Prison College Program FAQs – Print-based (Prison College Program)

by michaelg May 17, 2019

Source: https://www.adams.edu/academics/print-based/faqs/

Accreditation

Q. Is Adams State University (ASU) accredited?
A. Yes, ASU is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This is the highest level of accreditation in the United States. The six (6) regional accrediting agencies for post-secondary education in the United States are:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Any post-secondary institution not accredited by one of the aforementioned agencies should raise concerns.

Transferability

Q. Will my credits transfer to another school?
A. Transferability of credit is based on the decision of the institution accepting the credits. With our level of accreditation, there is a high likelihood the receiving institution would accept your credits from ASU. Having noted this, it is highly recommended you seek pre-approval of your credits from the college or university you are planning to transfer the credits to for your degree program.

Q. I am interested in your distance degree program, but already have some college credits. Will they be accepted into your program?
A. Prior to your official enrollment in the Distance Degree Program, an advisor can complete a free “unofficial” evaluation of your previous college work. In the “unofficial” evaluation, the advisor will attempt to show where your previous college credits fit into the ASU degree requirements. If you have earned vocational credits and/or certificates through the military or Department of Corrections (DOC), please submit those as well.

Q. Some of my college credits were taken more than 10 years ago. Will these credits still apply to my degree?
A. We will take a look at all of your previous course work. Elective and general education credit over 10 years of age may be applied toward your degree. However, any college credit earned more than 10 years before the date of admission or re-admission is not applicable toward your major core or emphasis requirements unless it is approved by the department chair of your intended major.

Q. Where do I send my transcripts for the “unofficial” evaluation?
A. You may request in writing the unofficial evaluation and include copies of your transcripts for review. Please provide contact information such as your mailing address. For this purpose, the transcripts may be unofficial copies, but must be legible. The transcripts and letter should be sent to:

Adams State University
Office of Extended Studies
208 Edgemont Blvd., Suite 3000
Alamosa, CO 81101
Fax: 719-587-7974

How Does it Work?

Q. How does the course completion process work?
A.

When you are ready to take a course, you will need to send in a course registration form with payment. Once we process your course registration, we send you a course study guide and syllabus. Books are not included in the price and must be purchased separately.
The course study guide and syllabus will let you know your assignments and course guidelines. Make sure to read the syllabus and general instructions prior to starting the course.
From there, you will work on your course and course assignments.
Some courses require you to take a test. When you are ready to take a test, you will send in an exam request form located in your study guide that will be filled out and signed by you and your proctor.
Once you have completed and submitted all your required work, you will receive a final grade for the course.
When your final grade has been posted in our system, you will then receive a mailed complimentary official transcript with your final grade.

Q. How long do I have to complete a course?
A. You have one full calendar year to complete a course from the date of course registration.

Q. Can I correspond and get input and feedback from my professor?
A. Yes. All professors require a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for correspondence. How to correspond with your professor will be noted in your course syllabus and study guide.

ACT/ SAT

Q. Do I need ACT or SAT scores to take course at Adams State University?
A. We do not require your SAT/ACT scores if you (1) have already completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of transferrable credit and/or (2) are seeking admission to the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree programs. If you do not have a completed SAT/ACT or suitable transfer courses, you will be required to complete our English and math placement exams before you take any math or English courses as a degree seeking student.

Courses, Registration and Admittance

Q. How do I become admitted to Adams State and the Distance Degree Program?
A. In order to proceed with admission to our program, you will need to submit an application for admission and a hand-written explanation of crime/felony. We will also need official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. If you do not have any previous college credit or less than 12 transferable college credits, we will need an official high school transcript or official GED score report. Failure to provide official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities may delay your admission or result in dismissal or rejection. The transcripts must be official and must be mailed directly from the previously attended institution to:

Adams State University
Office of Extended Studies
208 Edgemont Blvd., Suite 3000
Alamosa, CO 81101

Q. Do I have to be admitted to ASU in order to take correspondence courses?
A. No. You may take courses for any reason such as transfer to other schools, personal enrichment, or to improve your skills in a specific area. All you need to do is select the course you want to take, complete a course registration from, and provide payment in full for the specified tuition. In fact, you can simply register and pay for courses you would like to take now. Courses you take with us will be added to your degree program with ASU when and if you decide to become a degree seeking student.

