College in the Schools - Student Handbook

Student Handbook Overview

College in the Schools is a University of Minnesota program that delivers University courses, in collaboration with area high schools, to advanced high school students. Administered by the College of Continuing Education, the program offers regular, introductory University courses at participating high schools; all courses are approved for degree credit. Specially prepared high school faculty members teach all College in the Schools classes. Click on any of the topics below for specific information or call 612-625-1855 to have a hard-copy mailed to you.

• QUALIFYING FOR COLLEGE IN THE SCHOOLS
• BENEFITS OF COLLEGE IN THE SCHOOLS
• REGISTRATION AND TUITION
• ACADEMIC ADVISING
• CRITICAL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CIS COURSE
• • What to Expect
  • Course Syllabus
  • Class Attendance
  • Scholastic Dishonesty
  • U of M Grading Scale
  • Obtaining Your U of M Grade
  • Withdrawing from a CIS Class
• STUDENT FIELD DAYS
• YOUR UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA TRANSCRIPT
• • Checking Your Transcript for Accuracy
  • Requesting an Official U of M Transcript
• USING YOUR CREDITS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
• • At the University of Minnesota
  • At other Colleges and Universities
  • Tips for Securing Credit Recognition
• ACCESS PRIVILEGES AT THE U OF M
• • Student ID Number
  • U Card
  • Internet Access and E-mail Accounts
  • University Library Access and Privileges

Qualifying for College in the Schools

You are eligible to register for U of M courses by meeting the grade level and class ranking criteria required by the U of M course. Your high school may have additional criteria due to class size, popularity, or budget. The CIS teacher makes the final decision about acceptance into the class.

1. Grade Level Criteria: Juniors and seniors in the top 20-30% of their class are eligible for most classes offered by CIS. Grade level exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Students registering for EngC 1011H must be seniors; it is recommended that students registering for Pol 1001 and ApEc 1101-02 be seniors.

2. Class Ranking Criteria: The class ranking requirements insure you are ready for the academic challenge of these classes. Review the criteria of the course you are interested in taking.

3. Performance Criteria: Some world language courses (e.g. Japanese and Chinese) may require successful completion of an entrance exam prior to enrollment in the U of M course through CIS. See your teacher for details.

Appeals: Students who are not approved for enrollment by their teacher in a CIS course can appeal the decision to the CIS office through the end of the first week of class. Students must submit a written request, two letters of recommendation, and a transcript. Call the CIS office at 612-625-1855 for details.

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Benefits of College in the Schools

Over the years, we’ve heard from many students who referred to their CIS participation as “a smart move.” And so, before delving into the details of CIS participation, we’d like to share with you some of the benefits you stand to gain from successful completion of this course.

As a successful CIS student you will:

• Get a jump-start on college. According to a recent survey of CIS alums, 95% of the respondents who attempted to secure credit recognition for their CIS-administered U of M credits at other colleges and universities were successful.
• Gain a competitive edge. Increased competition in college admissions means that admissions officers now look for evidence of rigorous course work in high school transcripts.
• Enjoy more flexibility in college. Completing college requirements in high school gives you greater flexibility as a full-time college student. Many CIS alums find they are able to pursue second majors, study abroad opportunities, and/or internships.
• Learn college-level skills before your freshman year. The critical thinking, writing, and reading skills developed in CIS courses will prepare you for succeeding in college.
• Demonstrate your learning just as you will in college. College courses typically assess your learning through several means—examinations, papers, lab reports etc. U of M courses administered through CIS will assess your learning in this manner, too. You will not be faced with a single, high-stakes test, such as the AP system presents.
• Reduce the overall cost of a college education. CIS tuition is greatly reduced and, in most cases, is paid for by the schools. Additional savings can be realized when recognition of CIS credits allows you to graduate early.

In a nutshell, choosing College in the Schools is indeed A SMART MOVE!

