CourseShare FAQ for UMN Students

See the class list, or look for the LANG subject on Schedule Builder. Don’t see the language you’re interested in studying? Ask! We might be able to find an institution that is currently offering it.

The participating universities are:

• University of Chicago
• University of Illinois
• Indiana University
• University of Iowa
• University of Maryland
• University of Michigan
• Michigan State University
• University of Minnesota
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln
• Northwestern University
• Ohio State University
• Pennsylvania State University
• Purdue University
• Rutgers University
• University of Wisconsin-Madison

Students may register for already scheduled courses just like any other course under the LANG designator. If the course is not already scheduled, submit a course request or email [email protected]. Students are encouraged to register as early as possible. Please note that it is generally not possible to add these courses once they are already in session at the sending university, and that academic calendars vary. 

Most courses are remote, and you can connect from home. Some classes will require you to join in a scheduled room on campus for all or some of the sessions. See the course information for details. 

You can complete the CLA language requirement by passing a fourth-semester language course worth at least four credits with a C- or better. Please note that in some instances, a CourseShare language sequence course could be three instead of four credits, because it meets for fewer than four contact hours. If you complete a fourth semester course (Intermediate II level) that is valued at fewer than four credits, the course alone may not fulfill the requirement, and you may also need to also pass a test or engage in an additive language experience. Please contact your advisor with general questions about the language requirement, and the Language Center at [email protected] with questions about fourth-semester courses that are fewer than four credits.

Generally not. Different universities have different academic schedules. Please note the “meeting dates” for the class in Schedule Builder. Please also expect some variation in academic breaks, holidays and final exam periods. In addition, many universities in the Big Ten are in the Eastern time zone, not the Central time zone. The scheduled time for LANG courses have been converted to Central time in Schedule Builder.

All Beginning I courses are intended for true beginners of the language. If you are interested in Vietnamese language, and are not a true beginner, there is a Vietnamese self-placement tool to help guide you to the right course. If you are interested in a different language, and are not a beginner nor continuing in a course sequence, please email [email protected] as soon as possible for assistance. 

See CLA's Scholarships for Language Students for more information. View the full list of scholarships. Any that include "And more!" in the Language(s) column may be applicable to students enrolled in CourseShare courses. The FLAS Fellowship program is probably the most commonly used funding opportunity for CourseShare language courses. 

CourseShare is intended for University of Minnesota undergraduate and graduate students in a degree-seeking program registering for course credit. While the program is not open to guest and non-degree students, most locally-taught language programs welcome these students. Please contact the appropriate department with questions about registering as a guest/non-degree student. In addition, guest/non-degree students interested in a language taught at another university may be able to register directly at that university. 

Shortly the CourseShare course begins (based on the start date), registered students will receive an email from the sending university (often from the registrar's office) about the process for accessing course resources, including the course site. The sending university may use different technology tools than the University of Minnesota, or those tools may be configured differently. It is important to follow the instructions sent by the sending university. 

If you are a University of Minnesota student enrolled in a CourseShare course at another university and would like to explore using disability accommodations for your cours(es), please contact the Language Center at [email protected].

If you are a student from another university who is taking a course at the University of Minnesota (UMN) through CourseShare and would like to explore using disability accommodations for your cours(es), please contact the UMN Disability Resource Center at [email protected].

No, when students take courses through the CourseShare program, they use the technology and instructional tools of the sending university. This means that there is not a UMN Canvas site for LANG courses. Some partner universities do use Canvas as a learning platform, but if so, you will access the course site through their instance of Canvas, not through Canvas.umn.edu. Other universities use an entirely different course management system. 

The syllabus that you receive from the sending university will have information about required and optional course materials. If books and other materials are required, your syllabus will likely have information about purchasing. Generally these materials will not be available for purchase at the UMN Bookstore. The new Course Works program does not include materials for received CourseShare courses, because the instruction is coming from outside of UMN. Please be advised that if you sign up for the Course Works Complete option, materials for courses with the LANG subject will not be included.  

The Language Center has space and technology you can use in Jones Hall. Our small rooms can be reserved for class meetings and other purposes, and the walk-in lounge can be used without a reservation. 

Consider the TandemPlus program, which is open for all students, including those enrolled in CourseShare courses. It’s a great opportunity to practice the language you’re learning with native speakers and meet other students.

The grading process requires the work of multiple staff at two universities, and it does take time. There is nothing special you need to do for your grade to be applied – it may simply take longer than it does for regular classes. 

If your grade is not yet applied, and it is causing a problem for you, please email the Language Center at [email protected] for assistance. 

Follow up with your academic advisor, and if they have questions, please reach out to the Language Center at [email protected] for assistance.