Auditing a Course

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Auditing a Course

Intellectual Exploration Without Academic Pressure

At The University of Ontological Science, we recognize that learning extends beyond the pursuit of credits and degrees. The course audit option offers students, faculty, staff, alumni, and qualified community members the opportunity to engage with course material for the pure joy of intellectual growth—without the pressure of formal evaluation or degree requirements.

What Does It Mean to Audit a Course?

Auditing a course allows you to attend class sessions, engage with the material, and participate in the learning community without receiving academic credit or a letter grade. As an auditor, you’ll have access to:

  • Regular class sessions and lectures
  • Course materials and readings
  • Canvas/learning management system resources
  • Faculty expertise and in-class discussions

Auditor Expectations

While auditing offers more flexibility than credit enrollment, auditors are still expected to:

  • Attend class regularly (typically at least 70% of sessions)
  • Engage respectfully with the learning community
  • Follow the instructor’s guidelines for auditor participation
  • Complete reading assignments necessary for meaningful participation

The specific expectations for auditors vary by course and instructor, and will be clearly outlined in the Audit Agreement you’ll complete when registering.

Who Can Audit Courses?

  • Current Students: May audit courses with available space in addition to their regular credit-bearing course load
  • Faculty and Staff: May audit courses with supervisor approval and when work schedules permit
  • Alumni: TUOS graduates may audit courses as part of our lifelong learning commitment
  • Community Members: Qualified individuals from the broader community may audit select courses with instructor approval
  • Senior Auditors: Adults age 65+ may participate in our Senior Audit Program at reduced rates

Course Eligibility for Auditing

While TUOS supports the audit option, not all courses are available for audit due to their structure, resources, or pedagogical approach.

Generally Available for Audit

  • Most lecture-based courses
  • Discussion seminars with available seating
  • Selected liberal arts and interdisciplinary courses
  • Many upper-level theoretical courses

Typically Not Available for Audit

  • Courses with limited enrollment or high demand
  • Laboratory sections and studio courses
  • Performance-based courses
  • Courses with significant hands-on components
  • Research seminars and capstone experiences
  • Graduate-level seminars (except in special circumstances)

To determine if a specific course is available for audit, check the course listing in the registration system, where eligible courses will be marked with an “Audit Available” notation.

Audit Registration Process

For Current TUOS Students

  1. Identify Eligible Course: Search the course catalog for courses marked “Audit Available”
  2. Consult Your Advisor: Discuss how auditing fits into your academic plan
  3. Obtain Instructor Permission: Complete the Instructor Permission for Audit Form
  4. Register During Add/Drop: Submit your audit request during the regular add/drop period
  5. Complete Audit Agreement: Work with your instructor to complete the Audit Expectations Agreement

For Faculty, Staff, and Alumni

  1. Identify Course of Interest: Review the course offerings for the upcoming term
  2. Submit Audit Request: Complete the Faculty/Staff/Alumni Audit Request Form
  3. Obtain Approvals: Secure permission from the course instructor and department chair
  4. Complete Registration: Once approved, finalize registration through the Registrar’s Office
  5. Set Expectations: Complete the Audit Agreement with the course instructor

For Community Members

  1. Application: Submit the Community Audit Application (at least 3 weeks before the term begins)
  2. Qualification Review: Your application will be reviewed based on background, qualifications, and space availability
  3. Payment: If approved, complete payment of the community audit fee
  4. Orientation: Attend a brief orientation session for community auditors
  5. Registration: Complete final registration and obtain necessary campus access credentials

Important Deadlines and Dates

Term Audit Application Deadline Registration Deadline Audit Withdrawal Deadline
Fall August 15 End of first week of classes End of fourth week of classes
Spring January 5 End of first week of classes End of fourth week of classes
Summer May 1 Second day of classes End of first week of classes

Note: Late audit registrations are generally not accepted due to the importance of establishing expectations and community integration from the beginning of the course.

