Appendix:
Independent Study in Idaho Policies and Procedures
A print version of these policies is also available.
Students are responsible for following the policies and procedures in the course study guide and this Appendix. For your instructor's requirements, see your Registration Confirmation Letter.
Appendix
Independent Study in Idaho Policies and Procedures
Academic Integrity
Independent Study in Idaho instructors and students are responsible for maintaining high academic standards and integrity as defined in the University of Idaho's Student Code of Conduct policy. To read this policy in its entirety, access www.webs.uidaho.edu/fsh, the Faculty-Staff Handbook, Chapter 2: Student Affairs Policies, Student Code of Conduct: 2300, Article II, Academic Honesty.
ISI Student Responsibilities
- Read the Student Code of Conduct to understand the academic honesty policy and disciplinary process
- Submit own work on papers, reports, projects, and tests
- Cite all materials used from other sources, such as e-publications, journal articles, and newspapers
- Do not share coursework with other students
- Know instructor expectations for each course
- Read and understand ISI's policies and procedures as outlined in this study guide Appendix
- Maintain professionalism in communications with ISI instructors and staff
Confidentiality of Student Grades
Student grade information is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Instructors and the Independent Study in Idaho staff may release a student’s education and/or financial records to select individuals or organizations by telephone or e-mail if that student files a Release of Information Form with the ISI office.
The Release of Information Form is available on the back of the College Course Registration Form in the Independent Study in Idaho Catalog, or may be downloaded from Forms.
Fee Policy
Independent Study in Idaho fees are subject to change; check the ISI Web site for current fee information.
Registration Requirements
Course Credit
Independent Study in Idaho courses carry from one to four credits each. University of Idaho students working toward a degree must have written approval from their academic dean to register for an ISI course, and to ensure that ISI college credits are applicable toward their degree. It is recommended that students at other institutions obtain signature confirmation that ISI credits will be accepted. This form can also be accessed from Forms.
Computer Access
All ISI courses and their study guides are available online and in print unless otherwise stated in this catalog. Internet access is required or recommended for the majority of ISI courses. Many courses also require access to a computer with a DVD/CD drive and/or word-processing software. (View the course descriptions online on Courses, College.)
E-mail
E-mail is required for most ISI students and proctors to ensure receipt of important communications from instructors and ISI staff in a timely and consistent manner. Students unable to access e-mail are responsible for making alternative arrangements with their ISI instructor(s) for receiving course and grade information.
A UI VandalMail Live e-mail account ending with "@vandals.uidaho.edu" will be assigned automatically at the time of registration and will remain active as long as a student is enrolled in an ISI course. Instructions for activating and accessing the VandalMail Live e-mail account are located at http://vandals.uidaho.edu. Students are held responsible for all information sent to their VandalMail Live accounts and for complying with all rules and policies contained in UI's E-mail Policy Statement. To read UI's e-mail policy in its entirety, access the E-mail Policy Statement at www.students.uidaho.edu. Students who prefer to use an e-mail address other than Vandal-Mail Live must provide this address to ISI. Supplying a non-VandalMail Live e-mail address certifies that ISI staff and instructors are allowed to send grade and enrollment information to that address.
E-mail addresses are considered "directory information" and will be kept confidential ONLY if the student submits the Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information form to the UI Registrar's Office. Visit www.students.uidaho.edu/registrar, select Forms, and then select Confidentiality Form.
Language Proficiency
A good command of the English language is essential to successfully complete ISI courses. Therefore, it is recommended that students read the University of Idaho's language requirements policy at www.uidaho.edu/isi/language, if their primary language is other than English.
Registration Materials
Upon registering for an ISI course, the student will receive by e-mail and mail the following materials:
- Registration Confirmation Letter
- Proctor Information Form
- Student Guide: Academic Integrity Issues
The Registration Confirmation Letter contains information pertinent to your course, including your student identification number (V number), the instructor's contact information and office hours, a list of course materials, lesson and exam guidelines, and online ISI course delivery and access information. For information about the Proctor Information Form, see Choosing a Proctor/Scheduling Exams below.
Student Identification Number
All ISI students are assigned a V number, which is used for identification purposes by the University of Idaho. The number begins with a V and is followed by eight digits. Your V number will be included in your Registration Confirmation Letter. Please include this number in all correspondence with the ISI office, including lessons and exams.
Contacting Independent Study in Idaho
Independent Study in Idaho recommends e-mail for communicating with ISI staff. Contact us at indepst@uidaho.edu.
