What Can I Study? Distance Learning

Independent Study

Independent study, or IS, provides coursework for self-directed students who prefer to work at their own pace and manage their own learning. IS provides a flexible means for students to study at convenient times and places.

Courses offered through independent study and group online formats have the same learning objectives and outcomes as their classroom-based counterparts and are designed and led by qualified faculty members. Because these courses and programs do not generally follow the traditional academic calendar, it is especially important to be aware of and follow financial aid policies and procedures.

Learning activities, including written papers and other types of assessment, are used to measure learning objectives and outcomes. The guidance and assistance of a faculty member is available throughout the course.

IS courses are available in two versions. For paper-based courses, you turn in assignments by e-mail (or postal mail when electronic options are not available). Most IS courses are also available in a web-enhanced version, in which you study and complete assignments entirely online.

You can enroll in an IS class at any time. You can take up to four months to complete each IS course, with up to two one-month extensions allowed. You must apply and pay a fee for each extension.

The drop period for IS classes is five business days from the date of registration. After the drop period, you can withdraw from the class but will be held responsible for all tuition and fees.

When you register for an IS course, you receive a syllabus and information on communicating with the instructor and completing assignments. MSU documents participation for IS students and provides verification for enrollment and financial aid purposes. If you fail to establish and maintain contact and submit work in a timely manner, your financial aid and student account may be affected.

Students who withdraw from courses or fail to participate or make progress after having begun will lose financial aid and will be responsible for all tuition/fees associated with the courses for which they registered. Visit the Financial Aid home page for further information.

A list of current IS courses is available here.

Independent Study Course List (pdf) updated 02-13-2008 Program Locations and Schedules Testing Center Cougar Web Access APA Template Electronic Database Instructions Bring the Library into your home

Independent Study Course Registration

Cougar Web User ID and Password
A Cougar Web user name and password were emailed to your MSU Cougar email account.

To access your email account, please follow the directions below:

• Access the following web access URL: http://mail.msucougar.org/
• Enter your Username as provided
• Example: John.Doe@msucougar.org
• Enter your Password (student ID number)
• Enter the Domain (if applicable): msucougar.org

If you need assistance accessing your email, call 304.929.1730 / 1.866.FOR.MSU1 ext 1730 or e-mail tech support at onlinesupport@mountainstate.edu for detailed information.

Registration Process
Please follow the steps below to register online:

Students should read the independent study policies and procedures information prior to registration.

Step 1: Go to http://online.mountainstate.edu
Under login- enter your User ID and password

Step 2: Read the privacy policy.

Step 3: Select Campus Web-Register for Class link (located in the upper left hand corner of the screen)

Step 4: Select Course Search link located above the welcome message

Step 5: Select the term, and click on the Change button in order to save your term

Step 7: Tab to Department under Detailed Search for Courses and select the department from which you would like to take a course from the Department drop-down menu. Click on Search button located at bottom of screen

Please note: All independent study courses are listed as WVI01.

Step 8: Select Add next to each appropriate class for which you need to register

You must have a current balance prior to registering for classes. If you applied for financial aid and want to make sure that you have completed the process, please contact a student services representative at 1-866-FOR-MSU1 (option number 2), or the VFAO at 1-877-906-1723.

If you plan to receive financial aid, you are strongly advised to speak with a financial aid representative prior to registration. Email faid@mountainstate.edu for more information.

Two versions of independent study courses are available for certain courses:
Please refer to the Independent Study Available Course List (pdf)

Proctor Application and Information (pdf)

Additional Features of Campus Web

Academics Tab

Advising Tab

Academic Advising
An academic advisor is available to assist you completing your program requirements. Please see the chart below and contact the advisor responsible for the school in which your major is offered. You may contact an advisor by calling 1-800-766-6067:

While an advisor will help you make sure that you are reaching your academic goals, it is each student’s responsibility to meet all course, program and graduation requirements.

If you choose to self advise, it is imperative that you follow the college catalog in effect when you first enrolled. However, if you interrupt your program of study for two or more consecutive terms (excluding summ;er sessions), you are subject to the requirements in effect when you re-enroll.

An update of your academic progress is now available online. You may access your progression sheet from the following site: http://online.mountainstate.edu

Step 1: Under login- enter your User ID and password

Step 2: Read the privacy policy

Step 3: Click on the Student Portal (upper right hand corner)

Step 4: Look for Student Advising - Click on Graduation report (graduation report will generate)

Step 5: Click on the PDF file to view

The grad report/progression sheet will identify the courses completed and the courses in progress for your degree. It is imperative that you follow the graduation report to ensure completion of your degree requirements. Some courses require prerequisites. It is your responsibility to check prerequisite requirements in your college catalog. The graduation requirement audit report will identify the hours earned and the hours required for your degree. Please use this tool when selecting courses for your upcoming semester. The graduation requirement audit report is an unofficial report. The Office of the Registrar will complete an official audit once your graduation application is received in Student Services.