University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
Distance Learning Program
UAF developed a Correspondence Study Program in the late 1950s, but the current Center for Distance Education and Independent Learning (CDE) was created in 1987. The Independent Learning Program offers more than 120 courses and serves approximately 6,000 students throughout the world each year.
Independent Learning courses are open for enrollment any time of the year. Students have up to one year from the date of enrollment to finish course work. Extensions may be available, depending on the circumstances. Students are encouraged to use e-mail to submit lessons to circumvent delays in the standard mailing process.
CDE also supports close to 400 distance-delivered courses offered on a semester basis for several certificate and degree programs through the master's level within Alaska each academic year. The department is part of the College of Rural Alaska, with branch campuses in Bethel, Dillingham, Interior-Aleutians, Kotzebue, and Nome, as well as participating with extended campuses of the University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Southeast.
A wide range of media, including basic written materials, audiotapes, videotapes, CD-ROMS, electronic mail, and the World Wide Web, is utilized to deliver instruction. Many courses are available online and more are being developed. Not all modes of delivery are available for every course, and students must have access to the appropriate equipment as specified in individual course descriptions. Most interaction between students and instructors is asynchronous in nature and may be via written communication, e-mail, or by phone interview.
The Center for Distance Education and Independent Learning participates in the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) programs; information is available from base personnel or education officers. Veterans' educational benefits are also applicable. DANTES students must complete a UAF enrollment form as well as the DANTES forms.
People interested in being certified to teach in Alaska find courses available that fulfill teacher certificate and recertification requirements for the State of Alaska Department of Education. Students may choose among several courses that satisfy the Alaska studies and multicultural requirements.
Students have access to the state library system and the UAF Rasmuson Library directly or through the Statewide Library Electronic Doorway (SLED). All students can obtain accounts on the University of Alaska computer network, which also gives access to the wider Internet and the World Wide Web. The UAF Writing Center offers free tutoring for student use. Papers are faxed to the center, and a telephone appointment is made between the tutor and the student. Students may not schedule more than one appointment per day. A toll-free UAF math hotline for problem solving and math help is also available for student use. Available hours may change each semester.
The Independent Learning Program includes approximately 90 faculty members, about half of whom are also full-time members of the UAF faculty and have terminal academic degrees. Adjunct faculty members and discipline professionals are hired to supplement the University's full-time faculty.
Programs of Study
Approximately 120 independent learning courses can be used to fulfill degree program requirements within the University of Alaska's statewide system or at any other university that accepts the credits. The Center for Distance Education and Independent Learning is not a degree-granting organization. Future plans include delivery of certificates and degrees online.
For students residing in-state, certificates and degrees available through the College of Rural Alaska include a certificate in rural human services; the A.A. in general studies; the A.A.S. in human service technology; the A.A.S. and a certificate in community health, early childhood, educational paraprofessional, information technology specialist, and tribal management; the B.A. in social work; the B.A. and M.A. in rural development; and the B.A. and M.Ed. in education.
Individual course requirements vary for Independent Learning courses and are detailed in the course description. Many courses list prerequisites and it is up to the student to determine if he or she has fulfilled the requirements.
Applying for Distance Education
No application is required of students taking Independent Learning courses. Completion of a UAF enrollment form and payment of fees are all that are required of students to take courses. Verification of enrollment and course materials are mailed to the student, and the student may begin the course work.
Students may enroll in individual courses any time during the year and have one year to complete the course. There are no admissions requirements or procedures since the Center for Distance Education and Independent Learning is not a degree-granting organization.
Since the Center for Distance Education and Independent Learning is not a degree-granting organization, there is no transfer of credit or credit for prior learning available.
Costs
All students enrolled in UAF Independent Learning courses are charged the same tuition whether they are Alaska residents or not. Tuition for 100- to 200-level courses is $129 per credit, 300- to 400-level courses are $142 per credit, and 600-level courses are $272 per credit. The only other costs for courses are materials fees that vary by course and a $25 service fee per course. Students outside the U.S. must submit payment in U.S. dollars and are charged an extra $30 per course plus any additional shipping charges for the delivery of materials. (Actual costs of delivery are determined upon registration.)
Financial Aid
Alaska students who are full-time (enrolled in at least 12 credits per semester) and are taking independent learning courses on a semester basis are eligible for all the types of financial aid available to other students, including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, State Educational Incentive grants, Bureau of Indian Affairs grants, Federal Stafford Student Loans, and State of Alaska student loans. Students enrolled in regular yearlong courses are not eligible to receive financial aid.
For Additional Information
Curt Madison, Director
Center for Distance Education and Independent Learning
College of Rural Alaska
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska 99775-6700
907-474-5353
800-277-8060
E-mail: distance@uaf.edu