Students and Families

Who can take a U of M course through CIS?

You can take a U of M course through CIS if the course is offered at your high school and you meet the course prerequisites and eligibility criteria. This may include grades in related courses, demonstration of particular skills, class rank, and other factors.

Where can I find prerequisites and eligibility criteria for a course?

Prerequisites and eligibility criteria are specific to each U of M course. To find this information, search for the individual course web page and view “Student Qualifications.” 

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements but feel you have a strong chance for success in the course, talk with the instructor. The CIS instructor, in consultation with the U of M faculty coordinator, may be able to override eligibility criteria in cases where they have reason to believe a student could do well in and contribute to the course.

Is CIS free for students and families?

There is no cost to Minnesota public school students to participate in CIS; public high schools and the State of Minnesota support the cost. Private and out-of-state schools may charge a small fee. Check with your high school counselor to learn more about CIS at your school.

Which U of M courses are offered by my high school?

The best way to learn which U of M courses are offered by your high school is to check with your high school counselor or one of your instructors. You also may refer to this list of Partnering High Schools, but note that course offerings are subject to change. When in doubt, ask!

How do I register for a U of M CIS Class?

You can learn how to register by watching the video How to Register for Classes Using MyCIS or reading the accompanying step-by-step instructions. But wait! Registering for your class through MyCIS is only the first step, so be sure to watch the companion video How to Activate Your U of M Internet Account and Email. 

Who do I contact if I have an issue with my registration? 

If you have an issue with your registration, contact the Enrollment Services Team at [email protected]. They are always happy to help! 

How do I drop or withdraw from a class?

If you are no longer participating in your U of M class, you must submit a CIS Cancellation Form. Prior to submitting the form, it’s important to check with your high school counselor to learn about any potential impact the dropped class may have on your U of M or high school transcript. You can learn more by watching the video How to Drop or Withdraw From a U of M Class. 

What does it mean to "drop" or “withdraw from” a class?

When you cancel a class, it is considered a “drop” or a “withdrawal,” and this is determined by when you submit the required CIS Cancellation Form. If you submit the cancellation form early in the term and prior to the drop deadline, the class is considered a drop and will no longer appear on your U of M transcript. 

If you submit the cancellation form after the drop deadline, the class is considered a withdrawal and a notation of “W” will appear on your U of M transcript regardless of the reason for the withdrawal. To find the drop deadline for your class, see Key Dates.

Does the grade I receive for a U of M class taken through CIS appear on my U of M transcript?

Yes. If you register for a U of M class using MyCIS, the class and grade will be recorded on your U of M transcript and the grade will factor into your U of M GPA. When you apply to the U of M or another college or university, you will be required to submit your U of M transcript as part of your application.

What does a “W” or withdrawal on my transcript mean?

A “W” or withdrawal on your U of M transcript means that you submitted a CIS Cancellation Form after the drop deadline for your class. The class will remain on your transcript with a notation of W to show that you registered for, but then withdrew from, the class regardless of the reason for the withdrawal. Having a W on your transcript is not viewed negatively nor does it affect your U of M GPA. It is simply a notation of what occurred. However, a pattern of withdrawals may impact your academic record, and repeat withdrawals may not be allowed. Best practice: When in doubt, check with your high school counselor.

Do I need to keep my U of M ID number, Internet ID, and password?

Yes! It is valuable—and often necessary—to have this information when using University services and when ordering official and unofficial transcripts. Your University student email account will expire after your CIS enrollment has ended, but your U of M ID number, Internet ID, and password are essential for using U of M services and securing transcripts into the future. 

How do I view or print my unofficial U of M transcript? Why would I want to do that?

Your unofficial U of M transcript is more valuable than you might think, and can be especially beneficial when it comes time to apply to colleges and universities. Make a practice of reviewing your unofficial transcript for accuracy before ordering an official transcript or transcripts. 

Tip: Check your unofficial transcript each term, three to seven days after you have completed your U of M course. This makes it easier to catch and submit an inquiry should you suspect an error.

Your unofficial U of M transcript is available through MyU at no charge. In order to access MyU, you will need your U of M Internet ID and password.

How do I order an official U of M transcript?

An official transcript is certified and signed by the University registrar. This document may be sent directly to you or to another recipient, typically another college or university, at your request. Transcripts are provided by the online vendor Parchment, which charges a fee for each official transcript. 

Tip: Before ordering your official transcript, make a practice of reviewing your unofficial transcript to ensure the course and grade information is accurate and complete. 

To order a paper or electronic file of your official U of M transcript, follow the instructions provided by One Stop. Important! A paper transcript is "official" only as long as it remains in its sealed white envelope. Do not open the sealed envelope if you are forwarding your transcript to another party (an institution, employer, or another person). 

How can I use the U of M course credits I earned through CIS?

Earning U of M credits through CIS can advance your academic journey in numerous ways. For starters, completing a U of M course successfully means you will earn both high school and college credit, the latter of which may be used as a prerequisite for another course, and/or be applied to a degree or certificate program at the University or another institution. 

Depending on the courses you take, you also may be able to check off some of the common Liberal Education and writing requirements required by most colleges and Universities, including the U of M.

Did we mention time and money? Earning U of M credit through CIS can help you do both, setting the stage for future tuition savings.

Will my U of M credits transfer to another college or university?

U of M credits earned through CIS have been recognized by colleges and universities from coast-to-coast. Consider: 87% of students surveyed in 2018–19 were successful in transferring some or all of the U of M credits they earned through CIS.

Credit recognition (sometimes referred to as transfer credit) is determined by the college or university you choose to attend. To learn about an institution’s credit-recognition policy for concurrent enrollment programs like CIS, contact the individual college or university. You may also visit Transferology. This free, web-based system gives you access to accurate, up-to-date information about how your U of M credits can transfer and apply to specific schools.

How does CIS differ from Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs?

Credit Recognition

Through CIS, a student earns college and high school credit by completing a course with a passing grade, and both the course and the grade appear on the student’s U of M transcript.

AP and IB courses do not provide the opportunity to earn college credit directly. However, many colleges and universities have credit-recognition policies that recognize certain AP or IB exam scores with transfer credit or to fulfill prerequisites.

Cost

There is no cost to Minnesota public school students to participate in U of M courses offered through CIS. The schools and partial funding from the State of Minnesota support the cost. Private and out-of-state schools are encouraged to provide the course to students free of charge, but may charge a fee for CIS enrollment.

The College Board charges a fee for each AP Exam taken. The Minnesota Department of Education provides AP Exam fee subsidies to all Minnesota students.

How does CIS differ from Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)?

Location and Instruction

A CIS student takes U of M courses at their high school. The courses are taught by high school instructors that have been accepted to teach as U of M Teaching Specialists. 

A PSEO student goes through an application process. Upon acceptance, the student enrolls in courses (offered online or on campus) at a college or university, participating alongside college students.

Student Eligibility

Student prerequisites and eligibility criteria for CIS are specific to each U of M course. To find this information, locate the individual web page for the course and view “Student Qualifications.” 

Students interested in taking courses through PSEO must apply for admission to a PSEO program. Eligibility for PSEO admission varies by college or university. Learn about eligibility and the application process for PSEO at the U of M Twin Cities.

Cost

There is no cost to Minnesota public school students to participate in U of M courses offered through CIS. The schools and partial funding from the State of Minnesota support the cost. Private and out-of-state schools are encouraged to provide the course to students free of charge, but may charge a fee for CIS enrollment.

PSEO tuition, course fees, and required textbooks are free to all students. PSEO students are responsible for their own transportation if taking courses on campus.