University System of Georgia Independent and Distance Learning   ->  About IDL   ->  Mission and Philosophy

Mission and Philosophy

The mission of University System of Georgia Independent and Distance Learning is to offer University System academic-credit courses to University System students and individuals who are interested in earning academic credit through distance-learning methods and technologies. Independent Study strives to broaden access to higher education by transcending barriers of geography and time, while meeting the highest academic standards, encouraging academic rigor, and requiring equivalent levels of student achievements and quality of courses regardless of delivery format. It allows flexibility of registration, permits students to register at any time, and to take a maximum of three courses simultaneously with up to nine months to complete each course.

The distinctive feature of Independent and Distance Learning is the unique context for teaching and learning. Faculty prepare course guides and other instructional materials and grade lessons submitted by students to satisfy requirements of the course. Distance-learning methods and technologies are employed as appropriate to enhance learning. Students in Independent and Distance Learning courses are expected to acquire equivalent knowledge and competency to that acquired by students in the courses offered on the institution's campus.