Contacting Your Instructor
Your instructor's contact information and office hours will be provided in the Registration Confirmation Letter.
Ordering Course Materials
For a list of materials for your ISI course (e.g., study guide, textbooks, supplements), see your Registration Confirmation Letter, or visit the University of Idaho Bookstore's Web site, www.uidahobookstore.com, select Buy Textbooks, Independent Study. A list is also available on the Welcome! page of the study guide, under Course Materials. Independent Study in Idaho course materials are available for purchase at the University of Idaho Bookstore. You may order online, by telephone, (208) 885-7334, or by e-mail to genbks@uidaho.edu.
Course Extensions
- You may purchase a six-month extension for $75, if requested by the end of one calendar year from the registration date.
- Effective January 1, 2008 students may purchase one six-month course extension per course. A second six-month extension will no longer be offered.
- Extension fees are nonrefundable.
- Submit extension requests online, select Forms, or by mail, telephone, or fax.
Exchanging a Course
- One course exchange per registration is allowed.
- You can exchange one course for another within 45 days of registration.
- The initial course completion date will not change (one calendar year from the original registration date).
- There is a nonrefundable $25 fee when exchanging courses, plus $15 for any lesson/exam
submitted for the original course.
- If the new course carries more credit than the original course, the student will be charged for any additional credits.
- Submit course exchange requests online, select Forms, or by mail or fax.
- If a course does not meet your needs, you may drop the course at any time; however, there is a time limit for refunds. (See Refund Schedule.)
- Drop a course by submitting the Drop Course Form online, select Forms, or by mailing or faxing a letter to ISI. The letter must include the date, course subject and number, your name, and signature. You may include the reason for dropping, especially if it concerns the quality of the course.
- You will be dropped from the course when ISI processes your request. The course will not appear on your academic transcript, and there will be no permanent academic record at any of the cooperating institutions. (See Final Course Grade and Transcript Information.)
Refund Schedule
Courses dropped within 45 days of registration qualify for a refund based on the following refund schedule:
- Full Course Credit Fee Refund: The drop request must be received by the ISI office within 21 days from the registration date.
- 50% Course Credit Fee Refund: The drop request must be received by the ISI office within 22 to 45 days from the registration date.
- There are no refunds after 45 days from the registration date, regardless of lesson/exam submission or student's course progress.
- Administrative fees are nonrefundable.
- The course credit fee will be refunded minus $15 for any lesson/exam already submitted.
- Refunds will be processed by credit card or check, depending on the original payment method.
Submitting Lessons to Your Instructor
Instructor Requirements
The Registration Confirmation Letter provides the following information:
- the maximum number of lessons you may submit to your instructor at one time and per week;
- how to format your lessons (e.g., handwritten/computer processed, software programs required);
- how your instructor prefers to receive and return lessons (e.g., via mail or e-mail);
- lesson guidelines specific to your instructor.
ISI Requirements
The following policies apply to all ISI courses.
- Submit lessons to the address provided in your Registration Confirmation Letter.
- Keep a copy of every lesson submitted.
- Place your name and V number on each lesson to expedite lesson-processing time.
- Complete each lesson assignment (partial or incomplete assignments will receive a zero).
- If submitting multiple lessons, submit them in sequence.
- Students may not submit all lessons at one time.
- Wait for grades and comments on lesson(s) prior to taking the appropriate exam.
E-mail (Follow these instructions if your instructor accepts and/or returns lessons by e-mail; see your Registration Confirmation Letter to confirm.)
- Some ISI instructors print lessons received by e-mail. If this is the case, the graded lessons will be mailed back to you in an envelope provided by ISI.
- Do not encrypt or zip e-mail lessons or attachments.
- Do not send hard copies of the e-mailed lessons.
- Place questions or comments for the instructor in the body of the e-mail, above the lesson.
- Send the e-mail to your instructor (for your instructor's e-mail address and requirements, see your Registration Confirmation Letter). Send the e-mail to ISI at indepst@uidaho.edu, as well.
- Your name, V number, course subject and number, and lesson number(s).
Example: Jane Doe, V (8 digits), Engl 101, Lessons #1, 2
- In the body of the e-mail, before the lesson, include:
- Your name, V number, course subject, number, and title, date, and lesson number(s).
Example: Jane Doe, V (8 digits), Engl 101, Introduction to College Writing, day-month-year, Lessons #1, 2
Mail: (Follow these instructions if your instructor accepts and returns lessons by mail; see your Registration Confirmation Letter to confirm.)