Q. Do I have to wait for a new semester or to be fully admitted at ASU in order to begin courses?
A. No. You can start courses whenever you wish. You will have one year to complete a course from the date of course registration.

Q. What are the differences between the Application for Admission to Undergraduate Distance Degree Program and the Correspondence Registration forms?
A. The Admission to Undergraduate Distance Degree Program form is only used when you want to become fully admitted into ASU as a degree seeking student. The Correspondence Registration form is used for course registration purposes only and does not require full admission to a degree program.

Q. What options can I use to complete an Adams State degree?
A. We offer a wide range of options that include using credits from previous college work, distance learning (correspondence) courses, online courses, CLEP/DANTES, and military or civilian training.

Costs

Q. What are the costs?
A. The current cost of a print-based course is $220 per credit (courses run with the Center for Legal Studies have slightly higher tuition). A one-time matriculation fee of $100, which is assessed after you submit your first course registration, is waived. Tuition and any fees for the ASU Distance Learning courses are listed in the catalog and on the Extended Studies web site. Most courses have basic tuition charges, but some may have additional material fees. The cost of textbooks is not included in the course tuition. Textbooks can be purchased from the ASU Bookstore or through any vendor of your choice. It is strongly advised you consult with your facility regarding book guidelines before you place your book order.

Q. Do I have to pay for the whole program at one time?
A. No. Each course is paid for separately.

Financial Aid

Q. Is financial aid available?
A. Congress removed federal financial educational aid for incarcerated individuals when the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act passed in 1994. Therefore, no federal aid in the form of Pell Grants or guaranteed loans is available to students in state or federal correctional facilities. If you are a veteran or a child of a veteran, you may be eligible for veteran’s educational benefits. Most incarcerated students utilize private sources of funding to pay for their education. This can include funding from savings, family members, supporters, Tribes, church groups, non-profit organizations, etc.

Upon release from federal or state prison, you may be eligible for federal aid. You must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. In addition, you must be admitted to a degree seeking program. Again, just remember that you cannot use or access any Pell Grant or federal student loan funds while you are incarcerated.

Veterans/ GI Bill

Q. Do you accept the GI Bill?
A. Yes. All questions regarding GI Bill funding should to go to our:

Veteran’s Affairs

Payment

Q. Do you offer a payment plan?
A. No, full course tuition payment is required at the time of course registration.

Registration, Drops and Withdrawals

Q: Can I register for courses at any time?
A: No. You will be required to register for courses during a specific registration time which will come twice a semester. These will be referred to as Semester one and Semester two.

Q: Do I have to wait for a new semester or to be fully admitted at ASU in order to begin courses?
A.Yes. You will need to register during the dates identified each semester. You will have up to two weeks after classes start to register. The drop deadline is two weeks after the defined start date. You CANNOT drop after this date. The withdraw deadline is approximately 2 months after the start date of the semester. You CANNOT withdraw after this date. Students should start their course before the
withdraw date. The course rotation will allow you to work with your advisor to determine your courses several semesters in advance.

Q: What if I miss the deadline to register?
A: We will contact you to see if you would like to be registered in the next session.

Q: Can I add/drop a course at any time?
A: No. You will be required to add/drop by the add/drop deadline as listed on the academic calendar.

Q: Can I withdraw at any time?
A: No. You will be required to withdraw by the withdraw deadline as listed on the academic calendar.

Q: As an incarcerated student will I be held to the add/drop and withdrawal deadlines?
A: Yes. The add/drop deadlines will apply to all students.