Fees and Costs

Current Students

  • No additional fee for full-time students auditing within the 12-18 credit tuition band
  • Standard per-credit hour fee for part-time students: $150 per audited course

Faculty and Staff

  • No fee with supervisor approval and Tuition Remission Benefit Form
  • Limited to one course per semester during non-working hours

Alumni

  • $200 per undergraduate course
  • $300 per graduate-level course (when available)
  • Alumni Association members receive a 15% discount

Community Members

  • $350 per undergraduate course
  • $500 per graduate-level course (when available)

Senior Audit Program (Age 65+)

  • $100 per course
  • Priority given to courses with available space

All fees are non-refundable after the first week of classes

Policies and Guidelines

Transcripts and Records

  • Audited courses appear on transcripts with an “AU” notation
  • No academic credit is awarded for audited courses
  • Audited courses do not count toward full-time status, financial aid eligibility, or visa requirements

Changing Status

  • Students may change from audit to credit status only during the first week of classes, with instructor approval
  • Students may change from credit to audit status until the audit registration deadline
  • All status changes require completion of the Registration Status Change Form

Participation Guidelines

  • Auditors may participate in class discussions as determined by the instructor
  • Auditors typically do not submit formal assignments for evaluation
  • Auditors do not take exams or receive grades
  • Class participation priority is given to students taking the course for credit

Attendance Requirements

  • Auditors must attend at least 70% of class sessions
  • Excessive absences may result in removal from the course
  • No partial refunds are provided for discontinued attendance

Special Audit Programs

Emeritus Faculty Audit Program

Retired TUOS faculty with emeritus status may audit any course with instructor permission at no cost, space permitting.

Alumni Lifelong Learning Series

Curated selection of courses specifically designated for alumni engagement, featuring:

Pre-Enrollment Audit

Prospective students considering specific programs may audit one course prior to formal application, with fees applicable toward tuition if enrolled within one year.

Interdisciplinary Audit Clusters

Themed groups of 2-3 courses designed for auditors interested in exploring interdisciplinary connections, available at a package rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I receive credit retroactively for a course I originally audited?
A: No, to receive credit for a course, you must be registered in credit status from the beginning. If you wish to receive credit for the subject matter, you would need to register for the course in a future semester.

Q: As an auditor, do I have access to all university resources?
A: Auditors receive access to course-specific resources, library privileges, and basic campus services. However, access to certain specialized facilities, equipment, or student-specific services may be limited.

Q: Do audited courses count toward degree requirements?
A: No, audited courses do not fulfill degree requirements, prerequisites, or general education requirements.

Q: Will I have access to the professor outside of class?
A: While auditors may participate in regular office hours, priority is given to students taking the course for credit. Some professors may set specific office hour times for auditors.

Q: Can I audit the same course multiple times?
A: Generally, auditing the same course more than once is discouraged unless the course content has substantially changed. Approval for re-auditing is at the discretion of the instructor and department.

Contact Information

Office of the Registrar – Audit Registration
Academic Building, Room 204
auditregistration@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4568

Community and Alumni Audit Program
Engagement Center, Room 105
communitylearning@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4590

Office Hours for Audit Inquiries:
Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Virtual appointments available by request

Testimonials from Previous Auditors

“Auditing courses at TUOS has kept my mind active in retirement. The philosophical discussions in the Ontological Perspectives course challenged my thinking in ways I never expected.” — Margaret T., Senior Audit Program

“As an alumnus, returning to audit advanced courses in my field has helped me stay current with new developments and theories. It’s been invaluable for my professional development.” — James L., Class of 2009

“The pressure-free environment of auditing allowed me to truly absorb the material without anxiety about grades. I found myself participating more authentically in discussions.” — Sophia R., Current Student

At TUOS, we believe that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey that extends beyond formal degree programs. Our audit option reflects our commitment to open intellectual inquiry and our belief that learning communities thrive when enriched by diverse perspectives and experiences. Whether you’re exploring a new field, revisiting an academic passion, or simply engaging with ideas for personal growth, we welcome you to our academic community as an auditor.