Registration
This course has been offered a number of times as a face-to-face course. It was last taught in 2004. This is the second time it has been offered as an Internet class.
Other upper level political science classes offered over the web have been very popular with students. You should pre-register for the course if at all possible because our Web courses filled up quickly during previous semesters. Only a few of those on the waiting list were able to get into the course.
I. Current USCA Students
You may register for this course during pre-registration using the same procedures you would use for any other course. If space is available, you may register during the regular registration periods just before the semester begins.
Alternatively, you may use the on-line course registration. The address is http://vip.sc.edu. Once the web site comes on, you will need to click on "login." Next a login screen will appear. Enter your "Student Identification Number." The "Student Identification Number" is your Social Security Number. Next, enter your "Personal Identification Number" (PIN). Your initial PIN is a four digit number comprised of the month and date of your birth. For security reasons, when you logon to VIP, you will be required to change your PIN from your birthday to any number you choose. This new PIN will be the number you will use when accessing VIP. Remember to keep this new PIN in a safe place. When you type in your four-digit PIN, the actual numbers will not appear. For reasons of security, a series of four asterisks (****) will actually appear. Then click on the login button.
Next, click on Academics to register for your class. The actual registration procedure is easy. Just follow the instructions. But remember that you still need to meet with your advisor and have your advisement hold removed to complete the process.
II. New Degree-Seeking Students
Students who have never attended USC Aiken and who plan to obtain a degree from USC Aiken must first apply for admission. An admissions application may be found on the Web attached to the admissions home page. You will be contacted by the Office of Advisement Services shortly after your acceptance concerning the procedures you must follow to register.
III. Non Degree-Seeking Students (most distance learners will fall into this category)
If you simply want to take a course for personal enrichment or if you are a transient student from another institution, you must first apply for admission. An admissions application may be found on the Web attached to the admissions home page. Transient students should obtain permission from their home institution before applying and registering for the course. Following admission, the Office of Advisement Services will inform you of your status so that you do not need USCA adviser approval before registration. You will then use a four digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) initially set at the month and day of your birth (e.g. January 5 would be 0105) to register through the Visual Information Processing (VIP) if you cannot come on campus to register. Complete instructions for using VIP is under "Academics" and then under "Records," then under "Registration" from the USCA Web page. Your tuition bill must be processed the same day that you register, and that transaction can also be done through VIP.
USCA no longer mails out grade reports but you
can access your grades through VIP. Official transcripts must be requested in
writing along with a check or money order to Office of the Registrar, USC,