The Truth About University Student Auditing

The term 'audit' is synonymous with 'investigate' or 'evaluate'. In a university context, auditing a class means enrolling in a course without receiving a grade or credit. Students may choose to audit a class to explore a subject without the pressure of grades and GPAs, or to avoid negatively impacting their GPA. The requirements for auditing a class vary depending on the university and the instructor. While some universities charge a fee for auditing, others offer it for free.

What does it mean to audit a class?

Auditing a class means enrolling in a course but not receiving a grade or course credits. Students who audit classes will still have access to course materials and will often be encouraged to participate in class discussions, but they will not need to complete homework or sit exams.

Auditing a class is a good option for students who want to explore a subject without impacting their GPA. It can also be useful for students who are struggling to decide on a major, or who want to prepare for a future course.

While auditing a class, students will usually need to pay a fee, which can vary depending on the school. Some universities charge full tuition fees for auditing, while others offer auditing for free.

It's important to note that not all universities have the same rules around auditing, and students may need to get permission from the instructor or department before auditing a class.

Why would you audit a class?

Auditing a class allows students to learn without receiving a grade or credit. While the option to audit is available at many universities, policies and associated costs vary widely. Here are some reasons why you might want to audit a class:

Explore Majors/Subjects

If you're interested in a wide variety of subjects, auditing can allow you to explore a subject of interest in a low-pressure, low-stakes environment. For example, if you're an artist who wants to open their own studio, you might find it helpful to audit a business course.

Prepare for the Future

Auditing a class can offer new exposure, resources, and connections. For instance, an education major who hopes to teach English may benefit from auditing a literature or adolescent psychology class.

Help with Another Class

Auditing a course can help you gain foundational knowledge in a subject that you're struggling with. For example, if you're taking a college course on abnormal psychology and are having trouble keeping up, auditing an introduction to psychology course can teach you the basic principles and give you more knowledge about the topic.

Go Outside Your Major

Auditing a class gives you the chance to learn about a related subject or a completely different topic outside of your major. For instance, as a science or engineering major, you might enjoy taking a ceramics or performing arts class to express your creative side.

Lifelong Learning

Auditing a class can be a great way to continue learning throughout your life, even if you already have a college degree. If you're a history buff, for example, you may want to audit history courses at a nearby college without the pressure of grades or exams.

What is required while auditing a class?

The requirements for auditing a class vary depending on the school and the instructor. While auditing a class, students are not enrolled in the course for credit and will not receive a grade. However, they will still have access to all class materials and may be encouraged to participate in the class. In some cases, instructors may require auditors to fulfil certain course requirements, such as submitting assignments, taking exams, or participating in discussions. It is important to note that auditing a class may come with a fee, which can vary depending on the institution.

• Research the school's and department's auditing policies: Before auditing a class, it is important to understand the specific requirements and policies of the school and department. This includes eligibility requirements, fees, and any necessary approvals.
• Seek permission from the instructor: Most universities require students to receive approval from the instructor before auditing a course. This is an opportunity for students to explain their motivation for auditing and to ensure the instructor is comfortable with the arrangement.
• Register as an auditor: After receiving permission from the instructor, students will need to register as an auditor through the appropriate channels, which may involve filling out necessary forms and paying any associated fees.
• Understand the expectations: Auditors should be clear on the level of engagement and participation expected of them, including whether they need to attend classes regularly, complete assignments, or participate in discussions.
• Be aware of potential limitations: Audited courses may have restricted access to certain resources or activities within the course. It is important to be aware of these limitations beforehand.

By following these steps and understanding the specific requirements of the school and instructor, students can ensure they are meeting the requirements for auditing a class.

What does it cost to audit a class?

The cost of auditing a class depends on the university's policies. While some universities charge auditors the full course fee, others allow students to audit classes at a reduced rate or even for free. For example, Brown University offers "vagabonding", where students can attend classes for free without officially enrolling. On the other hand, Stanford University charges a "Permit to Attend" fee of $5,895 per quarter for auditing.

At some universities, auditing a class is included in the tuition for full-time students. For instance, full-time students at MIT can audit courses for no additional charge. Similarly, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) allows Utah residents aged 62 and above to audit classes at a reduced cost.

It is worth noting that auditing a class does not usually provide any grades, credits, or certificates of completion. However, some universities may offer a notation on transcripts to indicate that a student has successfully audited a class, such as an "AU" grade at Chapman University.

How to audit a class in college?

Auditing a class allows students to learn without receiving a grade or impacting their GPA. Students who audit a class enrol in a course for no credit and typically do not need to complete homework or take exams. However, they usually still need to pay for the class.

The process of auditing a class can vary depending on the college or university. Here is a general step-by-step guide on how to audit a class in college:

• Research the school's and department's auditing policies: Different colleges have different rules and requirements for auditing classes. Be sure to check with your institution to understand their specific policies and requirements.
• Contact the course instructor: Reach out to the instructor to express your interest in auditing the class and to ask about their permission and expectations. Not all instructors may allow auditing, and some may have specific requirements for auditors.
• Ask about the level of engagement expected: Find out from the instructor what is expected of you in terms of participation, assignments, and exams. Some instructors may require auditors to actively participate and complete certain course requirements, while others may prefer auditors to be minimal participants.
• Complete any necessary paperwork: If the instructor agrees to let you audit the course, fill out any necessary forms or paperwork to ensure the course appears correctly on your transcript.
• Be mindful of deadlines: Some colleges have specific deadlines for declaring your intent to audit a class, so be sure to declare your intent within the allowed timeframe.
• Consider online auditing through MOOCs: If you are unable to audit a class at your college or prefer online learning, consider auditing classes through massive open online course (MOOC) providers like edX, Coursera, or MIT's OpenCourseWare (OCW). These platforms often partner with prestigious colleges and universities, offering access to course materials and lectures for free.

Remember that auditing policies and procedures can vary widely between institutions, so always check with your specific college or university for their requirements.

Frequently asked questions