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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up or register for a SAMI course?
If you are a current student, you register for a SAMI course the same way you would register for any of your other courses. The registration process is through Eagle Service. Contact your advisor with any questions!
If you are an SPA graduate alum, please refer to the instructions for enrolling as a non-degree student here.
I received a graduate degree from SPA, can I take a SAMI class as an alum?
Yes! Beginning Summer 2021, SAMI courses are available to all SPA graduate alumni by enrolling in either the no-credit, alumni course (typically noted by SPA-085-90X) or the one-credit course (SPA-685-00X). Learn more about enrolling in SAMI as an SPA Alum.
How do I earn a SAMI Certificate?
To complete the certificate, students or SPA graduate alumni need to take a total of three classes. These classes can be a mix of credit and non-credit, i.e. two for credit and one non-credit. Once you have completed three courses, to request your certificate, please complete this online form.
Can I begin courses for the certificate after I graduate from SPA?
Yes! SAMI courses are available to SPA alumni by enrolling in either the alumni course (SPA-085-90X) or the one-credit course (SPA-685-00X).
If I take one course (non-credit or for credit) while I am a graduate student, can I complete the rest of my courses for the certificate after I graduate?
Yes, students have the option to continue taking SAMI courses and earn the certificate as alumni.
How does the financial aspect work once I graduate and want to take SAMI classes?
After graduation students can either enroll in the non-credit alumni section of a course or enroll in courses for one-credit. Alumni will need to pay tuition for either section, based on the credit. Tuition for the non-credit alumni section is $450 (spots are limited); one-credit tuition is set by the university. Instructions for enrolling as a non-degree student are available here.
Do students need to take a total of three classes to complete the certificate's requirements, or does it have to be three one-credit classes?
To complete the certificate, students need to take a total of three classes. These classes can be a mix of credit and non-credit, i.e. two for credit and one non-credit.
Am I allowed to continue taking SAMI courses once I complete those required for the certificate?
Yes.
What is the difference between the non-credit and the one-credit versions of the courses?
Both the non-credit and one-credit versions of the same course will meet together like other cross-listed courses. The main difference is having them count towards your SPA degree. If taken for one-credit, an advisor can approve them for a degree. Non-credit courses cannot count towards your degree.
How are the courses graded?
One-credit classes will be graded on an A-F scale and count towards your degree with permission from your advisor. Non-credit classes will be graded P/F and will not count towards your degree.
If I miss the class, will I pass?
Failure to attend a class will result in an F, which will appear on your transcripts.
Can I convert my final grade retroactively?
No, your course grade cannot be changed from a P/F to letter grade, or vice versa, after the course is concluded. Please work with your advisor to be sure you register for the section (SPA-085 or SPA-685) that most supports your degree plan!
I am a graduate student in another school, can I take a SAMI class?
Graduate students in other schools can take the one-credit version of the class.
How do I request a copy of my SAMI certificate?
To request your certificate, please complete this online form. For questions about your certificate, please email SPAGradAffairs@american.edu.
Will the certificate appear on my transcript?
The certificate will not appear on your transcript; although, the classes will. You can list the certificate on your resume.