assists the student with selecting proper courses and appoints a supervisor for those students in supervised study.
Purpose of Supervised Independent Learning
The major purpose of Supervised Independent Learning is to provide a method of meeting the special needs of students, thereby supplementing the local high school program. The local high school does not lose any of its educational prerogatives by making independent learning courses available to its students. In fact, the local school may, to a certain degree, consider the independent learning teaching staff as an extension of its own faculty. Gains in a student’s reading and writing skills, ability to follow written instructions, and the ability to schedule time more satisfactorily, have been noted in students who complete at least one independent learning course.
Students Enrolled in High School
A regularly enrolled high school student may earn credits through independent learning by obtaining the approval of the high school principal. South Carolina Department of Education approval is no longer required. Independent learning courses are included in determining the student’s maximum allowed course load in any semester. The student and advisors should ensure that the selected course is on the list of courses required by the South Carolina Department of Education. No student may apply more than six independent learning course units to the units required for graduation. Students in other states should abide by the rules and regulations of their Departments of Education.
An application for independent learning must be completed by the student and signed by the principal of the student’s high school. The application and a check or money order payable to the University of South Carolina must be mailed to the Independent Learning Office. You may include payment for handbooks and/or audiotapes, if required, with your tuition payment.
Textbooks are handled by MBS Direct. Most courses require a handbook and those are only available from Independent Learning. You can order textbooks online, by phone or fax, or by mail. An order form for handbooks is at the back of this catalog. See Textbooks and Handbooks section below for more information.
In order to expedite student enrollments, it is advisable for the guidance counselor to handle all enrollment procedures. The guidance counselor should secure the completed application and tuition from the student and mail them directly to the Independent Learning office. This procedure eliminates the possibility of the Independent Learning office receiving only part of the forms for enrollment or the incorrect tuition; either situation delays enrollment. The test manual and course materials are mailed to the course supervisor listed on the application. The student may pick up course materials (except testing materials) from the course supervisor.
Individuals who are not enrolled in school and wish to study for the high school equivalency certificate examination may enroll in an independent learning course in order to be better prepared for the examination.
The General Educational Development Test is administered only by the South Carolina Department of Education in accordance with regulations established by the State Board of Education. The program functions through direct dealings with the applicants rather than through school officials. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and not enrolled in high school. Individuals desiring to take this examination should write to Adult Performance Assessment, S.C. Department of Education, 402 Rutledge Building, 1429 Senate Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201, for application forms and a schedule of dates and places where the examinations are administered. The telephone number for GED Testing Services Unit is 803-734-8347.
Individuals who are not interested in credits may take independent learning courses by completing an application and mailing it, with the tuition, to the Independent Learning office.
High school independent learning is available to anyone qualified to do the work. Students enrolled in high school and other individuals are eligible. Independent learning courses are designed for:
Lesson assignments and test booklets are mailed to the course supervisor. The average one-half unit course consists of six to eight lessons, evaluations, a midterm examination, and a final examination. The supervisor mails the evaluations and tests for correction in self-addressed envelopes that are included with the course materials. All correcting and grading of assignments and tests are the responsibility of the course instructor through Independent Learning, University of South Carolina. Final grades are reported to the high school from which the student wishes to earn his or her diploma.
Individuals not enrolled in high school may pursue courses without supervision, but will not be issued formal credit. However, course tests must be administered by an individual approved by Independent Learning, University of South Carolina.
The course supervisor is appointed by the local high school. The supervisor does not necessarily need background in a specified subject to help students with requirements. The responsibilities of the supervisor are as follows.
Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. As of Jan. 22, 2008, tuition is $95 per half unit, a 3-month course extension is $30, and a course transfer is $30. An additional charge may be added if tapes and/or handbooks are required for the course. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the University of South Carolina (USC). To pay using a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover charge card, fill out the back of each appropriate form. The tuition fee includes the cost of the course syllabus for the student and manual for the supervisor. Fees for handbooks are in addition to the tuition fee and are displayed under each course listing.
If a check or credit card given in payment of academic or other fees is not paid upon presentation to the bank on which it is drawn, the student must pay a $25 service charge. If the student fails to pay the total amount of the check or credit card, plus the additional charges (by cash or cashier’s check) within 10 working days, the University has the right to issue a warrant for the total amount, including other costs. Students may not secure a grade report until the total amount has been paid.
Most supervised high school independent learning courses require textbooks and may also require handbooks. Handbooks may be purchased through Independent Learning upon enrollment in a course. Textbooks are handled by MBS Direct. You can order textbooks online, by phone or fax, or by mail.
800-325-3252 — telephone
800-499-0143 — fax
www.mbsdirect.net
MBS Direct
PO Box 597
Columbia, MO 65205
For express mail delivery, use this address.
