Individualized Instruction (INI)
Credit courses offered in flexible formats to fit diverse needs and lifestyles.
Reminder: After registration, set up your UMD e-mail account at http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/email |
| INI courses are offered in two formats: |
|
Correspondence: paper-based courses in which students register anytime within the semester and complete course requirements within an allotted period of time, typically 16 weeks. |
|
| Online:
courses using current computer software platforms to support anytime, anyplace learning. Courses may begin anytime during the semester and complete course requirements within an allotted period of time, typically 16 weeks, or they may begin and end on specific dates. |
Individualized Instruction (INI) courses give students an opportunity to complete course requirements in a flexible format that suits diverse needs and lifestyles.
Most INI courses may be completed without visiting the UMD campus, and are suitable for students who reside a distance from campus. Some INI courses require registration at the beginning of the semester, while others allow registration throughout the term.
Details about formats are included in each course description. Unless stated otherwise in the class schedule, students have 16 weeks to complete the course requirements. Students registering prior to the start of the semester conform to the semester schedule. Students registering after the start of a semester have a 16-week timeframe to complete the work, which means course deadlines may bridge two semesters. In rare instances, an extension beyond the 16-week completion deadline may be granted; extensions are entirely at the discretion of the instructor. INI courses are not available for audit.
After you register, specific information on your course, including start and completion dates, syllabus and instructor contact information may be found at "Getting Started After Registration".
PLEASE NOTE: INI courses may satisfy degree requirements in programs offered through the University of Minnesota Graduate School, only if approved by the Graduate Program Director. In those cases, Graduate School tuition rates will apply.
Are Individualized Instruction Courses Right For You?
Review our online INI worksheet to determine if an Individualized Instruction course will suit your needs, personality, lifestyle, and learning style.
--> INI Worksheet
Initiating UMD Basic Internet and E-mail Accounts
After initial registration, a UMD e-mail account is issued to each student.
This account is UMD’s official mode of communication.
To gain access to e-mail accounts:
- Allow at least 24 hours from the time of registration before attempting to initiate an account.
- Have the student ID number handy. (NOTE: The seven-digit student ID number is listed on the course registration confirmation sent via U.S. Mail or can be requested at the time of registration by phone or in person.)
- Log on to the UMD Registration page at http://www.d.umn.edu/Register/.
- Under "Services You May Need," click on "Look up your e-mail name (Internet ID)."
- In the "for:" box, type first and last name. Hit the search key. (To differentiate from others with the same name, use of the middle initial may be required. Also, students who have changed their names may still be listed in the system under a previous name.)
- Write down the Internet ID and e-mail address names for future use. If those lines are blank, it may mean ITSS needs an additional day to set up an account. If problems persist, contact ITSS at 218-726-7587. Once the Internet ID and e-mail address have been obtained, return to the Registration page. (http://www.d.umn.edu/Register/)
- Under "Services You May Need," click on "Account Initiation."
- Click "OK" on the secured data box.
- On the Account Initiation page, fill in SSN, Student ID, and date of birth. NOTE: use four digits for the year, not two. Then follow the instructions for creating a password, and click the "Submit" button to complete the initiation process.
The student’s Internet ID is referred to as the “x .500” name. In order to gain access to certain services on the UMD website (e.g., library databases), that Internet ID and the password must be given when the system requests authentication from the user.
Information about e-mail accounts is found on the UMD website at http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/email/.
On that page, off campus students may click on the “Read E-mail”
navigation button on the left to be connected to UMD’s e-mail system.
Students also can access the web mail feature via the e-mail button under
the “Quick Links” feature on the UMD home page.
Computer Requirements
Most online courses require access to specific software. Typically, students
will need computer access with an Internet connection, updated browser capability
(e.g., Netscape 7.1 or Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher), Windows 98 (or
later) or Mac OS X (or later), and some familiarity with navigating the
Internet. Depending upon individual computer formats, students will need
to download RealPlayer, QuickTime, or Windows Media.
UMD licensed software is free and downloadable from the UMD Web site or
at the course site. Sound output is also necessary for the computer. Computer
browser setups can be checked by logging on to: http://webct.umn.edu/browser/config-vista.shtml.
The Web CT Student Orientation Course Site also may be beneficial: http://webct.umn.edu/students/.
Cancellations and Refunds
Students must officially cancel their registrations in INI courses in which
they no longer intend to participate. Not finishing a course without
canceling or receiving an extension will result in a failing grade.
Students who are not able to finish their courses within the specified time
frames must contact their instructors regarding the possibility
of extensions. Instructors reserve the right to issue incompletes (I) and
grant extensions, or to issue failing (F) grades if course expectations
are not met within the specified course time frame.
To ensure the correct refund for a cancelled course, contact Continuing
Education staff at (218) 726-8113 before canceling a course.
How to Register
Students may register for INI courses in a variety of ways:
| Phone: | 218-726-8113 |
|---|---|
| Fax: | 218-726-6925 |
| Mail: | Complete a registration
form and mail it to: UMD Continuing Education 104 Darland Administration Building 1049 University Drive Duluth, MN 55812-3011 |
| In Person: | Stop at Continuing Education window 1 or 2 on the first floor of the Darland Administration Building between 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. |
| Online: | http://www.d.umn.edu/Register/ |
After the beginning of week three, students must contact Continuing Education directly to register (218) 726-8113.
If your course requires a permission number to register, please check out the webpage on Obtaining Permission Numbers for instructions.
Obtaining Course Materials
All textbooks and study guides can be purchased in the UMD Book Store.
View a listing of required INI materials at http://umdstores.com/SelectTermDept.aspx
Use your VISA, MasterCard, or Discover/Novus card to purchase books. You
can also order books by calling UMD Stores at 218-726-7286 or toll-free
1-866-726-8631. Mailing charges will be added to the total costs.
Some courses require videotapes, DVDs, CDs, and/or audiotapes which are
available in the UMD Library at the Main Circulation Desk. View or listen
to these in the Library. Some materials are available for check out on a
three-day basis.
A UMD UCard (photo identification card) or Library access card is required
to check out Library materials. Students may present their INI registration
confirmation forms at the Library’s Main Circulation Desk to receive
free access cards. UMD’s Library also offers distance education services.
Find additional information on these services at http://www.d.umn.edu/lib/distant/index.htm.
Questions?
If you have questions about Individualized Instruction Courses:
| Contact: | Torina Stark |
|---|---|
| Phone: | 218-726-8146 |
| e-mail: | tstark@d.umn.edu |