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Alumni & Community Audit - Spring 2025
We lookforward to having youon campus for this semester's audit program! Thank you for your interest, please explore the resources and steps below.
Please note, the $150 auditfeesupports theAlumni Association Scholarship, which is awarded each year to one first year student with demonstrated financial needwhose parent or grandparent also attended American University. Your involvement in this program makes an impact in the lives of current AU students.
Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations with questions atalumniaudit@american.edu
Community Audit Information
American University is committed to promoting and supporting lifelong learning for its local community members andover 150,000 living alumni. As part of this program, we alsowelcome individualswho are not alumni but who are ages 55+ and live in the 20016, 20015, 20008, and 20007 DC zip codes to audit a course.
Take a Class
By following a few simple steps, we can help you enroll in a course that interests you. Please carefully read through all information for participation in the program. Please note, space in the audit program is limited. Completed applications will be processed in the order they are received.
Spring 2025 Dates:
Application opens Friday, December6th
Application closes Wednesday, January8th-this is afirm deadline*
First day of class is Monday, January13th, 2025
*please note: we will not be acceptinganyapplications past this date.
Review the Auditing Guidelines by School webpage before selecting a course. Browse the registrar’sschedule of classesto determine which courses are offered each semester. Please note applicants are unable to audit a course listed as “closed” or “waitlist”.
Limited space is available to ensure classes remain small for our enrolled students. Completed applications will be processed in the order they are received.
Audit participants may only audit one course per semester. Exclusively for the summer semesters, audit participants may enroll in one course for both the first and second summer session, for a total of two courses for the summer semester. Separate audit fees apply.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to select up to two additional courses as backups in the event their first choice is unavailable. If an applicant’s first choice is unavailable, they will automatically be registered for their second or third choice, if provided.
The following courses are not eligible to audit:
- Courses taught at another college or university as part of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area
- Seminars, workshops, or independent studies
- Courses that require a special tuition rate
- Course sections with a restriction listed under “Additional Information”
- Other courses as determined by each academic school or college (reviewAuditing Guidelines by School)
Step 2: Obtain Instructor or Department Approval
Contact the course instructor(s)to obtain written approval for admittance to the course(s). Instructor names can be found by expanding the “View Available Sections” tab on the desired course in theschedule of classes, and instructor contact information can be found using theuniversity directory.If no instructor name is listed, department approval will also be accepted.
Some schools and colleges require department approval in addition to professor approval(reviewAuditing Guidelines by School).
Applications submitted without prior instructor or department approval will be denied.
We encourage audit applicants to use and edit the email template provided below when requesting professor and/or department approval for a course.
SUBJECT: Permission to Audit [Course Name]
Hello Professor [last name],
My name is [your name] and I am writing to seek permission to audit your class, [Class Code – Class Name], for the [fall/summer/spring] semester through AU's Audit Program. The program requires audit participants to receive permission from professors via email before applying.
I am currently [current job/goals/schooling]. I am looking to [what you hope to gain from auditing the course] and would appreciate the opportunity to audit your course this semester.
I am happy to discuss expectations around my participation in your course and to answer any questions you may have about my experience or interest. If you have questions about the audit program itself, you can email alumniaudit@american.edu.
Thank you,
[your name]
ContactAU Centralto ensure you are in good financial standing with the university. Any outstanding balances must be paid in full before auditing a course.
Step 4: Complete the Application
The application to audit coursesopens at 10 a.m. EDT and closes at 11:59 p.m. EDT on the dates listed above this section.
Please click the button below to begin the applicaiton:
Participants may audit only one course per semester. Instructor or department approval is required. Please see “Step 2 – Obtain Instructor or Department Approval” for more information.
Exclusively for the summer semesters, participants may enroll in one course for both the first and second summer session, for a total of two courses for the summer semester. Separate audit fees apply.
The cost to audit a course is $150. After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email tocomplete payment. Please note this fee does not cover textbooks nor any additional course-specific costs or fees. A receipt will automatically be sent to the applicant’s email to confirm payment was received. This receipt is not confirmation of course enrollment.
