What Can I Study? Distance Learning

Independent Study

Independent Study Courses Revised Policy Regarding Attendance:
In accordance with Mountain State University Policies and Procedures and requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education relating to the verification of student activity and attendance in the University’s Independent Study courses, students must hereby affirm their participation in each Independent Study course within ten (10) working days of their initial registration.

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 03-09-2010 Program Locations and Schedules Registration Process 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
If you have not received your user id and password via postal mail or your personal email account for Cougar Web please contact Cougar Web Support at 1-800-766-6067 ext 1730.

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.

Click here for the registration process.

Please call 866.FOR.MSU1 and ask for the Enrollment Center.