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Registration and Tuition

Registration for a CIS course occurs separately from your high school registration. Your teacher will provide instructions for the CIS e-registration process.  As part of the CIS e-registration process, you will be asked to provide a correct birth date and social security number in order to ensure a correct U of M record.  Personal information is highly secure in the U of M system and will not be shared or visible in any form.  You will receive an e-mail confirmation that your registration request has been submitted to the University of Minnesota.  You will receive an official paper confirmation (UM Study List) along with student information by U.S. Mail in 7-10 business days.  Your UM Study List will contain your Student ID Number which becomes your primary identifier within the University system.

E-registrations must be submitted within 10 days of the the first day of class. Students wishing to register after that time must do so by filing a petition signed by their CIS instructor.

The University of Minnesota has greatly reduced tuition for CIS courses. Per Minnesota law, your school and/or school district pay your tuition. Schools may, however, request voluntary contributions in support of CIS. Private schools may require students to pay the tuition.

• Check with your teacher or guidance counselors to learn how tuition is handled at your school.
• On occasion, administrative error results in your being billed by the University for your CIS class. Do not pay this bill. Contact CIS registration staff immediately at 612-626-0214 to have the error corrected.

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Academic Advising

The best college students consult with knowledgeable academic advisers before registering for classes. Consider the following as you talk to advisers and plan your schedule:

• How much out-of-class work is expected for each course I’m interested in?
• What other commitments do I have during this term — work, sports, time with friends and family?
• How many advanced classes will my schedule allow?

College courses are demanding and time consuming. Gather information. Talk with your high school counselor and/or the CIS teacher. Talk with other students who have already taken the course(s) you’re interested in.

Finally, the College of Liberal Arts maintains a helpful “Advising Web.” Access the “How-to Guide” for information on planning your course load and tips from University advisers. Visit CLA Advising Web to browse this excellent campus resource.

Good advising and realistic planning can set the stage for your success! Teachers and counselors want you to succeed.

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Critical Information about Your CIS Course

What to expect

When you walk into your CIS class, you are walking into a U of M classroom. Not only will you be working with the same content as on-campus students, your CIS teacher(s) will be using the same pedagogy and assessment methods as on-campus faculty. Expect a faster pace, greater personal responsibility, and higher standards than you would in a typical high school course. Expect, also, that the other students in the course will share your high level of motivation.

Finally, expect that when combined, these exceptional teachers, high standards, and motivated students will make for a vibrant and memorable learning experience.

Course Syllabus 

When asked for advice on how to succeed in college, one University student said, “Read the syllabus, read the syllabus, read the syllabus, and be sure to read the syllabus.”

The first step toward success in any college class is to carefully read the syllabus. In addition to assignments, a course syllabus will contain vital information on course expectations, instructor office hours, key dates, class attendance, advising and disability resources, and grading. Think of the syllabus as the course road-map. So read the syllabus, refer to it throughout the course, and know that you won’t get lost!

• Keep your syllabus (along with all exams, papers, reports etc.) after the course has ended. If you decide to go to a college other than the University of Minnesota, having syllabi available for the classes you took through CIS may help you to secure credit recognition.

Class Attendance 

Attendance is one of the most important factors for student success in college classes. In many cases, the learning and practice that occurs during regular class meetings simply cannot be “made up.” CIS adheres to the attendance policy set by the University of Minnesota. You may view the attendance policy in full by visiting CLA Classroom, Grading & Examination Procedures.

Instructors, guided by the policies of their departments, set their own attendance regulations and rules for late work and may include attendance as a grading criterion. Students are held responsible for meeting all course requirements and for observing deadlines, examination times, and other procedures.

The University of Minnesota permits absences from class for participation in religious observances. Students who plan to miss class must: (1) inform instructors of anticipated absences at the beginning of the term; (2) meet with instructors to reschedule any missed examinations; and (3) obtain class notes from other students.

• Always review your course syllabus for your instructor’s attendance policy.

