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Information for Incarcerated Students

This section is specifically for those persons restricted in their educational opportunities because of incarceration. The following information, along with this Bulletin, should answer most questions about Independent and Distance Learning policy, registration, enrollment, payment of tuition, and financial aid:

1. Independent and Distance Learning (IDL) is not a degree-granting unit of the University System of Georgia. The number of credits which may be applied to a program of study will vary among colleges and universities. Check with an academic advisor at the college or university of your choice to determine appropriateness of a course for your specific program of study.

2. Independent and Distance Learning is an academic program of the University System of Georgia which offers undergraduate credit courses. It provides flexibility of registration which allows students to register at any time. Students may register for up to three courses simultaneously. Nine months, from date of registration, is the allocated time for completion of each course.

3. A student does not have to be admitted to the University of Georgia to enroll in Independent and Distance Learning. Any high school graduate or person completing a GED may register for one or more courses.

4. Independent and Distance Learning is a viable alternative for students seeking educational opportunities away from a college campus. It is best suited for the person who is purposeful, self-directed, and able to exercise self-discipline in completing requirements for a course with external deadlines.

5. Academic credits earned through Independent and Distance Learning are recorded on the student's permanent record in the Registrar's Office at the University of Georgia. Credit hours may be used to meet degree requirements according to the regulations and policies of the college or university from which the student plans to graduate.

6. Students not admitted to the University of Georgia must register for nonresident credit. Nonresident credit is normally equivalent to transfer credit in meeting credit hour requirements for programs of study and for computing grade point averages. Students should consult their academic advisors to determine appropriateness of a course for a program of study.

7. Independent and Distance Learning cannot be responsible for misadvisements, changes in programs of study, or other actions resulting in improper choice of courses. Academic credit courses should be approved by the dean of the school or college or an academic advisor of the degree program in which the student is enrolled before registering for an Independent and Distance Learning course.

8. Tuition Fees must be paid at time of registration (i.e., cash, check, money order, or credit card). State fiscal policy does not permit deferment of fee payment; however, an unconditional invoice or authorization to bill from an outside agency may be acceptable.

Many inmates are completing GEDs in correctional institutions in Georgia. In turn, they receive a $500 HOPE GED Voucher. Unfortunately, the HOPE GED Vouchers can not be redeemed toward tuition costs until the inmate is released on parole. HOPE GED Vouchers must be processed through a financial aid office of a school or college in Georgia. IDL cannot accept them directly from any student (incarcerated or not) for tuition or fee payments. Inmates needing additional information about use of the HOPE GED Vouchers, should contact the HOPE office at the contact number stated on their GED vouchers if they have additional inquiries about the voucher program for incarcerated students.

9. Independent and Distance Learning does not provide financial aid or assistance. A student seeking financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office at the college or university to which they have been admitted or plan to apply for admission. The University of Georgia's Financial Aid Office offers financial assistance only to persons already enrolled with the institution.

10. Incarcerated persons may arrange for examinations to be proctored through the correctional institution's educational office/coordinator by contacting an Independent and Distance Learning student representative.

11. Please consult the Independent and Distance Learning catalog for further information. If questions arise or clarification is required, write to:

Independent and Distance Learning
Suite 193
Georgia Center for Continuing Education
University of Georgia
Athens, GA 30602-3603

Phone: (706) 542-3243 or 1 (800) 877-3243
World Wide Web site: www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/idl