Motivated students like you can get a jump-start on college by taking College in the School courses at your high school. College in the Schools offers dual-credit courses from the University in a variety of subjects.

Are you a new CIS student? Watch the video below to learn about tips and resources to help you be successful. You can do this!

Before You Register

Heads up! These are the things you will want to know and do before you register for a course:

Registration

Registration for your U of M classes is separate from registration for your high school classes. Your teacher will provide the information you need to register for the University class section. Questions? Email CIS Enrollment Services at mycishelp@umn.edu.

Register

Congratulations! Once you submit a registration request for the U of M section of your high school class, you are a bona fide University of Minnesota student!

Registration Deadlines

Due to University reporting deadlines, all students participating in a fall CIS course must register by September 15 in order to earn U of M credit. Registration will open for fall courses on August 15 and students are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Students who submit a cancellation form by the deadline to drop will have the course completely removed from their U of M record.

High School Term Registration Opens Deadline to Register Deadline to Drop
(no W grade)
CIS Trimester 1 August 15 September 15 October 1
CIS Year Long August 15 September 15 October 15
CIS Fall Semester/Trimester 1–2 August 15 September 15 October 15
CIS Trimester 2 December 1 January 15 January 15
CIS Spring Semester/Trimester 2–3 December 15 February 15 February 15
CIS Trimester 3 March 1 April 15 April 15

Cancel/Withdraw From a Class

If you are no longer participating in the U of M class, you must submit a CIS cancellation form. The deadlines and impact of cancellation depend on the dates and length of the class at your high school.

In general, courses are considered dropped (i.e., course removed from your U of M record) when you submit a cancellation form early in the term and prior to the drop deadline.

After that, cancellation is considered a withdrawal and a “W” notation will be placed on your record, regardless of the reason for the withdrawal. Withdrawal late in the term and repeat withdrawals may not be allowed. Withdrawal after a class has ended is never allowed.

In unusual circumstances, you may petition to register or withdraw by submitting a petition form signed by your teacher.

Cancel a Class

Grades, Transcripts, and Credit Recognition

Grades and Transcripts

Letter grades are recorded on your permanent U of M transcript. Incompletes, withdrawals, and repeating a course are discussed in Grading and Transcripts.

The Guide also includes information about Academic Progress Notification, as well as the 202021 grading update and the temporary S/N grading option for students who were in session during spring 2020.

Credit Recognition

U of M credits earned through College in the Schools have been recognized by colleges and universities from coast-to-coast. 

Here's how to make the most of your U of M credits:

  • Start early. Save your syllabus, written work, and exams so you can provide evidence of the level of work your University course required.
  • Talk to prospective colleges. Contact the institutions and ask about their concurrent enrollment credit transfer policies.
  • Review your unofficial U of M transcript. As soon as your course ends, make sure that all of your U of M courses appear with the correct grades.
  • Put your credits to work.
    • If you apply to the University of Minnesota, there is no need to submit an official U of M transcript. However, note in your application that you’re taking U of M courses in high school. For further information, contact the Office of Admissions at 612-625-2008.
    • If you apply to another college or university: Request that an official transcript be sent to each post-secondary institution to which you apply.
  • Request your official transcript as part of your college application process. Note that a fee applies for each official transcript requested. If you experience any issues with ordering, contact One Stop at 612-624-1111 or onestop@umn.edu
  • Prepare to present your case. Compare your U of M course to similar courses at your new institution. Remember to bring your portfolio of class materials to your meeting with the person in charge of transferring credit.
  • Understand the different types of credit recognition. Credit recognition generally falls into three categories. Credits may be accepted that apply to a degree, exempt you from a required course, or allow you placement into a more advanced course.
  • Let CIS know if you have difficulty gaining credit recognition for your U of M course(s). Contact CIS Associate Director Jan M. Erickson at j-eric1@umn.edu.

Policies

Here are some important policies that you’ll want to become familiar with.

Student Eligibility: Instructors have the authority to override student eligibility criteria on a case-by-case basis for students who don’t meet the criteria but have a strong chance for success in a particular course. Contact cis@umn.edu for details.

Student ResponsibilitiesThese responsibilities include attendance, academic integrity, and use of personal electronic devices in the classroom. See also Makeup Work for Legitimate Absences. 

Grades: Questions about grades are covered in Grade Accountability and Addressing Student Academic Complaints (adapted for CIS):

While grades are not subject to complaint, you are entitled to an explanation for the grade assigned. If you are not able to get an explanation for the grade from your instructor, consult the [CIS faculty coordinator for the course as the appropriate departmental representative.] Students also may wish to seek assistance from [Jan M. Erickson, CIS Associate Director, for tips on the process, or from] the Student Conflict Resolution Office. An instructor’s judgment in assigning a grade is not a subject for a formal hearing and can only be reviewed through these informal processes.

Student Conduct Code and Student Conduct Code Procedure: These codes define plagiarism, address scholastic dishonesty and other disciplinary offenses, and describe processes for resolution.

Student Education Records and PrivacyRelease of student information to third parties is regulated by Regents policy, and federal law and state law. CIS recommends that high school instructors obtain permission to discuss your grades and progress with your parents or guardians. 

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects your rights regarding your educational records in terms of reviewing information, correcting records, consenting to the disclosure of records, and filing a complaint with Family Policy Compliance Office in Washington, DC.

Satisfactory Academic Progress: Federal financial aid eligibility requires that aid recipients make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). While such financial aid regulations do not apply while you are still in high school, be aware that when you become an admitted college student, the credits you’ve earned through CIS will apply toward SAP calculations in terms of cumulative completed credits percentage, grade point average, and maximum attempted credits calculation.

If you have questions or concerns, contact One Stop.

Resources

CIS will work with your high school and teacher to ensure that you have access to the U of M resources you need to participate in your course. Here are some U of M resources that will be useful.

Academic Success Resources
A directory of support services and resources listed by topic.

Canvas Student Help
If your teacher uses Canvas, a course management tool, this student guide can help you navigate its many features.

Center for Writing: 612-626-7579 | writing@umn.edu
The Student Writing Support (SWS) program helps students develop productive writing habits and revision strategies through face-to-face and online consultations.

Disability Resource Center: 612-626-1333 (V/TTY) | drc@umn.edu
Services are free and confidential. Request accommodations as far ahead of time as possible.

Effective U
Self-paced tutorials will help you learn new ways to manage your time, manage stress, take better notes, and prepare for tests. 

Libraries: 612-624-3321
As a University student, you enjoy online library privileges at all U of M libraries. Learn how to use library resources in the virtual library tour. A particularly useful tool is the online Assignment Calculator. 

Orientation Video 
An introductory video outlining CIS resources and information for new students.

Parent's Guide to College and Career Readiness
The College Readiness Consortium at the University of Minnesota works in partnership with Pre-K−12 educators and others to increase the number and diversity of Minnesota students who graduate from high school with the knowledge, skills, and habits for success in higher education.

Technology Help: 612-301-4357 | help@umn.edu
This key resource can help you initiate your email account, reset your password, and resolve many other problems. You may also visit the University's IT site for students.