Q: If I register for a course in the first part of the semester, can I drop a course and add the course in the next session in the term?
A: You can only add/drop a course in the designated add/drop dates listed in the catalog.

Q: What options can I use to complete an Adams State degree?
A: We offer a wide range of options that include using credits from previous college work, distance learning (correspondence) courses, online courses, CLEP/DANTES, and military or civilian training.

Q: Can someone else register me for classes?
A: No. Registration must be submitted and signed by the student.

Authorization to Release Student Educational Records

Q: Can someone else register me for classes?
A: No. Registration must be submitted and signed by the student.

Q: Can someone else contact Adams State University on my behalf?
A: Yes. Once an Authorization to Release Student Education Record Information Form (FERPA) is received from the student.

Q: What is an Authorization to Release Student Education Record Information Form (FERPA)?
A: An Authorization to Release Student Education Record Information Form (FERPA) authorizes Adams State University to discuss your educational record with the person identified on the form. The
authorization form does not permit third parties to make changes for a student. Per Federal law, we CANNOT discuss your educational record with anyone unless we have a signed form on file. You should
try to limit this authorization to two individuals.

Q: Can I revoke an Authorization to Release Student Education Record Information Form (FERPA)?
A: Yes. You can revoke an Authorization to Release Student Education Record Information Form (FERPA) at any time. This request must come in writing from the student and be sent to the Correspondence
Education Program.

Course Completion

Q.How does the course completion process work?
A.

When you are ready to take a course, you will need to send in a course registration form with payment. Once we process your course registration, we send you a course study guide and
syllabus. Books are not included in the price and must be purchased separately.
The course study guide and syllabus will let you know your assignments and course guidelines. Make sure to read the syllabus and general instructions prior to starting the course.
From there, you will work on your course and course assignments.
Some courses require you to take a test. When you are ready to take a test, you will send in an exam request form located in your study guide that will be filled out and signed by you and
your proctor.
Once you have completed and submitted all your required work, you will receive a final grade for the course.
When your final grade has been posted in our system, you will then receive a mailed complimentary official transcript with your final grade.

Q: How long will I have to complete a course?
A: We encourage students to complete a course within the semester. However, we do understand that due to circumstances beyond their control this may not be possible for incarcerated students. These students will have up to a year from the start date of the course to complete it.

Q: What if I can’t finish my course by the end of the semester?
A: Your instructor will enter an incomplete grade [IN], and you will have up to one year from the start date of the semester to complete the course. When you complete the course, your instructor will input the final grade.

Q: What if I can’t finish my course within a year?
A: You are expected to finish your course within a year. If there are mitigating circumstances beyond your control, [Eg. transferred to a new facility, documented illness, etc.] you may request an extension. You will only be eligible for an extension if you have completed 50% or more of the course. If there are mitigating circumstances, you must contact your professor and advisor as soon as you are able.

Q: How do you request an extension?
A: You must request an extension from your professor in writing before the end of the year. You will only be eligible for an extension if you have completed 50% or more of the course. Only the professor
can grant an extension. The maximum extension time is 6 months.

Communication with my Instructor

Q.Can I correspond and get input and feedback from my professor?
A. Yes. All professors require a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) for correspondence. Postage paid envelopes are included with the course packet. How to correspond with your professor will be
noted in your course syllabus and study guide.

Q: I have access to Corrlinks, can I correspond with my instructor through this service?
A: Instructors are not required to use Corrlinks. Some instructors have access to Corrlinks, some do not. Check with your instructor to verify.

Q: I can’t get a hold of my instructor what should I do?
A: If you have not received written correspondence or feedback on assignments in a month, please contact your advisor in writing. Written correspondence MUST come from the student.

Communication with ASU

Q: Can someone else contact Adams State University on my behalf?

A: Yes. Once an Authorization to Release Student Education Record Information Form (FERPA) is received from the student.

