1.  What is a credit?

In simple terms, credits (also called "credit hours") measure how much time students are in a classroom for a course.

1 credit is equal to about 750 minutes of classroom time. So, a three credit class is worth about 2,250 minutes of classroom time in one semester.

At AUIS, beginning in fall 2012, classes either meet 3 times per week for 60 minutes or twice per week for 90 minutes (either way, a total of 180 minutes) for 13 weeks (2,340 minutes in one semester).

There is also a generally accepted practice that, for every hour spent in class, students should study two hours outside of class.

For more details on the American credit hour system please visit this webpage.

2. How do I calculate my GPA?

Please see this special page about calculating GPA's.

3.  What is the difference between "drop" and "withdrawal"?

Students may drop a course before each semester's "drop deadline." If a student drops a course, there will be no evidence on his record of ever having ben registered in the course.

Student may also "withdraw" from a course later in the semester, before the withdrawal deadline. This allows students to wait a long time to leave a course - but with a penalty. A "W" will remain a student's transcript forever. There is no GPA penalty for a W.

Withdrawing from a course carries no significant penalties other than an indication that you had difficulty with a course and therefore had to leave it. AUIS encourages students to drop courses and avoid withdrawals, if possible.

4. What is a minor? How will people know I completed one?

A minor is an opportunity to take 5 courses (15 credits) in a subject that is different from your major. Completing a minor demonstrates to employers and graduate schools that you have varied and flexible skills and intellectual interests.

Your minor will always appear on your official AUIS transcript. It will not, however, appear on your diploma.

5. How many credits can I take?

AUIS students in good standing must earn a minimum of 12 credits (4 courses) per semester.

AUIS students may earn a maximum of 18 credits (6 courses) per semester.

In order to 6 courses in a semester, students either need:

1. A 3.3 (B+) GPA to enroll without conditions or special permission
2. Special permission from the Academic Integrity Officer. The AIO will only grant permission to students that have a clear and documented need to take an additional course (i.e. they need to make up a course, or the course will only be offered once a year, etc).

4. What do I need to do in order to graduate?

At AUIS, there are 4 minimum rules that must be met  in order to graduate from AUIS:

1. Complete 120 credits or more of coursework
2. Maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher (for all students admitted after spring 2009)
3. Meet all Core requirments (exact list of classes varies by student)
4. Meet all requirments for declared major (I.e. take all the courses needed to complete a major; list may vary slightly depending on cohort).