- Place a completed Lesson Submission Form on top of the lesson(s). If more forms are needed, photocopy them on white paper, or download a copy from Forms.
- Mail your lesson(s) to the address provided in your Registration Confirmation Letter.
- Lessons mailed will be mailed back to you if you enclose a self-addressed envelope stamped with sufficient postage. Write your address as the return address as well as the mailing address on the envelope.
Please do not fax lessons; faxed lessons are often difficult to read.
Exam Guidelines
For specific instructor requirements concerning exams, see your Registration Confirmation Letter and the Exam Information sections in the study guide.
Choosing a Proctor/Scheduling Exams
- As an ISI student, you are responsible for finding someone in your local area who is willing to proctor your exams. Refer to the Proctor Information Form sent to you upon registration or available at the back of the Independent Study in Idaho Catalog. The Proctor Information Form may also be accessed online on the Forms page.
- Submit the completed Proctor Information Form to the ISI office online, by mail, or by fax at least one month prior to taking your first exam to allow time for processing, shipping, and handling.
- ISI mails exams directly to the proctor.
- You must schedule the examination time with the proctor.
- The proctor administers the exam and returns the exam to the ISI office in a business reply envelope provided by ISI.
- You will receive an Instructor Exam Comment Form or an e-mail with the grade and instructor comments.
- Graded exams will not be returned to you.
- Take appropriate materials to the exam:
- photo identification;
- V number;
- pens, pencils, or other aids as specified by the instructor on the Exam Information sections of the study guide;
- a self-addressed stamped envelope (standard business size) to be used by your instructor to return the Instructor Exam Comment Form to you (if your instructor will return comments to you by mail-see your Registration Confirmation Letter).
- photo identification;
- If you need to find a new proctor, submit this information online to ISI via the Proctor Information Form, select Forms.
- You are required to wait for grades and comments on lessons prior to taking each subsequent exam.
- Wait for grades and comments on lesson(s) prior to submitting subsequent lessons and taking the appropriate exam. (See the Exam Information sections in this study guide.)
- Self-administered exams will be returned to you with instructor comments.
- Submit your self-administered exam(s) via mail or e-mail, as specified in the Registration Confirmation Letter sent upon registration.
- If you are mailing your exam to your instructor, enclose a self-addressed envelope stamped with sufficient postage for return of your graded exam.
Course Completion and Time Considerations
- The initial course completion date is one calendar year from the date of registration. (See Exchanging a Course and Course Extensions.)
- On average, Independent Study in Idaho students can expect to spend at least 45 hours of scholarly activity per course credit to successfully complete an ISI course.
- Students will typically receive graded lessons within three weeks after the date receipt by the instructor.
- You are required to wait for grades and comments on all lessons prior to taking the final exam.
- Course completion does not guarantee a passing course grade.
- If you have a personal or professional deadline, e.g., graduation:
- Inform your instructor and the ISI office.
- Set a schedule that allows you to complete all lessons and exams at least one month prior to your deadline using the maximum number of lessons accepted at a time and per week (as specified in the Registration Confirmation Letter).
- allow for occasionally delayed grading by your instructor.
- Inform your instructor and the ISI office.
- The final course grade is issued after all lessons and exams have been graded.
- A Course Completion Letter will be mailed to you. (See Grade and Transcript Information.)
- We urge you to submit our online Course Evaluation Form, which can be accessed online, select Forms. (Your responses will be anonymous.)
- Contact the University of Idaho Bookstore at www.uidahobookstore.com to determine if you may sell back books or supplemental materials. Study guides are nonrefundable. (See Course Materials in your study guide.)
Final Course Grade and Transcript Information
- If the student has a personal deadline (e.g., graduation, certification, program admission) all lessons and exams must be submitted at least one month prior to that deadline to allow for timely processing.
- When a final course grade is issued, a Course Completion Letter will be mailed to the student. Transcripts can be purchased upon written request from the credit-granting institution. It is the student's responsibility to contact the credit-granting institution to request an official transcript. Depending on the institution, the course designation on the transcript may include Correspondence Study, Correspondence Course, a C for correspondence study, or ISI for Independent Study in Idaho. To determine the credit-granting institution, note the abbreviation listed in the course description in this catalog or refer to the title page of the study guide.
Contact information for each cooperating institution is listed below.