Course Rotation and Availability

Q. Which courses are available each semester?
A. Courses are offered on a rotation, with specific courses offered each term. Courses that are in the greatest demand are offered every term.

Q: How does the course rotation affect my degree plan?
A: The course rotation will make course availability predictable. You will work with your advisor to determine which courses to take each semester.

Q.What if a required course is not available?
A. Your advisor will work with you to find a suitable substitute print-based course if one of your required courses in your degree program is unavailable in a print-based format when you need to take it.

Q: Will semester based scheduling affect my degree?
A: No, your degree will not be affected in any way. Any and all credits towards your degree will be applied in the same way.

Semester-based Scheduling

Q: What changes are being made?
A: All correspondence courses will now be semester based. This will include defined registration periods, and specific drop/withdraw deadlines. Courses will be offered on a rotation, ie. not every course will be offered every semester.

Q: What are the benefits of the transition to the semester based scheduling?A: The transition will better serve the students. The semester based system will ensure the students are receiving feedback from both instructors and staff. The semester based system will enable a predictable rotation of courses. We are committed to serving the students and providing excellent Customer Service.

Q: How will the semester based system work?
A: We will operate on a semester based system which includes two separate term start dates. Semester one will open at the start of the term and close 16 weeks later. Semester two will open 8 weeks after Semester one and close 8 weeks later. For both terms, incarcerated students may take up to one year to complete the course if needed.

Study Guides and Course Materials

Q: When will I receive my study guide/materials?
A: Once the registration is processed, which is 3-5 business days, we will send out the study guide directly to the student. All study guides are sent out via, Regular U.S. Mail. Depending on your facility, delays may occur by up to 4-6 weeks.

Q: What if I have not received my study guide within 4-6 weeks?A: Please check with your facilities education department and mail room to see if they have received it. If they have not, please contact Adams State University Correspondence Education Program.

Q: If I am unable to begin my course at the beginning of the semester because I did not receive my books in a timely manner, will I be held to completing the course by the end of the semester?
A: If you do not receive your books within a month from the date that you ordered them, please contact your advisor. Your advisor will work with the bookstore and your facility to determine the cause of the delay. As an incarcerated student, you have up to one year to complete the course.

CLEP/ DANTES

Q.Can I test out of a class?
A. It is the policy of ASU to accept a maximum of 30 transfer credits from approved College Level Examination Program (CELP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) with no more than 18
credits coming from the CLEP general examinations. However, your facility will need to, if it is not already, become a DANTES or CLEP testing facility. Please write us for a list of acceptable DANTES and
CLEP exams.

Crime Statement

Q.Why do I have to write a crime statement?
A.We are required by law to obtain this information only if you wish to become admitted as a degree seeking student to ASU. You will include a brief statement regarding your felony conviction as
requested on your application form. You should know, your statement in no way will hurt or impact your academic offerings and academic career through the Distance DegreeCorrespondence Education
Program. We do not need this information if you do not wish to be admitted as a degree seeking student.

Computer

Q. Can I earn an ASU degree without coming to campus and without the use of a computer and internet?
A.Yes. Numerous degrees are available via print-based correspondence: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts- Business emphasis, Associate of Science- Business emphasis, Bachelor of Arts- Business Administration, Bachelor of Science- Business Administration (emphasis areas: General Business, Legal Studies, Small Business Management or Management), Bachelor of Arts- Sociology
(emphasis areas: Social Welfare or Criminology), Bachelor of Arts- English/Liberal Arts, Bachelor of Arts- Interdisciplinary Studies, Bachelor of Arts- Government, and Bachelor of Arts- History. ASU has a long
history of offering print-based correspondence courses to incarcerated individuals throughout the United States. Therefore, we completely understand the restrictions and challenges you currently face.

Advising / Questions

Q.Will I be able to contact my advisor if I have questions?
A.Yes. You will have a dedicated advisor and will be provided with your advisor's telephone number, mailing address, and e-mail address. Your advisor will answer any questions you may have and will
assist you with mapping out the completion of your degree.

