Contract coursesare arranged when an external organization (e.g. a business or school district) makes a contractual agreement with Illinois State University to offer a course for the organization. Location, schedule and course format may be customized to meet the organization's needs and preferences.

In 2005 - 2006, the university held 136 contract courses for 2,770 students.

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Extension courses are off-campus offerings held for non-traditional students throughout the state and country, year-round. Wherever a sufficient number of students are interested in a course or program, extension offerings can be arranged. Students pay the same tuition rate as for campus-based courses.

In 2005 - 2006, the university held 45 extension courses with enrollments from 548 students.

Admission and Registration

Tuition and Fees Information

Approved Progams for Off-Campus Sites

Map of Higher Education Consortia

Faculty Manual for Teaching Extension Courses

Extension Course Submission Form

Extension Admission/Registration Form (For Faculty Use Only)

Flex courses are off-campus courses similar to Extension courses. Flex courses are additional course offerings that are scheduled above and beyond the regularly scheduled (and budgeted) departmental offerings; therefore, the tuition revenue generated from a flex course must cover all course expenses. Students pay the same tuition rate as for campus-based courses.

Flex Course Application in PDF format (For Faculty Use Only)

Flex Changes

Flex Funding Guidelines

Tuition/Fees Rates for Calculating Flex Budgets

Faculty Payment Process

Proctoring Site Information

Certificate Programs: Some continuing education programs may wish to award a 'certificate' to participant completers. Certificates may be awarded for the completion of a series of either credit or non-credit offerings, or combinations of both. Official state Certificate (big 'C') programs require official credit-generating-only offerings and an approval process similar to new curriculum program approval. Illinois State internal certificate (little 'c') programs only require department of record consent, and may consist of almost any variety of workshop, seminar, or course modules. For example, the Center of Information Systems Technology (InfoTech) offers several certificates (little 'c') for professional technology training programs. These certificates containing the Illinois State seal and signatures of program administrators. Extended University can help with developing and administering certificate programs.

Continuing Education Units (CEU): Illinois State is an approved provider of Continuing Education Units (CEU). CEUs represent a national quality standard for continuing education activities such as workshops, conferences, professional development, training sessions, short courses, etc. CEUs can be offered for a wide variety of non-credit educational offerings by following a standard internal review process and meeting several simple predefined criteria. For example, the School of Social Work annually offers a professional development workshop series for the local Human Services community. These workshop participants receive CEUs. Illinois State Conference Services coordinates, awards, and maintains institutional records of CEUs. For more information, email CEUs@ilstu.edu OR call (309) 438-2160.

Certified Professional Development Units (CPDU): Illinois State University is an approved provider of Certified Professional Development Units (CPDU) for Illinois K-12 teachers. CPDUs are one of the official currencies by which state teachers fulfill their continuing certification requirements. Like CEUs, CPDUs can be offered for a wide variety of non-credit educational offerings. CPDU-granting offerings must follow specific procedures and must be pre-approved through a state coordinating office. Illinois State Conference Services coordinates, awards, and maintains institutional records of CPDUs, as well as working with providers to ensure that all state requirements are met. More information (including forms for the instructors) is available on the website at http://www.ilstu.edu/recert/ OR call (309) 438-2160.

Internet courses are increasing in popularity. Course materials, discussions, examinations, projects, and student/faculty interactions are conducted via the Internet. Internet courses give adults the maximum flexibility in terms of scheduling and is a burgeoning area for many universities.

Any student, whether on-campus or at a distant location, may take an Internet course. Most online courses require few, if any, meetings on campus. Internet courses utilize online materials, courseware, and discussion groups. Most are offered in an asynchronous mode, meaning they can by taken anytime from anywhere. In most cases, students need good written communication skills, self-motivation, a minimum level of technological experience, and access to a computer and the Internet.

In 2005 - 2006, the university offered 106 internet courses with 2,561 students.

Admission and Registration

Course Schedule

Illinois Virtual Campus

Tuition and Fees

Proctoring Site Information