Scholastic Dishonesty

Academic integrity is essential to a positive teaching and learning environment. All students enrolled in University of Minnesota courses are expected to complete course work responsibilities with fairness and honesty. Failure to do so by seeking unfair advantage over others or misrepresenting someone else’s work as your own will result in disciplinary action. The University Student Conduct Code defines scholastic dishonesty as follows:

Scholastic dishonesty means plagiarizing; cheating on assignments or examinations; engaging in unauthorized collaboration on academic work; taking, acquiring, or using test materials without faculty permission; submitting false or incomplete records of academic achievement; acting alone or in cooperation with another to falsify records or to obtain dishonestly grades, honors, awards, or professional endorsement; or altering, forging, or misusing a University academic record; or fabricating or falsifying of data, research procedures, or data analysis.

For the complete University of Minnesota Student Conduct Code, visit the Student Conduct Code Web site.

U of M Grading Scale

The grade you receive in a CIS course is recorded on your University of Minnesota transcript and automatically becomes part of your permanent U of M academic record. All CIS grades adhere to an A-F scale as defined by the University:

A Achievement outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements (no grade of A+ is possible; A, 4 grade points; A-, 3.67 grade points).

B Achievement significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements (B+, 3.33 grade points; B, 3 grade points; B-, 2.67 grade points).

C Achievement meeting the basic course requirements in every respect (C+, 2.33 grade points; C, 2 grade points; C-, 1.67 grade points).

D Achievement worthy of credit even though it does not fully meet the basic course requirements in every respect (D+, 1.33 grade points; D, 1 grade point; no grade of D- is possible).

F Performance failing to meet the basic course requirements (0 grade points).

W Withdrawal (See “Withdrawing from a CIS Course” below.)
I Incomplete (See “Withdrawing from a CIS Course” below.)

Obtaining your U of M Grade

Printed grade reports are not mailed to students. To obtain or verify your University grade or to print an unofficial transcript, go to Obtaining Grades/Transcripts. Click “View or Print Your Unofficial Transcript.” You will be required to provide your U of M internet ID and password (see “Access Privileges at the U of M” below for instructions on obtaining your internet ID and password).

You also may visit any One Stop Student Services office to obtain your official or unofficial transcript in person. Call 612-626-4432 for hours and locations. Grades cannot be given over the phone.

Disputing a Grade

Except in cases of error, it is rare that University grades are changed. However, if you believe you have a justifiable complaint about your grade, first talk with your CIS instructor. If your problem is not satisfactorily resolved, contact the CIS office.

Withdrawing from a CIS Course

• Be aware of University deadlines for course cancellations.

To drop a CIS course, you must submit an official CIS course cancellation form after talking with your instructor.  The University of Minnesota policies described below apply to all student cancellations.

If you officially withdraw from a CIS class

• within the first two weeks of the high school term, the course will not appear on your transcript. (Students in a nine-month term have six weeks to officially cancel.) The school district will not be billed for your tuition.
• after the second week and before the midpoint of the high school term, a W (Withdrawal) will automatically appear on the grade report and your transcript. (In a nine-month term a W will appear if you cancel after the sixth week and before the midpoint of the term.)  The school district will not be billed for your tuition.
• after the midpoint of the high school term and are doing passing work at the time, you must obtain University approval. Complete and return the CCE Petition form which can be downloaded from the CIS Web site. Your instructor will be required to verify that you are doing passing work at the time of cancellation.
• after the midpoint of the course and are not doing passing work at the time, you will receive a permanent F on your academic record. Note: If you are experiencing difficulty after the midpoint of the course, call CIS instructional support at 612-624-9898 or consult with your teacher about using a one-time only discretionary cancellation.

If you do not officially cancel and you fail to complete the course work, you may receive an I (Incomplete) if, in the opinion of the instructor, there is a reasonable expectation that you can successfully complete the work of the course before the end of the next high school term. You and the instructor should arrive at a clear written understanding in advance whether you may receive an I and, if you can, what the conditions will be. Upon successful completion of the course work, the I is changed to a permanent grade. An I that is not completed within one calendar year of the end of the high school academic term automatically becomes an F.

