Course Completion

Time Limits

As an independent learner, it is your responsibility to complete your course in a satisfactory and timely manner. You should realize, however, that independent study courses generally include many reading assignments. Some distance learning courses include writing, listening, and viewing assignments as well. Successfully completing these assignments requires consistent effort and energy. Attempting to hurry through a course is discouraged.

The University of Missouri has the following requirements relating to CDIS independent study and/or online course completions:

University

1. You may not complete a course in less than six weeks. A minimum of six weeks must elapse between the submission of the first progress evaluation and the scheduling of the final exam.
2. You have up to nine months from your enrollment date to complete an independent study course.
3. If you drop a course within the first three months of enrolling there will be no notation of the course posted on your official transcript.
4. If you withdraw from a course after the first three months of enrolling, you will receive a grade of W or F depending on your performance at the time of withdrawal.
5. If you do not complete or withdraw from a course, within 9 months a grade of F will ordinarily be reported to the Registrar.
6. If you decide to complete a course from which you have been withdrawn, whether by the Center or by your own request, you will have to re-enroll and pay full enrollment and administrative fees.

High School/Middle School

1. You may not complete a course in less than six weeks. A minimum of six weeks must elapse between the submission of the first progress evaluation and the scheduling of the final exam.
2. You have up to nine months from your enrollment date to complete an independent study course.
3. If you decide to complete a course from which you have been withdrawn, whether by the Center or by your own request, you will have to re-enroll and pay full enrollment and administrative fees.

Note: Noncredit courses have special enrollment periods. For more information, select the noncredit course subject area and title to view any special instructions. If you are already enrolled, please review your course introduction and overview.

Account Balance

Carefully check the receipt included with your course materials. If you are to receive a refund or if you have a balance due, the amount will be indicated in the lower right-hand corner. If you have a balance due, it must be paid before you can take the final examination or, if there is no final exam, before you can receive your final grade for the course.

Credit for Graduation or Other Requirements

If you need to earn independent study credit in time for graduation, certification, or another personal deadline, keep in mind that you should complete all of your work, including examinations, at least three weeks before you must have your report of credit.

© 2004 University of Missouri
Editor: Virginia Ponder (WWW adaptation: Laura Foley)
Questions/Comments? Contact the Center for Distance and Independent Study, a division of MU Extension
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity/ADA Institution.