Today I opened my mailbox and found my LSU (Louisiana State University) independent study materials for my first class for the Certificate in Accounting program. Inside the envelope was a folder which contained a lesson book, several envelopes, bar coded lesson labels, a red academic honesty card, lesson cover sheets, a receipt, a textbook order form and a letter with instructions on how to submit assignments online for those folks who would prefer that to snail mail.
Just glancing at the assignment book it appears that the assignments themselves consist of textbook exercises for the book that you order and a multiple choice, open book quiz contained within the guide itself. You also are shown how to log on to the Web site and provided with a user name and password to submit assignments, check on grades, etc. It is also worth noting that it appears that the closed book, proctored tests will have a pass/fail impact upon your grade for the course, so I'm expecting to have to memorize a thing or two throughout the program. Lastly, there is a welcome letter which claims that LSU has over 18,000 students from over 30 countries and that they have been providing correspondence courses for students since 1924, which obviously makes this a long standing program. Written on the pockets of the folder are phone numbers and emails to contact should a student have trouble with the program.
I'm really stoked, I can't wait to get my textbook and I really admire LSU for having an AACSB and regionally accredited business school, with a big, big, household name offering such useful courses and programs for such inexpensive prices. Maybe LSU should run the oil companies? Talk about value.
Edited to add:
I just found my textbook used for $5.00 online! I've never paid so little for a textbook. I just had to tell someone…