AP Summer Institute

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take an AP course if I am not planning to teach an AP course at my school?

Yes. The AP courses are open to all teachers. Our courses provide endorsement in an AP area, however they are an excellent professional development opportunity to gain content and methodological expertise that will enhance teaching at all levels.

I teach at a private school or a school outside of South Carolina. Can I still take an AP course through Clemson?

Yes. You will however have to pay for the course materials which can cost up to $350. Please contact the Institute Director for further details.

Will I receive graduate credit or recertification credit for an AP course?

Yes. Each participant will receive 3 graduate credit hours from Clemson University in the specified content area.

Can I use these courses for graduate credit at Clemson University or another university?

You will need to contact your university or advisor to determine if the course will count for a degree program.

Do I have to pay for books and materials?

Public school teachers in South Carolina do not have to pay for the materials. Do I have to pay for an AP course? There is not cost for tuition, however there is a registration fee of $100 if paid prior to May 1, 2008 ($150 if paid after May 1). There is also a graduate school application fee of $55 paid to the graduate school. This fee may not be necessary for all students.

How long are the AP courses?

The length of the each course is determined by the professor. Our courses range from one week to three weeks. Please see the schedule as many of our courses are a hybrid of online and in class instruction.

Can I take more than one AP course?

Yes.

How do I register for an AP course?

Please complete the 2008 Summer Institute Registration form and return it to
Julie McGaha, Director AP Summer Institute
418A Tillman Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
with the registration fee.

I need to miss a day or 2 of class. What do I do?

College Board mandates that participants miss no more than 10% of a course. If you have specific questions please direct them to the professor of record.

Do I have to be enrolled in the graduate school?

Yes. In order to be issued a grade from Clemson University, all participants must be enrolled in the graduate school.

Do I have to apply to the graduate school?

You will need to apply to the graduate school if you meet one of the following criteria:
1. You have never taken a graduate course from Clemson University.
2. It has been in excess of 6 years since you took a graduate course from Clemson University.
3. The last graduate course you took from Clemson University resulted in your graduation. You will need to complete a re-entrance form and return it to Clemson University with your registration application if it has been less than 6 years since you took a graduate class from Clemson University. You can find the link to the re-entrance form below. http://www.registrar.clemson.edu/pdf/gradReEnroll.pdf
Notes on applying to the graduate school:
1. When you apply to the graduate school make sure you are applying as a non-degree student in education.
2. You will need to specify that you are planning to take an AP course.
3. You must pay the $55 application fee.
4. If you apply incorrectly and have to reapply, you will be charged twice for the application fee.
If you have changed your name since the last time you took a graduate course at Clemson University, you will need to complete the following form and return it with your registration form.
http://www.registrar.clemson.edu/pdf/namechg.pdf
Please return the appropriate form(s) with your registration or note that you have applied to the graduate school on your institute application.

Do I have to pay the application fee online or can I send it directly to the AP Institute? Can I mail a check to the graduate school?

The graduate school requires that each participant pay the application fee online. The AP Summer Institute cannot take money for this fee. You may contact the graduate school directly if you have further questions or concerns, (864) 656-2561.

How do I know if I am accepted into an AP course?

All teachers will be accepted once all the appropriate documentation has been received. It is the responsibility of all teachers to ensure that the completed registration form, registration fee, and graduate school information is sent. Places in the course will not be held pending missing information. A spot in the course is not guaranteed until all appropriate information is sent.

I have a specific question regarding the AP course, who do I contact?

For course specific information, please contact the professor of record. For information regarding the institute or questions regarding enrollment, certification, or fees, please contact
Julie McGaha, Director AP Summer Institute
418A Tillman Hall
Clemson, SC 29634
mcgaha@clemson.edu
(864)656-2062

When will I receive information regarding the AP course?

Once your information has been received and processed, you will receive a card in the mail letting you know that all your information has been received and you are enrolled in the course or further information is needed to process your registration. The last week in May you will receive a packet with further information regarding parking, transcripts, and other relevant course information.

What if I need to withdraw from an AP course if I have already registered?

Registration fees are non-refundable after May 1, 2008. If you need to withdraw prior to May 1, 2008, please provide a written request to drop the course, signed by your principal.

When is the last day I can register for an AP course?

Registration is closed on May 15, 2008

The AP course I wanted to take is full. What do I do?

Each course can accommodate up to 25 participants. Please send your registration information to Clemson University in a timely manner to ensure your enrollment.

Once my AP course is complete, what do I do to get the endorsement added to my teaching certificate?

All participants will be required to:
1. Complete a transcript request form from Clemson University (link posted below) and have it sent to the Office of Teacher Certification in Columbia, SC.
2. Complete a change of action request form to have the appropriate endorsement added to their teaching certificate.
Please note that participant information will not be sent to the Department of Education from Clemson University until the middle of August, therefore participants should not expect changes to their certificate until after August.

Does Clemson provide housing or meals for AP participants?

No. You may contact local hotels for accommodations. There are numerous eating establishments on and around campus where you can eat during the day and evening.

Does Clemson provide parking passes for AP participants?

Yes. Around the last week in May, each participant will receive a campus parking pass and map in the mail. Please be sure the display this pass and park in the designated areas. It is possible if participants do not display their pass or park in the wrong area they may receive a ticket. The AP Institute cannot excuse any tickets that are received by participants.

I have received information from the graduate school that contains my CUID and user name. Do I need this?

Yes, you will need this information to access grades and use university services.

I am planning to bring a laptop computer to class. Can I access the university’s network and wireless capabilities?

Yes, however you will need to bring your laptop to CCIT located under Harcome for them to activate the university’s wireless system. You will need your CUID number and username.

Can I send my registration form and then have my district send my registration fee?

Yes. Please have your district include a copy of your registration fee or clearly note on their check your name. Please indicate on your registration form that your district is sending a check.

Is there a possibility that an AP course will be cancelled?

Yes. If a course does not have 10 participants by May 1, 2008, Clemson University will cancel the course due to low enrollment.

My course is not offered on Clemson University’s campus. Is this still a Clemson University course?

Yes. AP Biology and AP Calculus BC are being offered in Greenville and Richland Counties respectively. Please be sure to note the location and room assignments of those courses. You will receive directions in the mail the last week of May to the schools hosting those courses.

Can middle school teachers take an AP course?

Yes, however middle school teaches will only earn AP endorsement if they are secondary certified.