Center for
Regional Programs

General Information
It is the policy of Arkansas State University to render maximum service. To assist in administering this policy the Center for Regional Programs is maintained to provide opportunities for off-campus study. The offerings cover a wide variety of subjects.

A candidate for a degree at Arkansas State University is required to complete at least 32 semester hours in residence on the ASU-Jonesboro campus, which must include 18 of the last 24 semester hours submitted for the degree. A maximum of 25 percent of a baccalaureate degree program may be earned through credit by examination (including CLEP), independent study through correspondence, evaluated military service credits, and USAFI courses. Candidates for degrees cannot count more than 31 hours of independent study courses through correspondence and/or credit by examination toward a degree.

Arkansas State University is an equal opportunity institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or other unlawful factors in employment practices or admission and treatment of students. Any questions regarding this policy should be addressed to the Coordinator of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 2100, State University, Arkansas 72467.

Any person enrolling in independent study or off-campus study at ASU must have met the regular entrance requirements. Students with fewer than 60 semester hours credit are advised to enroll only in courses numbered 1000 or 2000. Students having completed 60 or more semester hours credit may, with the proper prerequisites, enroll in any course offered.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
Each student should study this Independent Study Bulletin, the Undergraduate Bulletin and the Student Handbook thoroughly and become completely familiar with the organization and the regulations of the university. Failure to do this may result in serious mistakes for which the student shall be held fully responsible.

ASSESSMENT
Arkansas State University (ASU) is dedicated to providing quality academic programs, therefore, assessment for improvement of academic programs is of primary importance to the university. ASU is in compliance with Act 874 of the 1993 General Assembly for administration of the Arkansas Assessment of General Education (AAGE). However, many other ongoing assessment activities occur not only in general education, but also in baccalaureate and graduate degree programs.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Center for Regional Programs is to extend the resources of Arkansas State University to meet educational needs and to provide public service for the citizens. The Center for Regional Programs works closely with the colleges of the university and communities in Arkansas so the resources and programs of Arkansas State University are responsive to the needs of the region and the state. To accomplish this mission, the center provides off-campus credit programs and courses, independent study credit courses, workshops on campus, non-credit courses and personal enrichment courses for public services.

INDEPENDENT STUDIES
Independent study courses are offered as a service to persons desiring individual study at home. The independent study-by-correspondence offerings are of the same quality and content as the class offerings on the campus. The study outlines are prepared and the lessons graded by members of the faculty. Students select the study of special interest and personal need. The work represents the student's own efforts to master experiences, assisted by suggestions from the instructor. Thus, the values of independent thinking are encouraged.

Credits earned through Independent Study at Arkansas State University may be transferred in the same manner as other credits on transcripts issued by Registrar. However, it is recommended that students desiring to enroll in independent study courses for the purpose of transfer, contact the Registrar's Office for confirmation before enrolling in a course at ASU.

Information concerning independent study and application forms may be obtained on line at www.astate.edu or from the Center for Regional Programs, Office of Independent Study, P.O. Box 2260, Arkansas State University, State University, Arkansas 72467. Telephone (870) 972-3052.

For questions or comments contact webmaster@cvnj.astate.edu.