CDIS ID Number
A six-digit number—your CDIS ID—is used to identify your records. You will use this number when you access your account via the Center's Web site, submit assignments, or take exams. You must also include this number any time you contact the Center regarding your records or courses.
To verify your identification number, check the receipt you received with your course materials. Your number is recorded under the "CDIS ID" heading.
Your receipt also includes a second important number. The six-digit receipt number in the upper right-hand corner serves as your password for accessing your account or submitting assignments online. Be sure to save your receipt for future reference.
Student Assistance
The Center for Distance and Independent Study helps students achieve a positive learning experience. We can:
Specific questions about progress evaluations may be forwarded to the course instructor. The Center does not provide tutorial services.
There are several ways to contact the Center.
By Mail:Using the Center's Web Site
In an effort to provide quicker and more efficient service to our large and diverse student body, the Center has made it possible to perform many tasks online. By accessing the Center for Distance and Independent Study's Web site at http://cdis.missouri.edu/, you can:
Once logged on to the "Main Menu", you may access your course. Once in your course, you may submit your lessons, check your progress, and request an exam.
Course Evaluation
When you take your final exam, you will be asked to complete a course evaluation. This form gives you the opportunity to express what you liked about the course and to offer suggestions for revision. The Center uses this information in its efforts to improve courses. As you progress through the course, please make note of those components that you find especially helpful or that you think could be improved.
The parents of students enrolled in elementary and middle school courses will receive a course evaluation after their students have completed a course.
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:
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.
Course Materials
Lessons
When you enroll in an independent study course, the lessons take the place of a lecturer or classroom instructor and are designed to be studied closely. The commentary in each lesson elaborates on ideas presented in the textbook, provides additional examples, and occasionally includes exercises and activities to help you learn important skills and concepts. Many, though not necessarily all, lessons are followed by progress evaluations that are sent to the Center for grading.
Print Copy: To request print copy of your course materials you should contact the Center.
Textbooks
You may purchase your course textbooks directly from the Center for Distance and Independent Study. Textbook information is included in course bulletins and on the Center's Web site. If you plan to purchase your textbooks from the Center, you should order them when you enroll because texts may be unavailable at a later date. To order textbooks from the Center, complete the order form located in the back of the course bulletin or print a textbook order form from the Center's Web site. In accordance with university policy, the Center can sell textbooks only to persons enrolled in independent study courses. Textbooks mailed to Missouri addresses are subject to a sales tax of 3.125%.
If you prefer used textbooks, which are priced lower than new texts, check the appropriate box when completing the textbook order form. If the Center has the used texts you requested, we will send them and refund the difference between the used textbook price and the amount you paid.
If you wish to purchase your texts elsewhere, carefully check the textbook information on the Center's Web site. Make sure you get the correct textbook because books with different copyright dates will usually cause difficulties in completing course assignments.
Textbook Price Changes: Textbook prices may change without notice. Courses may also be revised to include updated editions of textbooks, which can also result in price changes. Textbook information in printed course bulletins may become out-of-date, but the Center's Web site has the most up-to-date information. When you enroll in a course and order your books from the Center, you will receive the textbooks that match your course. If a textbook price has changed and the amount you sent is no longer correct, the Center will issue a refund (for amounts greater than $1) or send a bill, as circumstances require.
Repurchase of Textbooks: Under certain conditions, the Center will repurchase textbooks when you no longer need them. The Center will repurchase books used in Center for Distance and Independent Study courses only if the books were purchased from us and are still being used by our department. If you would like us to repurchase your textbooks, and you send them back in good condition, we will repurchase them at one-half the price you paid for them. We will also repurchase any work book you wish to return if it has not been marked in or it has all pages intact. CDIS will not repurchase course materials or kits.
Supplementary Course Materials
Some courses require additional materials, such as specialized supplies, science kits, audiocassettes, videotapes, or CDs. Course listings on the Center's Web site and in the course bulletin provide details about any supplementary materials required by a course.
Graded Assignments
Progress Evaluations
Progress evaluations follow many, but not necessarily all, lessons. They are open-book assignments that test your knowledge and understanding of the course material and allow you to earn points toward your course grade. In some courses, progress evaluations consist of multiple-choice, true/false, or matching questions that are computer-evaluated; in others, the progress evaluations involve essays or other kinds of activities that are evaluated by an instructor.
Although you may use your textbook and lessons to help answer the questions, it is in your best interest to answer the progress evaluation questions on your own first. This will give realistic practice for the exams, which in most courses are closed-book. After completing a progress evaluation, you should use your textbook, lessons, and notes to check your answers before submitting them to the Center for grading.
Progress evaluations must be submitted in numerical order. You will receive the greatest educational benefit from a course if you submit one progress evaluation at a time and wait until you receive feedback and your score before you submit the next progress evaluation.
