Alternative Means of Instruction

In addition to classroom-based and online classes, there are several alternative means of instruction.

Individualized Instruction through Independent Study
An Independent Studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. The student requests an opportunity to set up an Independent Study project with a faculty member. The faculty member assumes responsibility for supervising the work as an extra voluntary assignment. If the study is not completed by the end of the semester, a new application is not required if the unit(s) are to be granted in a subsequent semester.

To set up an independent study class for one or more of your students, please contact your Division Dean who will begin the process of establishing the class. Your Dean has a copy of the CRC 'Special Studies Project Petition' which is completed by the student, signed by you and your Dean and is then taken to the Admissions and Records Office in the College Center so an Independent Studies class can be created.

Students may petition to enroll in one to three units in a single department per semester, with a maximum of six (6) units of Independent Studies allowed per semester. A maximum of nine (9) units of Independent Studies is allowed toward graduation requirements. Anyone may apply for permission to pursue an Independent Studies project that is designed to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience not available in any one regularly scheduled course. It is the student’s responsibility to develop a program of study and evaluation approved by the supervising instructor. Petitions should be filed prior to the end of the eighth week of classes.

Study Abroad
Study Abroad provides a unique opportunity to students in good academic standing with 12 college units, in non-performance classes, completed by the time they go abroad, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 in their college classes. Study Abroad provides learning through a 13-week semester program, where students take 12 units in either the Fall or Spring semesters. A shorter program is also available in the summer. More information about this program is available at the Study Abroad website.

Honors Program
Cosumnes River College offers a unique and innovative honors program modeled on the seminar experience at the University of California and many liberal arts colleges. These honors seminars provide a challenging opportunity for students and a faculty member to work closely and explore in greater depth a scholarly topic of mutual interest. More information is available at the: Honors Program Website

Credit by Examination
Credit by Examination is a process by which students may earn credit in recognition of knowledge and skills gained from previous experience or training when such knowledge and skills are deemed to be substantially similar to the student learning outcomes of the course for which credit is being sought. A student who wishes to challenge a course by examination must have successfully completed a minimum of 12 units at CRC with have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better grades of “C” or better. It is the responsibility of the student to find an instructor who is wiling to administer the exam. The examining faculty will be responsible for determining the scope and form of the examination. Paperwork to be completed by students interested in this option are available at the Admissions and Records Office.

Advanced Placement Tests (CEEB)
Students enrolling at CRC may be awarded units of credit for each Advanced Placement examination they have passed with scores of 3, 4, or 5 given the course work is compatible with the college’s curriculum. After successfully completing 12 units at CRC, a student in good standing may submit their Advanced Placement test scores to the Admissions and Records Office for evaluation of college credit. A maximum of 15 units may be earned by examination. Credit/units posted will only be used when evaluating an A.A. or A.S. degree or certificate but grades are not awarded. Credit may not be earned for courses which duplicate credit already allowed for Advanced Placement examinations. Students should be referred to Admissions and Records for this process.

All other tests must be submitted to the area dean by petition for consideration of credit allowance.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - General Examinations
After completing 12 units at Cosumnes River College, a student in good standing may submit scores on General Examinations from the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) to the Admissions and Records Office for college credit evaluation. A maximum of 24 units of credit may be granted toward completion of the general education requirements with the exception of the English requirement. No credit is granted for CLEP Subject Examinations. Scores must be at least in the 50th percentile.

Instructional Support for Students
When students struggle and need help, several resources are available to which they can be referred:
Reading/Writing Center
Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)
Math Center
Disability Support Programs & Services (DSP&S)

Additional Tutoring Resources (free tutoring assistance for students):

Accounting Lab -- 916-691-7449
Business English Help Line -- 916-691-7444
Computer Information Science (CIS) Lab -- 916-691-7297
Digital Media Lab -- 916-691-7170
Language Lab (ESL, Spanish and Vietnamese classes) -- 916-691-7407
Tutoring Center (for many courses across the disciplines) -- 916-691-7425