Delivery Systems

Auburn University Independent Learning courses are Asynchronous. This means that a student generally is not in direct and immediate contact with the course instructor when course work is being done. The student may access instructional material in a variety of methods -- in texts, instructor's writings, CDROMs, on line via the computer and the Internet/World Wide Web, audio or video cassettes, or audio tapes. Assignments, in addition to tradition written work, can include special projects that allow the student to encounter special resources within the local community.

Course Materials

Auburn University's Independent Learning program assists in the learning process by providing 1) a well-developed syllabus for each course which states the course objectives and policies, 2) necessary texts and supplementary materials, 3) a variety of assignments, and 4) assignment attachment sheets to return along with the course work to be graded.

Books and other materials which may be necessary in the preparation of assignments may be ordered directly from Distance Learning or obtained from a local bookseller.

For those courses in which video or audio cassette tapes are required, all must be returned in good condition before you will be permitted to take the final examination.

Assignments

You will complete a specific number of written assignments which are to be submitted sequentially and which are based on assigned readings or projects. Instructions, which are included in each course manual, vary from course to course depending on the instructor and the nature of the assignments. These instructions should be followed exactly.

Many courses allow a maximum of 5 assignment submissions within any given seven day period. You must adhere to this policy. Assignments submitted in advance of a valid submission period will be returned to the student. Some faculty require other time frames for the spacing of assignment submissions. The student should follow instructions as stated in the course syllabus.

Each assignment is graded by an Auburn University faculty member who provides commentary as needed to guide you through the course. Assignments must always be of acceptable quality. Otherwise, the instructor may require resubmission of assignments for grading and return before additional assignments can be accepted. Assignments can be hand delivered, mailed, faxed (if not excessively lengthy), or sent via E-mail to the Distance Learning Office. Consult your course materials for these procedures.

Examinations

When taking exams, you must be proctored by one of the following: Higher education faculty, instructors, or library administrator, Independent learning or distance learning offices at another university or college, or Independent learning or distance learning offices at another university or college. If you have difficulty finding one of these approved proctors contact the Auburn University Distance Learning Office for assistance in securing an appropriate examination proctor. AU students must come to the Distance Learning Office to take their final examinations.

Grading Policy

Grades are given either as numerical values or as letter grades. For example, A, B, and C are given for acceptable work in a course. A D exhibits passing but unsatisfactory work. An F exhibits work failed. If you fail a course and want to receive credit, you must re-enroll and pass the course. You must pass the proctored final examination in order to pass the course. Upon successful course completion, the appropriate semester hour credits are applied to your Registrar's record. Currently, Independent Learning courses do not affect the AU student's GPA.