Frequently Asked Questions


1. When and how do I register for an Independent Study in Idaho (ISI) course?

Register at any time. Independent Study in Idaho has open registration and does not follow an academic calendar. There are five ways to register:

• Register online through the secure ISI Online Forms System.
• Mail the Registration Form with payment to:
  
  Independent Study in Idaho
  University of Idaho
  PO Box 443225
  Moscow ID 83844-3225
  
  
• Fax the Registration Form to (208) 885-5738. Call the ISI office to provide your Social Security number, credit card information, and to confirm receipt of the registration form.
• Call ISI toll-free (in U.S. and Canada) at (877) 464-3246 and provide a credit card number.
• Register at the ISI office:
  
  University of Idaho
  North Campus Center (NCC), Suite 203
  645 W. Pullman Road
  Moscow, ID 83844-3225
  

2. Can I just register or do I have to be admitted to a college or university?

Each course offered through the Independent Study in Idaho program is sponsored by one of the cooperating member institutions (University of Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University, or Lewis-Clark State College). Students may register for ISI courses without applying for admission to any of the cooperating schools; admission to any of these institutions is not automatically granted upon registration in an ISI course. Idaho residency is not required.

3. Can I earn a degree by taking ISI courses?

Although ISI does not offer degrees, credits earned upon course completion may be applied toward a degree at an institution that accepts ISI credits.  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.

4. How much does an ISI course cost?

Undergraduate college courses cost $100 per credit hour, plus a $25 administrative fee per course.
Graduate college courses cost $140 per credit hour, plus a $25 administrative fee per course.

These fees do not include the cost of books. Course materials are available at the University of Idaho Bookstore.

5. How much time do I have to complete an ISI course?

On average, ISI students can expect to spend at least 45 hours of scholarly activity per course credit to successfully complete a course. Therefore, the standard time commitment for a three-credit course is 135 hours, including study preparation, completing lessons, and taking exams.  You should allow a minimum of 45 hours per semester credit, but you have up to one year from the registration date to complete a course. Allow time for mailing, grading, and returning lessons and exams. You will typically receive graded lessons within three weeks after the date of receipt by the instructor.

The UI Bookstore's return policy allows for the return of materials in a resalable condition within 30 days of the shipping date. The bookstore will issue a full refund of the original purchase price, excluding shipping costs. After 30 days, the bookstore may buy back textbooks and supplemental materials at half-price, provided they are still in use. Contact the bookstore at (208) 885-7334 for authorization before returning textbooks and supplemental materials. Study guides are not returnable.

7. What is the difference between a print based course and an online course?

All ISI courses and their study guides are available online and in print unless otherwise stated in the course descriptions found under the College Courses .
In online courses, the student can create a PIN number and password that allows her/him to access the study guide online.
In the print version, the student can purchase a bound study guide from the University of Idaho Bookstore.
There is no difference in the registration cost for either delivery method. Lessons can be submitted by mail or e-mail for most courses. See the letter sent to you upon registration to find out how your instructor accepts lessons.

8. How do I take exams?

Exams & Proctors
Most ISI courses require completion of a specific number of exams as defined in the course study guide. All ISI exams require a proctor unless the study guide indicates that an exam is to be self-administered. Independent Study in Idaho sends exams by mail or e-mail directly to proctors. Proctors will supervise the exam process and return completed exams to ISI.

The student receives exam grades and instructor comments by mail or e-mail. Graded exams are not returned to the student; however, arrangements can be made to view graded exams. Contact the ISI office for more information.

Students are responsible for finding a qualified person to supervise the exam process, proctor exams, and return completed exams to ISI. The student submits a completed Proctor Information Form to the ISI office online, by mail, or by fax, at least one month prior to taking the first exam to allow time for processing, shipping, and handling. To submit proctor information online or to print a Proctor Information Form, select Forms. The Proctor Information Form is also mailed with the Registration Confirmation Letter.

Exam proctor selection is subject to approval by both ISI and the course instructor, and is monitored throughout the course. ISI reserves the right to ask the student to select a new proctor. Allegations of academic dishonesty may result if a student submits false proctor information or the proctor knowingly disregards UI policy. Proctor selection information is listed below.

Responsibilities of the Student

• Choose an acceptable proctor. (See Acceptable Proctors.)
  
• Submit the completed Proctor Information Form to ISI at least one month prior to taking the first exam.
  
• Make arrangements directly with the proctor to take the exams.
  
• Read and follow the exam guidelines as outlined in the Registration Confirmation Letter and the course study guide.

Responsibilities of the Proctor

• Receive all exams directly from ISI and store them in a secure location.
  
• Coordinate and supervise the exam process.
  
• Return each exam to ISI after completion.

Acceptable proctors

• Educational institution faculty and staff (e.g., teachers, administrative staff, principals, counselors)
  
• Testing center staff
  
• Business education personnel or work supervisors
  
• Librarians
  
• Members of the clergy, not youth leaders
  
• U.S. military education officers
  
• Embassy officials or consular officers

Unacceptable proctors

• Friends
  
• Family members
• Members of the same household
  
• Tutors
  
• Coworkers (unless you are a certified teacher or librarian)
  
• Students
  
• Anyone deemed unsuitable by ISI or the instructor

9. What happens when I complete my course?

When a final course grade is issued, a Course Completion Letter will be mailed to the student. Transcripts can be purchased upon written request to 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 or may not 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 or refer to the study guide.

Cooperating Institutions

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

10. Can I obtain financial aid for an ISI course?

Independent Study in Idaho does not offer financial aid. However, federal and state agencies and businesses may offer financial assistance to fund ISI course fees. Financial aid may also be available through student financial aid services and veterans’ organizations.

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.

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.

11. Will I be able to contact or get help from the course instructor?
Instructors are available to answer questions concerning course content and can be contacted as specified in the Registration Confirmation Letter sent in the registration packet.