Each course states the maximum rate of progress evaluation submissions, and may require that certain lessons not be completed until after a previous assignment has been graded and returned to you. Unless your course indicates otherwise, three is the maximum number of progress evaluations you may submit in any seven-day period.
Submitting Computer-Evaluated Progress Evaluations
If you are in an online course, you submit computer-evaluated progress evaluations answers online. Note: You will want to write down all of your answers before submitting them because once you click on submit, your answers are no longer accessible. Also, please be aware that you have only a (20) minute window in which to enter all of the answers for your progress evaluations. After twenty minutes has elapsed, you will be logged out automatically and you will have to submit your entire progress evaluation over again.
If you are enrolled in a print version of a course, you may submit progress evaluation answers in two ways:
Submitting Instructor-Evaluated Progress Evaluations
Instructor-evaluated progress evaluations can be submitted in person, by mail, by fax or e-mail. Some courses allow you to submit assignments online by uploading them to the Center's Web site. If your course includes instructor-evaluated progress evaluations, your course provides complete instructions for submitting them to the Center.
Instructor-evaluated progress evaluations are forwarded to the course instructor for grading, which generally takes from three to ten days. You will receive your score and feedback after the instructor has graded the assignment. The Center is open throughout the year (except on national holidays), but instructor-evaluated lessons may be returned more slowly during those times of the year when university or high school classes are not in session. Similar slowdowns can occur at the end of a semester or a school year.
Examinations
Most independent study courses require a midterm and a final examination. Each course states the number of exams required for the course, the maximum time allowed for each exam, and other important information regarding the exams.
Proctored examinations are a vital part of most independent study courses. These exams are generally closed-book and therefore a good measure of student achievement. You cannot pass a course without passing the examinations, regardless of your grades for other parts of the course. The course grading scale provides the minimum number of exam points you must earn in order to pass the course.
You will not be allowed to use notes, textbooks, or other study aids when taking an exam unless otherwise indicated in your course. Each course also includes instructions about examination procedures, supervisors, schedules, and locations. Note: Most courses for grades 3-6 do not include exams.
The Center has set the following general policies relating to examinations:
Scheduling Exams
You may request an exam only after completing all of the lessons preceding that exam. If you live in Columbia or if you wish to take an exam at the Center for Distance and Independent Study, you do not need an appointment if you come during regular office hours. You will, however, need to arrive at least two hours before the Center is scheduled to close.
If you live outside of Columbia, you will need to select one of the other exam sites listed below and contact someone at that location for the name, address, and phone number of a potential proctor in order to schedule your exam at a time that is mutually acceptable to you and the proctor. Any proctor fees incurred are your responsibility.
Note: Courses for students in Grades 3-6 do not have proctored exams.
Military personnel and their dependents may use any location listed above, or they may ask a base education or training officer to proctor an exam.
After obtaining the name of the exam proctor and scheduling the exam, you must notify the Center. You may submit your exam request online, by e-mail, by fax, or mail. The Center reserves the right to approve or reject proposed exam proctors. Relatives may not proctor an exam, regardless of their academic qualifications. Exams will be mailed to the proctor's office address. Because the Center does not give your address or phone number to exam proctors, you should provide this information to the proctor if you want that person to notify you when the exam arrives. When you take your exam, be prepared to provide your proctor with picture identification.
Exams in Columbia, Missouri
Students who live in Columbia, Missouri, and are enrolled in university courses must take their exams at the Center for Distance and Independent Study on the University of Missouri campus. No appointment is needed when taking an exam at the Center during regular business hours, but you will not be allowed to take the exam if you arrive with less than the full time allowed for the exam before office hours end. Your course gives the time allowed for completing your exams. The Center's exam room hours are as follows:Evening exams at the Center can be scheduled on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (holidays excluded). Appointments are required for evening exams, and they must be scheduled at least one business day in advance.
Academic Rights and Responsibilities
Academic Integrity (University Students)
Academic integrity is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. The academic community regards breaches of the academic integrity rules as extremely serious matters. Sanctions for such a breach may include academic sanctions from the instructor, including failing the course for any violation, to disciplinary sanctions ranging from probation to expulsion. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, collaboration, or any other form of cheating, consult the course instructor.
MU Faculty Council Academic Integrity Policy
MU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Academic Integrity (Middle and High School Students)
We expect you, like any other student, to do your own work. You must pass the proctored examinations in order to pass courses offered through CDIS. Therefore, it is very important for you to do all of the lessons on your own. CDIS will report cases of suspected plagiarism or cheating to the MU High School principal for review.
Academic Freedom
The University of Missouri defends the right of its faculty and students to present a variety of opinions on different topics. This principle of academic freedom is especially important in courses containing controversial subject matter. It extends to the independent study curriculum as well as to on-campus classes. The views expressed in these course materials do not necessarily represent the views of the Center for Distance and Independent Study or the University of Missouri.