Boise State University (BSU)
Office of the Registrar
Administration Bldg Room 102
1910 University Drive
Boise ID 83725-1365
Toll-free: (800) 824-7017
Phone: (208) 426-4249
Fax: (208) 426-3169
E-mail: regmail@boisestate.edu
http://registrar.boisestate.edu
Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC)
Office of Admission/Registrar
500 8th Avenue
Lewiston ID 83501
Toll-free: (800) 933-5272
Phone: (208) 792-2223
Fax: (208) 792-2429
www.lcsc.edu/registrar
Idaho State University (ISU)
Office of the Registrar
Attn: Transcript Clerk
921 S 8th, Stop 8196
Pocatello ID 83209-8196
Phone: (208) 282-2661
Fax: (208) 282-4231
http://transcripts.isu.edu
University of Idaho (UI)
Office of the Registrar
Transcripts Department
PO Box 444260
Moscow ID 83844-4260
Phone: (208) 885-2025
(208) 885-2026
Fax: (208) 885-9061
E-mail: registrar@uidaho.edu
www.registrar.uidaho.edu,select Transcripts & Records
Financial Aid
Office of Veterans' Affairs
The Office of Veterans' Affairs can help students apply for and receive VA education benefits whether a student is a serviceperson, guardsman or reservist, an active duty veteran, or a dependent of a veteran. Veterans' Affairs benefits may be used to pay ISI course fees. Upon approval of benefits, ISI will invoice the appropriate agency. Please direct questions to:
John Sawyer
Veterans' Adviser
University of Idaho
Office of the Dean of Students
Teaching and Learning Center Room 232
PO Box 442431
Moscow ID 83844-2431
Local: (208) 885-7979
Toll-free: (888) 884-3246 extension 7979
Fax: (208) 885-9494
E-mail: johns@uidaho.edu
www.students.uidaho.edu/dos, select Veterans' Affairs.
Student Financial Aid Services
College students receiving financial aid are advised to check with their financial aid office to determine the extent of coverage available for ISI courses. Courses taken through ISI do not count toward a UI student's credit-hour load and cannot be used to establish full- or part-time student status to determine eligibility for financial aid or deferment.
Disability Support Services
Each of the four ISI cooperating institutions offers academic support services to students with temporary or permanent disabilities. Students requesting disability-related accommodations are advised to contact the sponsoring institution's office of disability services, listed below. (Refer to the study guide to determine the sponsoring institution). For more information visit the office Web sites.
Boise State University (BSU)
The Office of Disability Services (ODS)
Administration Building Room 114
1910 University Drive
Mail Stop 1375
Boise ID 83725-1375
Phone: (208) 426-1583 (V)
Fax: (208) 426-3785
E-mail: Wendy Turner, Director wturner@boisestate.edu
Web: http://disabilityresourcecenter.boisestate.edu
Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC)
Office of Disability Services for Students (ODS)
Reid Centennial Hall Room 111
500 8th Avenue
Phone: (208) 792-2211 (24-Hour Message)
Toll-free: (800) 933-5272
Fax: (208) 792-2453
TDD: (800) 377-3529 (Idaho State Relay Service)
E-mail: oslws@lcsc.edu
Web: www.lcsc.edu/osl/ada.htm
Idaho State University (ISU)
ADA & Disability Resource Center
Campus Box 8121
Pocatello ID 83209-8121
Phone: (208) 282-3599 (TTY)
Fax: (208) 282-4617
Web: www.isu.edu/ada4isu
University of Idaho (UI)
Disability Support Services (DSS)
Tutoring and Academic Assistance Programs
University of Idaho
Idaho Commons, Room 306
PO Box 442537
Moscow ID 83844-2537
Phone: (208) 885-6307
Fax: (208) 885-9404
E-mail: dss@uidaho.edu
Web: www.access.uidaho.edu/,
select Disability Support Services
Library Resources
The University of Idaho Library offers the use of its online resources to Independent Study in Idaho students, including all electronic journal databases and eBook collections. For more information, visit www.lib.uidaho.edu. To gain access to these resources, register your V number with the Circulation Desk by calling (208) 885-6559, or by completing the online UI Library Off Campus Barcode Request Form at www.lib.uidaho.edu/access_services/ill_request_form2.htm. Independent Study in Idaho students who are residents of Idaho may visit the UI Library to obtain a guest card, which is good for one year. The guest card allows students to borrow print and media materials. ISI students who cannot visit the UI Library should contact their local library for information on how to borrow materials through Interlibrary Loan. For links to all of the ISI cooperatives and their libraries, visit our Accreditations & Affiliations page.