Alternate Ways of Earning Credit

Proficiency Examinations

Proficiency examinations for advanced standing are offered for most courses open to freshmen and sophomores. Proficiency examinations in more advanced undergraduate courses may be taken only if recommended by the head of the department and with the approval of the dean of the college in which the student is enrolled. Arrangements to take a proficiency examination should be made through the department which offers the course.

If the proficiency examination is passed, credit toward graduation is awarded in the amount regularly allowed in the course. Students may not take proficiency exams in courses if they have completed more than one course that is more advanced than the course they wish to proficiency. (Exception to this rule is proficiency credit earned in Math 103). In addition, proficiency examinations may not be taken to earn credit in a course that has been failed.

Guided Individual Study (GIS)

Enrollment in Guided Individual Study courses offers a unique opportunity to earn academic credit toward a degree through individual instruction by mail. GIS permits students to solve scheduling problems, study while away from campus, and accelerate the progress toward a degree. Registration in GIS courses cannot be used to satisfy minimum residency requirements for a degree or to count toward the twelve-hour minimum required for full-time status. Credit and grades earned in GIS courses are figured into the Illinois grade point average the same as courses taken in residence.
Students interested in GIS may obtain a brochure and application from the Guided Individual Study Office, Presidential Tower, Suite 1406, 302 E. John Street, Champaign, IL 61820, 333-1321. The application is also available on the GIS web site and from academic advisers and the Admissions/Records Officers of the College. The enrollment application must be signed by the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs. Students may register at any time.

Independent Study Courses

Courses taken on an independent study basis (typically courses numbered 199 and 390) must be approved by petition prior to registration if the student wishes to fulfill a degree requirement in this manner. Prior to registering for the course, students must submit a College petition with a syllabus or plan of study for evaluation. The syllabus should fully explain the scope of the independent study and be co-signed by the instructor involved. After the petition is reviewed, the student will be notified as to whether the independent study is acceptable in fulfilling a specific degree requirement. Students desiring elective credit toward their degree for an independent study course do not need to petition or present supporting material. For teacher certification purposes, students should keep a copy of the syllabus throughout their professional lives in case a description of the course is ever needed. Descriptions of independent study courses are not retained by departments.

Summer School Attendance at Other Institutions

Students may earn credit during the summer by attending community colleges or four-year institutions provided they satisfy the minimum residency requirements for graduation. Students should check the Course Applicability System web site to confirm the course has been articulated by the college of control and the transferability of the course(s). If the course has not been articulated, the student must provide a course syllabus for review by the college of control.

Following completion of the course(s), students should have an official transcript sent to the Office of Admissions, 901 West Illinois Street, Urbana, IL 61801. After the transcript is processed by the Admissions Office, the credit will be added to the student’s record. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that credit taken elsewhere is transferred back to the University in a timely manner. Grades earned in coursework completed at other institutions are averaged into the student's cumulative grade point average. Students whose names appear on the degree list should have official transcripts mailed directly to the Admissions/Records Officer of the College, 120 Education, 1310 South Sixth Street, Champaign, IL 61820.

Intercampus Registration

Intercampus Registration allows students at one campus of the University to register for courses unique to another campus of the University without having to transfer. This program also provides for summer enrollment at another University campus and allows students to transfer their financial aid to the host campus. Under this arrangement, students are registered through the home campus and do not interrupt residency requirements for graduation. More detailed information concerning this program, including the registration form, may be obtained online.