Overview

To assist students and increase graduation rate AIU provides each student with access to their Online Student Section. The Online Student Section allows students to:

• Access Instructions and formats for orientation courses,
• Keep a calendar of assignments with planned completion dates,
• Upload/Post assignments,
• Review Grades/Transcripts,
• Post Questions or Messages with Student Services and/or your advisor,
• Start the first phase of the program to establish the program curriculum,
• Access the AIU Online Library

Research can be conducted at the AIU online library which has full text access to 1600 journals and periodicals amounting to over 10 million full text sources. This is a quick and convenient way to begin your research in any topic or area from your curriculum. Your program is primarily through independent study and research. Just like in a traditional classroom, your course text book (or other reference materials) will be your main resource. Your assessor will review the work or assignments done from the book or applied from the book to a practical exercise or project (this may be appropriate for you if your work relates to your field of study). Your grade is derived form the assessment of your assignment and an exam which will be administered orally via phone or sent to you via e-mail. There are no real deadlines or semesters to go by, you work at your own pace. Your only requirement is to set a study schedule and keep it up to date. Should there be delays or set backs just resubmit with revised schedule. The curriculum you take will be modified from the standard program to capture your unique interest and goals. Our goal is to make you aware of your strengths and weaknesses and allow your program to include the skills and knowledge that you need to reach you personal and professional aspirations.

At AIU you will actually build your own curriculum from courses that are appropriate for your personal and professional goals. Your advisor will make sure that your curriculum is appropriate for your field and complies with the generally accepted norms. Your first task is to select your appropriate courses and to learn about the profession that you want to study in. Next you may want to do a search online for your program and look at a few curriculums. You will soon learn that many of the courses offered at different institutions are similar if not identical. Your job will be to select the required number courses within your field and a research topic for your Dissertation. The number of courses will depend on your experience, transfer credits and professional goals. After you curriculum is set and your courses selected, you will proceed to work on your courses. Initially, we do not provide the student with a list of courses to choose from because the University wants you to compare other programs both domestic and international. In the event that you need assistance in designing your curriculum, one can be presented to you based on your particular situation and career goals. However, it is encouraged that you take the time to explore other programs to be more aware of what is available.

There are many questions students should ask before deciding to enroll in AIU’s distance learning program(s). Prospective online students need to determine their level of readiness for independent study before they enter the classroom. Specific areas of weakness and strength may then be easily addressed and academic success assured.