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Student Field Days

Most CIS cohorts hold a Student Field Day once per term. Join students and teachers from other schools for a day of sharing and exploration on the U of M, Twin Cities campus. Field Days are relevant to your CIS course and vary according to discipline.  Engage with students, faculty, and elected officials in citizen jury debates; visit on-campus language classes and put your skills to the test alongside full-time University students; hear from accomplished authors and share some of your own writing with others; challenge University experts on topics you’ve explored in class; compete with other schools in foreign language video competition. Finally, join your friends to explore Dinkytown or Stadium Village for lunch on your own (restaurant lists and campus maps will be provided).

• You’ll get the most out of your Field Day if you prepare ahead of time. We look forward to seeing you on campus!

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Your University of Minnesota Transcript

• Remember to check your transcript for accuracy.

All University of Minnesota transcripts are handled by the University’s Office of the Registrar, not the CIS office. It is the student’s responsibility to verify that information on a transcript is correct. If your name is misspelled or an incorrect social security number has been recorded, you must fax a copy of your social security card to 612-626-1754 along with a letter explaining the correction. If the course or grade appears to be incorrect, contact the CIS office.

• When your CIS instructor electronically submits your grade to the University, it is immediately reflected on your transcript.

Obtaining Your Transcript

For information on obtaining your University of Minnesota transcript, visit http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/grades.html or call 612-624-4115.  Transcripts may be ordered online, in person, by FAX, or by U.S. Mail.  Note: To view or order your transcript online you will need your U of M Internet ID and password.  See below for instructions on obtaining your internet ID and password.

Financial Aid Transcripts

Even if you received no financial aid from the U of M, some colleges request that students submit a Financial Aid Transcript with their U of M course work transcript. Call the One Stop Phone Line at 612-624-1111 to have a letter sent to the college of your choice.

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Using Your Credits After High School

Now that you know how to request the official record of your U of M credits earned through CIS, here are some instructions that will help you use those credits after high school.

If you apply to the University of Minnesota, you don’t need to worry about transferring credits. Thanks to your work in CIS you already have a permanent transcript at the University. Be sure, however, to mention on your undergraduate admission application that you’ve already completed course work at the University. Contact the U of M’s Office of Admissions at 612-625-2008 or visit the University of Minnesota Office of Admissions Web site to request an application.

If you apply to another college or university, be aware that the decision whether to grant credit recognition rests entirely with that institution. However, data we’ve collected over the years indicates that the vast majority of students succeed in securing recognition for their U of M credits earned through CIS.

Types of Credit Recognition 

Recognition of your U of M credits earned through CIS can come in several forms. Be aware of these distinctions as you apply to other colleges and universities. Credits may

• be directly transferred toward your chosen degree;
• be accepted as elective credits;
• exempt you from taking a required course;
• make you eligible for placement into a higher level course.

Tips for Securing Credit Recognition 

• Save your class syllabus and all your written work and exams so that you can submit evidence of the level of work your CIS course required.
• Clearly indicate on college application forms that you have taken course work at another university.
• Include an official University of Minnesota transcript as part of your application.
• Should a college have questions about the CIS course you have taken, present a portfolio of assignments and examinations to the college with the request that the portfolio be evaluated on an individual basis.

If transfer of credit is denied simply because the course was taken as a part of the CIS program, contact the CIS office for assistance.

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Access Privileges at the U of M

As a College in the Schools student you are a University of Minnesota student. As such, you are eligible to receive many of the same access rights to University resources enjoyed by on-campus students. Take advantage of these opportunities to familiarize yourself with campus, enhance your studies with University library privileges, and save money with free Internet and e-mail access.

Student ID Number

All U of M students are issued a Student ID Number when they register for classes. The University uses this number to identify you in its system. You will receive your Student ID Number when you receive your paper confirmation (UM Study List) indicating your official registration in the CIS course.

• Learn your Student ID Number. You will need it whenever you register for classes or request University resources like a U Card or transcript.

The U-Card

As is true of all University of Minnesota students, you are eligible to receive an official University photo ID known as the U Card. The U Card identifies you as student member of the Twin Cities campus and remains active as long as you are a registered student at the University. Use your U Card as your library card and as your campus ID for access to computer labs, campus buildings, student discounts, and more!