Q.Because I have limited access to communication, can a family member or friend correspond with ASU

for me?A.Yes. When you are admitted, you will be provided with aThird Party Release form which will allow you to designate whom you authorize ASU to release your student educational and/or financial

information to. In order for ASU to disclose specific information about your education or finances to family members, friends, or acquaintances, please complete thisThird Party Release form.

Textbooks

Q.How will I obtain my textbooks?
A.Upon registration you will receive a course study guide and syllabus. These documents will note what books are required or recommended for the course. Although you are not required to purchase
books through the ASU bookstore, the ASU bookstore can provide you with all textbook information for courses offered through the Distance Degree Program except for courses offered through the Center for
Legal Studies. It is strongly advised you consult with your facility regarding book guidelines before you place your book order. You may reach the bookstore at:

Adams State University Bookstore
Student Union Building
208 Edgemont Blvd., Suite 3140
Alamosa, CO 81101
800-548-6679 ext. 7981

Books for courses offered by The Center for Legal Studies may be ordered by writing:
The Center for Legal Studies
1202 Bergen Pkwy, Suite 110
Evergreen, CO 80439
800-522-7737 or online atwww.legalstudies.com

Proctor

Q.Will I need a proctor?
A.The majority of print-based courses include exams that must be proctored. A proctor must be employed at a testing center that will be verified by ASU. Incarcerated students must confirm the
availability of a proctor at their facility prior ot registering for classes.

Q:What is a proctor and how do I get one?
A: A proctor is an administrative staff member designated by the facility to administer exams. All proctors must be verified and approved through Adams State University. The proctor must be able to
receive mail at the facility. Some examples of a verified proctor are: education officer, librarian or case manager.

History

Q.How long has Adams State been around?
A. Adams State University was founded in 1921 as a teacher's college, but now offers a variety of programs including Master degrees in many fields. Billy Adams, a Colorado legislator who would later
become a 3-term governor of Colorado, worked for three decades before obtaining the authorization to found Adams State Normal School in 1921. His goal was to provide higher education opportunities for
teachers from remote and rural areas of Colorado and see them work in those same areas such as the San Luis Valley.

Q.How long have you worked with incarcerated students?
A.We have worked with incarcerated students for over 20 years. Our dedicated Prison College Program
Advisor coordinated/directed a face-to-face college program inside of Colorado prisons for over 12
years and has been working with incarcerated individuals for over 21 years.

Various Questions

Q.Will I earn semester or quarter credits?
A.You will earn semester credits.

Q.How many courses can I take at one time?
A. You can be enrolled in 20 credit hours per semester.

Q.What if I am moved or released from my correctional facility while I am enrolled in a course?
A. If you are moved while in our program, simply let us know your new address in writing so that we may change our records. You may continue in our program for as long as you wish, including upon your release. It is highly recommended to notify your instructor of the move as soon as possible. In some cases, an extension can be requested from and approved by your instructor. Extensions are based on the decision of the instructor of the course.

Q.How do correspondence courses appear on the ASU transcript?
A. Credit earned through correspondence is listed on your transcript exactly as an on-campus course would.

Q.Will my diploma from ASU note that I am incarcerated?
A. No. You will receive the exact same diploma that is awarded to an on-campus student.

Q.When I complete all my requirements, when will my degree be awarded?
A. Your degree will be awarded at the end of the semester in which you completed your final courses. You will work with your advisor to complete the necessary graduation documents needed to apply for graduation in the term that you plan to complete all coursework required for your degree.

Q.Can I get help from the ASU librarian?
A. Yes. You can write the librarian for help on research articles. Librarians are available to assist with research according to the guidelines for the course. They are not available to conduct unlimited research on your behalf. Please write to:

Access Services Librarian
Nielsen Library
Adams State University
208 Edgemont Blvd., Suite 4010
Alamosa, CO 81101

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