Enrollment for applicants will not begin until the first week of classes.Current students are given priority in course enrollment, and applicants will be slated for their desired coursebased on seat availability. Applicants are encouraged to attend the first weekof classand to work with the instructor or department to stay up to date with course assignments.
Confirmation of enrollment will be sent via email. If an applicant is unable to be enrolled in their desired coursefor any reason, a confirmation of the Office of Alumni Relations’ inability to enroll an applicant will be sent via email. A full refund will also be processed at this time. If a backup course was selected, the applicant will not receive a refund and will be automatically enrolled in their backup course.
Please note, auditors do not receive credit for courses through the audit program, and courses will not appear on transcripts. Participants who wish to receive credit for their course must register as a non-degree seeking student and pay tuition at the prevailing rate. Please contactAU Centralwith questions.
By completing this application, applicants agree to comply with all American University policies and procedures including but not limited to the and American University’s Code of Conduct.
Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations with questions atalumniaudit@american.edu.
In accordance with AU's current COVID-19 policies,vaccinations are no longer required to audit a class. Vaccines are highly reccomended for all auditors.
Plese note: given the nature of the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, AU reserves the right to change these policies at any time, for any reason, as determined by campus leadership and public health guidelines. Thank you.
Visit the FAQ on Vaccination Requirements webpage for more information.
Step 6: Get an AU ID Card
This step is only required for those auditing a course on campus.
If you already have an Alumni ID or Community ID from auditing during a previous semester, you do not need to get a new card. If you do not have an AU ID card, or you only have an old Student ID, please follow the steps below to obtain your official AU Alumni or Community ID card.
Once you have an AU login, you will need to with the OneCard office to receive an AU ID card.AU's One Card & Dining Services office is located in Mary Graydon Center room 123. It is on the left when you enter through the doors at the front of the building.
On the appointment page, click the "Schedule an appointment" tab then select "One Card - New One Card" as your reason for visiting. Select a date and time that works for you.
Please visit the One Card & Dining Services office website atfor their hours of operation and more information.
Contact the One Card & Dining Services office at (202)-885-2273 or at onecard_dining@american.edu for any questions about ID cards.
Please note: If you lose your ID card, you are responsible for paying a $20 replacement card fee.
Limited Space
Space in the audit program is limited. Completed applications will be processed in the order they are received.
Terms and Conditions
By completing this application, applicants agree to comply with all American University policies and procedures including but not limited to the Alumni and Community Audit Terms and Conditions and American University’s Code of Conduct.
Criteria
American University ("AU") is pleased to make classroom instruction available on a space available basis to holders of AU degrees who are in good standing with the university. An applicant must also demonstrate adherence to high standards of personal conduct and good citizenship which contribute to the overall well-being of the AU community.
Enrollment
While we hope to confirm all registrations as quickly as possible, please note that official enrollment for audit applicants does not begin untilthe first day of classesand can take up to three business days following the add/drop period to verify all registrations. You are not confirmed for your course until you receive a confirmation email. Please work with your professor during this time to stay up to date with any course assignments.
Please note that we are only able to enroll audit participants into courses with open spots. If a course is listed as "waitlist" or "closed," please select a different course.
Academic Resources
Upon receiving confirmation of enrollment, access will be granted toCanvas. Please contact with questions about the platform. All other technology-related questions can be directed to theOffice of Information Technology.
Dropping a Course
If dropping a course, you must notify both the instructor and the Office of Alumni Relations (alumniaudit@american.edu) in order to receive a refund. No refunds will be offered after the refunddeadline for the semester, listed under "Take a Class."
Refunds
Auditors may receive a 100% refund up until the deadline listed under "Take a Class." Auditors may also elect to withdraw without receiving a refund. The non-refunded fee will remain as a tax-deductible donation to the Alumni Association Scholarship.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Auditing Guidelines by School
- The Power of Lifelong Learning - read more about the impact of the AU Alumni & Community Audit Program
Receive Campus Store discounts and lifetime borrowing privileges at Bender Library with your AU One Card.