 Your first U Card is free. A replacement fee will be charged for lost, stolen, or damaged U Cards. Visit www.umn.edu/ucard for current U Card information and office locations. U Card brochures and office locations are also available by calling 612-626-9900.

 There are two ways you can obtain a U Card – either by visiting one of three U Card offices on campus or via U.S. Mail with the assistance of your instructor. We want you to succeed in obtaining your U Card, so please read the following sections carefully.

Obtaining Your U Card on Campus

You are eligible to receive a U Card once you are officially registered with the University. You will know that you are officially registered when you receive your paper confirmation (UM Study List) in the U.S. Mail.  Your Study List will include your Student ID Number. You must provide your Student ID Number (or social security number) and a photo ID (MN State ID, driver’s license, or passport) to obtain your U Card.

• NOTE: CIS students are prohibited from obtaining their U Cards while attending Student Field Days.

 You may come to campus at another time to obtain your U Card at any U Card Office. Call the main U Card Office located in Coffman Memorial Union at 612-626-9900 for hours and locations or visit www.umn.edu/ucard.

 Obtaining Your U Card via U.S. Mail

You may obtain your U Card by U.S. Mail only if your CIS teacher collects and submits individual photos and identification information from the entire class.

 If your CIS teacher requests U Cards on behalf of the entire class, you must provide a passport-sized photo (2”x2”) that meets U Card photo standards. On the back of the photo write your first and last name, middle initial, home address, social security number and, if possible, your U of M Student ID Number.  Photographs must show you looking directly at the camera. You cannot wear hats, bandannas, etc. for your photo.  Note: Your teacher may choose to submit digital photos rather than traditional prints.  Your teacher will provide instructions for the digital option.

 When the photos for the entire class are collected, your CIS teacher will send them to the U Card Office for production. Approximately two weeks after the U Card Office receives the photos, U Cards will be returned via FedEx to your CIS teacher, who will distribute them to your class.

Internet Access and E-mail Accounts

As a University student, you are issued an Internet account during the terms in which you are registered. This account will give you access to 50 hours per month of free Internet access, a free e-mail account, as well as numerous online University resources. College in the Schools students are encouraged to take advantage of the money savings and University resources provided by this access.  Note: Users outside of the Twin Cities metro area may incur long-distance charges when dialing into the University internet service. 

• It is a good idea to activate your Internet account even if you don’t wish to use e-mail or free Internet service. The Internet ID (or “X.500 username”) and password you receive in the process will give you access to many online University resources (libraries, grades, transcripts etc.).

It takes up to seven days from the date of registration for your new Internet account to be created in the University’s system. Once the University has created your Internet account, it must be activated before you can begin using it.

To activate your account, visit the Student Internet Account Initiation Web site. For security purposes, you will need to provide your Student ID Number, social security number, and date of birth. The initiation process takes place on a secure web server (https). The University will issue you an Internet ID and ask you to provide a password. Remember your ID and password, as they will be required to access your University e-mail or to request grades or transcripts online. Once you have activated your account you will be able to access your University E-mail from any Internet-connected computer. To access your e-mail account from home, visit the UMN Web Mail Web site.

• For assistance with initiating your account, accessing e-mail, or setting up free dial-up Internet access, call the University’s Internet help line at 612-301-HELP (4357). For information online concerning activating and managing your University Internet and e-mail accounts, visit the Manage Your University of Minnesota Account Web site.

University Library Access and Privileges

The Twin Cities Campus of the University has literally dozens of libraries, special collections, and archives. As a University student you enjoy full library privileges at all U of M libraries. Your U Card functions as your library card on campus. Be aware that the University has an enforced overdue policy; be sure to pay attention to due dates. For information on library hours and locations call 612-624-4552.

Online library resources and your library account may be accessed by providing your Internet ID and password at the University of Minnesota Libraries Web site.

• Great college students have great library skills. Get a jump-start on honing your research skills by taking advantage of your access to the University of Minnesota’s world-class library system!

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