PSEO IDL Options

How are Independent and Distance Learning (IDL) courses different from and similar to on-campus courses?
Is IDL right for me?
Who can take IDL courses?
IDL Course Offerings
IDL Course Formats
Registration and Cancellation of IDL Courses
Application Deadlines
Cancellation Deadlines

How are Independent and Distance Learning (IDL) courses different from and similar to on-campus courses?

• Credits earned through Independent and Distance Learning are semester credits equivalent to credits earned in on-campus courses. 
• The curricula of on-campus and IDL courses are equivalent. 
• IDL courses allow you to work at your own pace for up to nine months.
• In IDL courses, you are responsible for learning course content on your own, with relatively little assistance from your instructor, and no contact with other students in the course.
• Admitted students are eligible to take only one IDL course at a time.
• PSEO covers tuition and required course materials for IDL courses.

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Is IDL right for me?

IDL courses can be a good option for students who are self-motivated and work well without structure. However, for many high school students, the change in course format between high school courses and IDL courses is a very big step, and many students are not prepared for the level of independence required in IDL courses. The AHS³ advisers strongly encourage all PSEO students to opt for on-campus courses if at all possible. PSEO students at the University of Minnesota have consistently performed better in on-campus courses as compared to IDL courses. Consider the following:

• Are you well-organized and self-motivated?
• Do you have roughly 1.5-2 hours per week for each credit of the course in which you wish to enroll? (i.e., roughly 6-8 hours per week for a 4-credit course)
• Do you have a plan to help you structure your schedule to make room for your IDL course?
• Do you read and write at an advanced level?
• Do you get started on your homework right away and stick with it until it’s done?
• Are you interested in the subject that you wish to take in IDL format?
• Do you seek out help when you need it?
• Have you discussed your choice with your high school counselor?
• Do you have space in your high school schedule for a college-level full-year course?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, you may be a good candidate for IDL courses.

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Who can take IDL Courses?

Students who are admitted to the PSEO on-campus program are eligible to take one IDL course at a time. IDL credits count toward semester credit totals. Students may also apply to the PSEO program to take only IDL courses. If admitted, these students are eligible for one IDL course at a time.

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IDL Course Offerings

Admitted students are eligible to take one IDL course at a time. IDL courses begin on the 15^th of every month. The PSEO program covers the cost of IDL courses that begin in September, October, November, December, January, and February. PSEO students must complete all required prerequisites for courses and should start with 1xxx and 2xxx-level courses. For a current list of courses offered in IDL format, visit http://idlwebdb.cce.umn.edu/courses.asp.

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IDL Course Formats

IDL courses are available in two formats: printed and online. Consult the course description to learn about its format. In a printed course, students receive a detailed printed study guide and instructions for assignments. Students communicate with faculty primarily by mail. In some cases, e-mail may also be used. Some printed courses also include materials on the Web. In an online course, materials are posted on a course Web site. Students communicate with faculty through the Web site.

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Registration and Cancellation of IDL Courses

Admitted PSEO students can only make changes to their registration (i.e., adding or dropping courses, changing grade base, etc.) by contacting an AHS³ adviser. All students must complete a registration appointment with an AHS³ adviser before registering for an IDL course. PSEO students admitted for on-campus courses are automatically eligible to take one IDL course at a time.

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Application and Registration Deadlines

Students wishing to apply to the PSEO program to take an IDL course must complete the entire PSEO Application (http://www.cce.umn.edu/ahs/prospective). IDL courses are available to admitted students beginning on September 15, October 15, November 15, December 15, January 15, and February 15.  IDL applications are due by the first day of the month prior to the month in which you wish to begin an IDL course (e.g. applications for courses beginning September 15 are due by August 1).  Applications are accepted from July 1 – January 1 of each year.  All application deadlines are postmark deadlines.  Admitted students must complete a registration appointment, either in person or via phone, with an AHS³ adviser.  More detailed information about registration will be sent to admitted students.

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Cancellation Deadlines

Please visit the IDL Web site for cancellation deadlines: http://www.cce.umn.edu/creditcourses/distance/registration/after.html. This link will take you to a page outside of the AHS³ Web site. The only relevant information on the IDL Web site for PSEO students is IDL cancellation deadlines and course offerings for IDL courses.

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