Self-Paced Online Courses Frequently Asked Questions

Self-Paced Online (SPO) classes are entirely online courses that allow students to set their schedule and deadlines as they move through the content at their own pace. Students log into Canvas to view their course syllabus and instructions on how to complete lessons, assignments, and exams. The instructor evaluates the coursework, and communication is via Canvas or email. SPO courses are a flexible option for students with busy schedules, family responsibilities, and/or work obligations.

Fall and Spring semesters

• Students have up to 18 weeks to complete the SPO course in the Fall and Spring semesters. Classes begin two weeks before the University’s traditional semester, and they end on the same date as the traditional semester. Some graduate-level classes may have a later start date.
• NEW! 8 week course option will run in fall and spring for some courses. Due to the shortened timeframe, dates will vary from other SPO courses.

Summer semesters

• Students have up to 10 weeks to complete the SPO course in the Summer semester. Classes begin two weeks before the University’s traditional semester, and they end on the same date as the traditional semester.

For all SPO semesters

• Students may start and finish the course anytime within the term, but a course cannot be completed in fewer than four weeks.
• Refer to your Student Detail Schedule for the start, end, and withdrawal dates.

All fall and spring (18-week format) and summer (10-week format) courses are financial aid eligible. Financial aid eligible classes are indicated by course section number “SPO” on the academic schedule.

SPO classes are not eligible for the Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF).

SPO courses are best for self-directed learners who can determine the amount of time needed to master the material provided in each module. Instructors provide valuable feedback on coursework and are available to provide additional instruction as needed when prompted by the student. While student-initiated communication is not mandatory, SPO students are required to schedule a mid-term check-in with their instructor either by phone, video conference, or an in-person meeting.

Textbook information is available through the online bookstore. Students can purchase books from Tivoli Station or an outside vendor.

Course start/end dates – Financial aid eligible classes are indicated by course section number “SPO” on the academic schedule. Classes open approximately two weeks before the University’s traditional semester starts, and they end on the same date as the traditional semester. The exact dates are on the SPO Class Schedule.

Add/Drop – Follow the dates posted on the University Academic Calendar.

Withdraw – The withdrawal date is available on the University Academic Calendar. Please note that tuition and fees are non-refundable if you withdraw from a course.

Students must be enrolled by the deadline to register for a full-semester class (self-register) posted on the University Academic Calendar, and must complete by the end of the term to avoid the risk of becoming ineligible for future aid based on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP).

Students enrolled in only SPO classes are considered half-time status for financial aid and Pell grant purposes, which can impact your financial aid award and/or disbursement timeline. For detailed information regarding financial aid for SPO classes, visit the Office of Financial Aid or call 303-556-8593.

Students using Veteran Education Benefits are responsible for knowing the Post 9/11 GI Bill restrictions for distance education courses posted on the Veteran and Military Student Services or by calling 303-615-0044.

Faculty are not required to accept more than two assignments per week. However, most SPO faculty allow students to submit assignments on their own schedule, and we encourage faculty to be flexible with student assignments since these courses are self-paced.

Final grades are calculated based on the work submitted when the SPO course ends. SPO students may repeat a failed course to replace the grade following the MSU Denver Best Grade Stands policy.

Faculty may, at their discretion, use the plus/minus system but are not required to do so. Faculty are required to notify students of the grading system used for an individual course via the course syllabus.

MSU Denver policies prevent faculty from granting extensions for SPO courses unless unusual circumstances prevent students from completing the course, such as hospitalization or disability. If students cannot complete all the work required within the determined timeframe, a final grade is earned based on the work submitted when the course ends unless other arrangements are made with the instructor.

To request an extension, students must have completed at least 75 percent of the course work to qualify for consideration of an extension and they must have extenuating circumstances that prohibited completion of the course. The “CC” grade notation is assigned to students that have not completed an SPO course by the end of the semester. The “CC” notation is later replaced with the earned letter grade either upon completion of the coursework or when the course ends, whichever comes first.

Undergraduate SPO courses have the same low tuition rate and fees for both resident and non-resident students.

2024-2025 Academic Year Undergraduate SPO Tuition and Mandatory Fees, per semester:

Credit Hour       Total Tuition       Mandatory Fees       Base Total
1                         $307.95             $368.18                      $676.13
2                        $615.90             $406.52                      $1,022.42
3                        $923.85             $444.86                    $1,368.71
4                        $1,231.80           $496.40                      $1,728.20
5                        $1,539.75           $534.74                     $2,074.49
6                        $1,847.70           $608.38                     $2,456.08

Undergrad cost of tuition for SPO courses is $307.95 per credit hour.

The mandatory fees consist of a per credit Online fee, Technology fee, Metro Bond fee, and a one-time Health and Wellness fee.

Visit the Bursar’s website for the tuition schedule and additional information.

MSU Denver charges new students a one-time matriculation fee to offset orientation and graduation costs. The Matriculation fee is not associated with the SPO Program, but the fee is assessed to all first-time enrolled MSU Denver students.

Tuition and Fee rates are subject to change. Graduate SPO classes follow the graduate tuition tables. Visit the Office of the Bursar website for additional information.

The Metropolitan State University of Denver is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students, including those with disabilities. Students with a diagnosed condition/disability which may impact their access, performance, attendance, or grades in this class should contact the Access Center, located in the Plaza Building, Suite 122, 303-615-0200.

The Access Center is the designated department responsible for coordinating accommodations and services for students with disabilities. Students will need to request an Accommodation Notification Letter from the Access Center to be sent to their faculty to activate their accommodations. Information pertaining to
a student’s disability is treated in a confidential manner. Further information is available by visiting the Access Center website.

For administrative assistance, please contact Brandy Schooler at [email protected] or 303-615-1234.

Canvas and other technology support are available 24 hours/ 7 days a week/ 365 days a year by contacting the MSU Denver IT Services Helpdesk at 303-352-7548, and select Option 2.

The Auraria Campus Library offers various tools to help students find the resources needed to complete assignments, including an extensive collection of streaming videos offering relevant resources for research.

Auraria Library
1100 Lawrence Street
Denver, CO 80204
303-556-2740

To order transcripts, change a name, or update an address please log onto your Student Hub account and select the desired option from the Register tab.

You may also contact the Office of the Registrar at 303-556-3991, or write to this address:
MSU Denver Office of the Registrar
PO Box 173362, Campus Box 84
Denver, CO 80217-3362

Name Changes: Please include a photocopy of the legal document that changes your name (court order, marriage license, etc.)