What do I need to do to enroll?
Read more about Registration for GIS Courses
What hardware and software do I need for a GIS online course?
For online GIS courses, we use WebCT IL Compass. In addition to the requirements below, as you read through the course descriptions, please take note of any other additional technical requirements for a particular course. As WebCT upgrades are implemented, the list of supported browsers may change.
Supported browsers for WebCT Illinois Compass are:
Windows
Internet Explorer 5.5 (SP2)5, 6.0
Netscape 7.0, 7.01
AOL 8.0
Mozilla 1.5
Macintosh
Internet Explorer 5.1 (OS X 10.1) and 5.2 (OS X 10.2)
Netscape 7.0, 7.1x
AOL OSX
Mozilla 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 (OS X)
Safari 1.2
Note: Netscape 4.8, Opera, and other browsers will generally display Illinois Compass content, but may not work properly for all of the features, such as quizzing or chat. We suggest that users of these browsers install the most current version of Internet Explorer to use as a backup if they are having problems using any of Illinois Compass’ tools.
Minimum processor requirement is Pentium II, or equivalent.
How long do I have to complete the course?
Students registering for GIS courses after 08/24/08 will have 6 months to complete their course.
Nine-month Completion Period
A nine-month period is allowed for completion of each GIS course. While you might be able to finish the course in less time than the nine months allowed, you are not permitted to complete a course in fewer than six weeks. Since the primary concern of GIS education is quality of work and mastery of concepts, you are encouraged to plan on a minimum of 10 to 12 weeks for the completion of a course. The time that it will take you to complete a course depends on a variety of factors, including the number of assignments required, the schedule of the instructor, your own schedule, and the quality of the work you submit. Therefore, it is not possible for the GIS program to guarantee a particular completion date.
Important: If a course is removed from the sponsoring department’s academic offerings after you have enrolled and begun work on the course, you must complete the course within the timeline as determined by the department.
How fast can I complete the course?
While you might be able to finish the course in less time than the nine months allowed, you are not permitted to complete a course in fewer than six weeks.
Where do I get the textbooks?
Read more about Textbooks and Supplementary Course Materials …
How do I find out what to do in the course?
Read more about How GIS Courses Work …
How do I submit lessons?
Read more about Submitting Lessons …
When can I take the exams?
You can take an exam once all of the lessons and exams prior to that exam have been graded and returned to you. Exam request forms are in your printed Study Guide or online guide. ALL GIS courses, online or print-based, include examinations that will NOT be administered online and must be taken under the supervision of proctors approved by the GIS program. Examinations can be administered on campus in Urbana-Champaign, at the Chicago campus, or off-campus in your local area, but it is your responsibility to arrange for an approved proctor to supervise any off-campus examinations.
Where can I take the exams?
Read more about Examinations …
If I've completed all of the lessons, can I turn them all in at once and take the exams?
No. It’s important for your understanding of the course material that you get regular feedback on completed assignments as you progress through the course. You may submit no more than three lessons per week unless you have prior approval from your instructor to submit more.
Can I receive a refund if I withdraw?
You may withdraw from a GIS course at any time before taking the final examination with no prejudice to your academic record. A withdrawal request form is included in the printed Study Guide or online course materials. You may also download and complete the Change-of-Status form for submission. Once you have requested to withdraw from a course, you cannot be reinstated. You must fill out a new enrollment form and pay the full course tuition and fees to enroll in the course again.
Read more about Withdrawals and Refunds …
What do I do if my address changes?
Be sure to replace the old address on all coversheets with your new correct address. All students should update their address in U of I Integrate. Contact GIS if you have any other questions.