Enrollment Changes
Transferring to a Different Course
A request to transfer to a different course must be made in writing within two months of the date of enrollment. To transfer to a different course, you must have submitted fewer than half the progress evaluations and exams in the original course. Request to Transfer Enrollment forms can be printed from the Center's Web site. The transfer fee is $35. The date of the initial enrollment remains effective for the new course. Fees cannot be transferred to another student.
If the new course carries more credit than the original course, the Center will charge you the tuition fee for the additional credit. If the new course carries less credit, you may be eligible for a refund (see "Refunds" below).
Withdrawing from a Course
If you want to withdraw from a course, you can use a Request to Withdraw form, which can be printed from the Center's Web site. You can also withdraw from a course online at the Center's Web site by clicking "Log on" and then following the appropriate instructions. In order to receive a refund, you must withdraw within the first two months of enrollment and have submitted fewer than half the progress evaluations and exams. If you mail your withdrawal form, the postmark date on your request will be used to determine whether a refund is due. You will be charged a $5 fee for each lesson and exam submitted.
Refunds
In order to receive a refund, you must withdraw within the first two months of enrollment and have submitted fewer than half the progress evaluations and exams. If you mail a withdrawal form, the postmark date will be used to determine if a refund is due.
Refunds are not given to students who have submitted one-half or more of a course. The amount of the refund will be reduced $5 for each lesson and exam that has been submitted for evaluation before withdrawing. Incorrect advisement will not be considered grounds for a refund. If you attempt to enroll in a course that has been discontinued, all fees will be refunded. Refund amounts are listed below:
The administrative fee is not refundable.
Refunds are mailed approximately four weeks after the Center receives your request. The Center does not refund amounts less than $5.
Grades, Student Records, and Transcripts
Grades and Grading Scales (University)
Upon completion of a course, you will receive a grade report that gives the final exam score (if applicable) and a letter grade based on the number of points earned in the course. The Center will not release final grades or award credit until all outstanding accounts are paid in full.
Because examinations are the only supervised activities required for independent study courses, exam grades are major factors in determining final course grades. For most CDIS courses, you must score a certain minimum number of points on exams in order to pass the course. You cannot pass a course without passing the examinations, regardless of your grades for other parts of the course.
Plus/Minus Grading System: A plus/minus A, B, C, D, F system of grading is generally used for all courses except those originating from Missouri S&T, which uses a straight A, B, C, D, F scale. Also, University of Missouri (MU) students who pay graduate fees will be graded on the straight A, B, C, F scale, not the plus/minus scale, according to MU policy. The grade D is not awarded to students who have paid graduate-level fees, and the grade F carries no credit.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory: Some university courses may be taken (and some must be taken) on an S/U basis. A grade of S is reported for A, B, and C grades. A grade of U is reported for D and F grades. Requests for S/U grading should be made in writing. Students cannot change from one grading system to the other after the first assignment has been submitted or after the first 30 days of enrollment have elapsed, whichever comes first.
Auditing a Course: If you audit a course by enrolling as a "hearer," you only submit progress evaluations for grading; you do not take exams. Your status as hearer must be indicated before the first assignment has been submitted or before the first 30 days of enrollment have elapsed, whichever comes first. Your enrollment in the course is indicated on your record by an "H" and carries no credit. There is no reduction in fees.
Transcripts (University)
When requesting a transcript, please be sure your request includes the words "independent study."
The Office of the Registrar at the University of Missouri issues transcripts for MU. If you are a Missouri S&T, UMSL, or UMKC student enrolled in an MU course, contact the Center for transcript information.
If you need to have a transcript sent for an MU independent study course, send a written request to the Transcript Department at the University of Missouri. You must sign the written request, which may be sent by mail or fax to the address below. Contact the Transcript Department or visit its Web site to obtain the amount of the transcript fee, which must accompany your request.
University of MissouriCurrently enrolled MU students can submit printable transcript request form, and fax or mail it to the Transcript Department.
If you are enrolled in a course originating from the UMSL, UMKC, or Missouri S&T campus prior to WS2003, please contact the Center for transcript information.
If you are currently enrolled or were enrolled in a course through the Center for Distance & Independent Study during WS2003 (or thereafter) that originates from one of the above campuses, please contact the appropriate campus office listed below:
UMKC Records OfficeGrades and Grading Scales (High School, Middle School, Elementary)
Upon completion of the course, students receive a grade report that gives the final exam score (if applicable) and a letter grade based on the number of points earned in the course. The Center will not release final grades or award credit until all outstanding accounts are paid in full.