MBS Direct
2805 Falling Leaf Lane
Columbia, MO 65201
Do not include payment for textbooks with tuition payment, but do include payment for handbooks (if required).
A refund of 75 percent of the tuition fee will be granted provided the following conditions are met: 1. your request for a refund is received in writing prior to an enrollment period of one month; 2. no assignments have been processed; and 3. course materials, including supervisor’s manual, are returned undamaged to the Independent Learning office. If course materials have been used or damaged in any manner, a refund cannot be granted. Once payment has been receipted, the stated 75 percent refund rule will apply. Fees paid by check are not subject to refund until at least 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 day of each month. Checks are mailed to the students by the USC Office of the Bursar approximately three weeks later.
A student may not transfer his registration to another student. Transfers may be made from one course to another before the first lesson is turned in for grading and within thirty days of the registration date. A transfer fee of $30 per course will be charged. Application for the course to which the enrollment is transferred and transfer fee must be received by the Independent Learning office with the request for transfer. Rules and Regulations
High school students must have the permission of their high school principal in order to enroll in Supervised High School Independent Learning.
Most courses are listed as being equivalent to one semester (one-half unit) in length, so a student must complete two semesters (two one-half unit courses) to earn one full unit of credit in the same area of study.
A student must complete all assignments and examinations before a grade will be reported. When all course work is graded, the score is reported to the school from which the student expects to earn a diploma. Grades are reported in numerical form for each one-half unit course.
Copies of the Final Grade Report indicating the grade and credit will be mailed to the student and to the principal. A student cannot apply more than six units earned in summer school and/or approved independent learning and/or adult education to the units required for graduation.
All assignments and examinations must be completed and received by Independent Learning at least three weeks prior to the date credit is required. Your final grade cannot be reported to your school by your deadline unless you abide by these instructions.
A student is allowed 12 months from the date of enrollment for completion of a course. This period allows more than adequate time for completion. However, if the period of 12 months expires before completion, the enrollment may be extended for a period of three months from the date of expiration for a fee of $30 for each one-half unit course. Only one extension of three months is permitted. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the University of South Carolina. The written request for extension and the required fee must be received in the Independent Learning office before the enrollment expires. The student will be sent a receipt indicating the new date of expiration. He or she will be responsible for maintaining a record of the expiration date of the original enrollment and any extended expiration date.
If the course enrollment expires and is not extended, the student will be automatically dropped from the files. Any assignments completed for an expired enrollment are void. If a student decides to complete the course after expiration of enrollment, he/she must reenroll and pay the required fees.
No course may be completed in less than one month from the date of enrollment. This is not a guarantee that a course can be completed in one month; completion time will depend upon the number of assignments, restrictions stated in the course materials, and the time the student has available for study. It is recommended that students not send more than two assignments for grading in a seven-day period in any one course. If, due to extreme circumstances, the student needs to turn in more than two assignments per week, the Course Supervisor must contact the Independent Learning office for approval. Under no circumstances may an entire course be turned in for grading at one time.
The student’s manual containing instructions and worksheets is sent directly to the course supervisor with cover sheets and printed envelopes for mailing work to be graded. Evaluations are included in the manual or the handbook. The test booklet containing examinations is also mailed to the supervisor. The course supervisor will notify the student and distribute the syllabus and handbooks to the student. Textbooks are mailed separately and may be delivered directly to the student from MBS Direct.
Before beginning work on a course, the student should read all instructions carefully. Detailed instructions are included with the student and supervisor materials.
All assignments must be completed and graded before a final grade can be awarded. A student cannot opt for a zero on any assignment.
The graded assignments will be returned to the supervisor for the student’s review in the supervisor’s presence. Final examinations are never returned. A graded assignment is usually returned to the supervisor in two to three weeks after it is received. However, delays may occur during the summer months, holidays, and graduation periods.
It is the responsibility of every student at the University of South Carolina to adhere steadfastly to truthfulness and to avoid dishonesty, fraud, or deceit of any type in connection with any academic program. Any student who violates this rule or who knowingly assists another to violate this rule shall be subject to discipline. Any evidence of dishonesty in preparation of assignments or completion of tests and examinations will result in a failing grade for the course.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are assisted through the Office of Disability Services. The professionally trained staff works toward accessibility for all University programs, services, and activities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students who have a disability and need assistance or information may call the Office of Disability Services at (V) 803-777-6742 or (TDD) 803-777-6744 for specific information about how the University can help them.
If you have any questions regarding
High School Independent Learning courses, send e-mail
to
Carol B. Williams or
call 800-922-2577 (in the continental United States)
or 803-777-7210.
Electives | English | Mathematics
USC Homepage | UIS | Distance Education
by Webmaster
and Copyright © 2005-2008,
the Board of Trustees of the University of South Carolina.