Online Program

How does an online class work?
Each online class has a website which contains course materials, links to research and student services, and a class discussion forum. In addition, each course has a course study guide that explains course objectives and assignments.

The discussion forum is the main means of student and faculty interaction, and it addresses all issues related to content and procedures of the course. Students can log into their forums at any time, day or night, whenever it is convenient for them. Students do not need to log on at any particular time, but do need to participate in the discussion throughout the duration of the course.

Do I have to come to campus at all?
There are no on-campus requirements. You can complete your degree completely at a distance from anywhere in the world.

If I am in the Chicago area, can I take online and on-campus courses?
Yes. Many students in the Chicago area choose to take some courses online and some on-campus. You can even take one of each type of course during the same quarter. In addition to the online option, SNL has courses available at four Chicago campuses: Loop, Naperville, O'Hare, and Oak Forest.

When can I start classes?
The online LAS is offered every month, so you can begin your degree at any time of the year. All other online courses are offered on a quarter system, with 11-week terms in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.

What kind of technical requirements are for an online class?
Consistent access to a computer with an Internet connection and an email account is a requirement for all online courses. Hardware and software requirements are listed below.

Hardware Requirements
The minimum requirements for IBM or compatible computers are:

• Pentium III computer running Win ME, Windows 2000 Professional or XP Home Edition or XP Professional (DePaul no longer supports Windows 98)
• 256 MB RAM
• 20 gigabyte hard drive
• 56K baud dial-up modem, or high speed connection (DSL or a cable modem).
• CD-ROM drive, sound card and speakers
• Monitor with 1024 x 728 pixel resolution or better (32 bit true color)
• Printer
• Macintosh users must have System 9.2.2 (or higher) with comparable features.

Software Requirements
You should have a recent version of Microsoft Office (Office 2000 or higher). Other required, but free programs, include QuickTime or Windows Media Player, Acrobat reader 6.0 and Winzip evaluation version 8.1 or higher.

General SNL Program

How and when will I know that I am accepted?
As soon as you submit an application, you will be conditionally admitted to the SNL program and will be eligible to take classes. In order to be officially accepted, you must submit an application, send official copies of all prior college transcripts, and successfully complete the Learning Assessment Seminar.

What is the Learning Assessment Seminar? How does it work?
The Learning Assessment Seminar is a three-week introductory course in which you will learn about the SNL program and begin to form a plan for obtaining your degree. The LAS earns you 1 competence towards your graduation requirements.

What kind of majors does the program have? Do you have a list of concentrations to choose from?
The SNL program allows students to design a degree around any career or academic goal. There is not a list of concentrations to choose from, but rather each student works individually with their Faculty Mentor to develop their focus area.

How do I get credit for life and work experience?
Any learning experience that was not a college-accredited course, such as professional certification, work done in the community, artistic endeavors, etc. is considered experiential learning. To gain credit for experiential learning, you develop a proposal that describes what the learning was and how it applies the requirement you would like to fulfill along with documentation of the learning.

How long will it take for me to get my degree?
The program is designed to allow you to finish at your own pace. This means you can accelerate your degree program to finish in 1-2 years or take your time and finish when it is convenient for you. The average SNL student completes the program in 3.3 years, going part-time.

How many credit hours do I need to graduate?
The SNL program has a competence based system of graduation requirements. There are 50 competences required to graduate, at least 10 of which must be taken through SNL.

What are "competencies"?
The SNL program has a competence based system of graduation requirements. So, rather than giving students a specific list of courses and credit hours to complete, the college's requirements are in the form of competence statements. Students can fulfill the competence requirements through transferring courses from other institutions, by taking SNL courses, through documenting past life and work experience or through developing independent learning projects with instructors.

What are the degree requirements?
There are 50 requirements in 3 areas: 1) skills development (writing, critical thinking, presentation and research); 2) the liberal arts; and 3) an individual focus area (similar to a major except tailored to individual learning goals).

Examples:
L-5: Can analyze issues and reconcile problems through critical and appreciative thinking.

A-2-C: Can employ principles of design to enhance the functions and aesthetics of objects or environments.

H-3-A: Can use two or more theories of human psychology to understand and solve problems.
S-1-E: Can analyze inventions or technologies and can understand their underlying scientific principles.

How long are the terms?
There are four quarters in a year. Classes meet regularly - online, in the evening or on weekends - during each 11 week quarter.

How many students are in one class?
The maximum number of students per course is 25. Some courses, such as Foundations and College Writing, have a cap of 20.

How much will the degree cost?
The total depends on how much transfer coursework and life experience is accepted for credit. Tuition is $422 per credit hour, and most SNL courses are four credit hours for a total of $1688. Work and life experiences are assessed for a $150 fee.

Can I use financial aid for my courses?
Yes. Most SNL students receive some sort of aid either through the Federal Financial Aid system or through their employers. Students are eligible for financial aid if they are registered for 6 credit hours per quarter. DePaul also offers a program which allows students eligible for employer tuition reimbursement to defer tuition payment until after grades are issued. Information on financial aid can be found at http://www.depaul.edu/financial_aid/current/index.asp

Can my employer pay for my tuition?
Yes. DePaul also offers a program, which allows students eligible for employer tuition reimbursement to defer tuition payment until after grades are issued.

What will my diploma say when I graduate?
Your diploma will read DePaul University, Bachelor of Arts degree.

What is special about the School for New Learning?
SNL offers an accelerated and flexible degree that recognizes learning you achieved in life, which you structure to meet your goals.

Where is the School for New Learning?
There are four SNL campuses, and an online program at http://snlonline.net
Loop Campus: 25 East Jackson, 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL (312) 362-8001
O'Hare Campus: 3166 River Road, DesPlaines, IL (847) 296-5348
Oak Forest Campus: 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave., Oak Forest, IL (708) 633-9091
Naperville Campus: 150 Warrenville Rd., Naperville, IL (630) 548-9378

How do I get started?
It's simple to begin! No placement or admission tests are required--just sign up for the Learning Assessment Seminar (LAS). This course is offered continuously throughout the year at all of the campuses and online. Fill out and submit the LAS registration form and the SNL application along with course tuition -and begin the journey!