Because examinations are the only supervised activities required for independent study courses, exam grades are major factors in determining final course grades. Students must score a certain minimum number of points on exams in order to pass the course. You cannot pass a course without passing the examinations, regardless of your grades for other parts of the course. The course grading scale provides the required exam points to pass the course.
The A, B, C, D, F system of grading is used by the Center for most independent study courses. Each course provides the grading scale and point ranges for students in that course.
Transcripts (High School, Middle School, Elementary)
If you are enrolled as a middle school/elementary student, home-schooled student, or as an MU High School diploma student, your transcript will remain on file at the Center and will be sent only upon written request. If you are a student enrolled in another institution, MU High School will automatically send your transcript to the school noted on your course application. If you want a copy of your transcript mailed elsewhere, please send a written request to the address below. The transcript request must be signed by the student if he/she is 18 or older or by the student's parent/legal guardian if the student is under the age of 18.
Request an Official Transcript for High School, Middle School, or Elementary Coursework
Note: In order to send a transcript we must have a written request including a signature.
Please complete the Request Official Transcript Form. You may type in the appropriate fields,
print the page, sign the form, then mail or fax it to us. There is no charge for High School, Middle School, and Elementary transcripts.
Center for Distance and Independent Study
136 Clark Hall
Columbia, MO 65211-4200
Fax: 573-884-9665
Student Records
The Center for Distance and Independent Study maintains student records in a computer database. Your six-digit CDIS ID number is used to identify your records. Your CDIS ID is printed under the "CDIS ID" heading on your enrollment receipt.
Please include this identification number on all lesson answer forms and any written communications with the Center, and have it available should you ever call the Center to ask about your records. You will also need to enter this six-digit number (and your password, which is your receipt number) in order to access a course on the Center's Web site, submit progress evaluations, request exams, and access other information related to your records.
Transferring Credit to Other Institutions
You may transfer credit for independent study courses to most educational institutions in the United States. If you are unsure whether or not a particular course will apply toward your specific educational goals, check with the institution to which you wish to transfer credit.
Important Notices
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The University of Missouri does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. Any person having inquiries concerning the University of Missouri's compliance with implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, or other civil rights laws should contact the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Human Resource Services, University of Missouri; 130 Heinkel Building; Columbia, MO 65211; (573) 882-4256, or the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education.
Americans with Disabilities Statement
The University of Missouri complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a disability, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs. For more information about the rights of people with disabilities, please visit http://ada.missouri.edu. Students who need assistance should contact the appropriate office below.
University: Disability Services (Phone: 573-882-4696). MU's Adaptive Computing Technology Center (Phone: 573-884-2828) is also available to provide computing assistance to students with disabilities.
High School: Center for Distance and Independent Study, Assistant Director for Operations, 136 Clark Hall, Columbia, MO 65211. Phone: 573-882-2491. E-mail: cdis@missouri.edu.
Military and Veteran Eligibility
University independent study courses are approved for military, veterans and other persons eligible under the provisions of the GI Bill and DANTES. Please notify the Center prior to enrollment if you intend to use military (DANTES) or VA Benefits.
Privacy
Student Records:
We may disclose, on a need-to-know academic basis, "directory" information, such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, and dates of attendance, unless explicitly directed in writing by the student not to do so.
We consider all "non-directory" information as confidential and will give careful consideration to ensure this confidentiality unless we are required by law to disclose it; all non-directory information will be provided only with the written permission of the student, or in the case of an IRS dependent student, with the written permission of the student's parent.
Credit Cards:
It is the policy of The Curators of the University of Missouri that individually identifiable information obtained from internet credit card transactions will not be sold, traded or rented to third parties. Aggregate or summary information that does not contain personally identifying information may be shared, however. Credit card numbers are truncated from our system. Documents containing credit card numbers are properly destroyed.
Student Fees
The University reserves the right to modify by increasing or decreasing the fees charged for attendance and other services at the University, including but not limited to educational fees, at any time when in the discretion of the governing board the same is in the best interest of the University, provided that no increases can or will be effective unless approved by the governing board not less than thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the academic term (semester, etc.) to which the fees are applicable and such increase does not exceed ten (10) percent over the fee level existing immediately prior to the increase, with all modification of fees to be effective irrespective as to whether fees have or have not been paid by or on behalf of a student prior to the effective date of the modification.
Admission Status
Enrollment in an independent study course does not constitute admission to a University of Missouri degree program. If you wish to apply for admission to a degree program of one of the University of Missouri campuses, contact the Admissions Office of the campus in which you wish to matriculate.
Center for Distance and Independent Study Web Site
All statements on this Web site, concerning requirements, prerequisites, conditions, or other matters are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without prior notice. They are not to be regarded as offers to contract.
The Center for Distance and Independent Study provides an educational program of the University of Missouri System. It has administrative responsibility for coordination of all independent study instruction offered by the UM System campuses: Columbia, Rolla, and St. Louis.