Navy College ProgramAfloat College Education (NCPACE)

Columbia Southern University is pleased to partner with the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) to support seagoing students. The CSU-NCPACE Program ensures high-quality education tailored to the unique needs and schedules of naval personnel deployed or serving at sea when internet service is not readily available.

Course Delivery

CSU-NCPACE courses are delivered through the Blackboard learning management system. Students must notify their faculty member of their NCPACE status and request access to downloadable course assignments and materials. Students may progress through the course requirements offline and submit their assignments electronically according to the schedule provided in the syllabus once internet connectivity is restored.

Proctoring

CSU-NCPACE courses do not require a proctor.

e-Textbooks and Course Materials

All CSU-NCPACE courses use e-texts. Students must download all necessary course materials from Blackboard to their personal computers or devices. These materials include syllabi, professor profiles, welcome videos, citation guides, e-texts, library resources, and course assignments. When internet service is available, students may submit their completed work to fulfill course participation requirements.

Available Courses and Programs

All coursework in the CSU-NCPACE degree programs is available by clicking on the link to each individual program. Students may view program descriptions, learning outcomes, and course descriptions for each program within the link, and by selecting each individual course. To view specific course information, students can view the Full Course Listing on the CSU website.

Getting Started

We understand that planning your education while deployed at sea with limited or no internet connectivity can be challenging, and we are here to assist you in preparing ahead of your deployment schedule. Be sure to refer to the Academic Calendar when planning your enrollment. This will enable you to request tuition assistance authorization and download course materials in a timely manner.

Here is how to get started:

1. APPLY – New students must complete your application for admission. There is no fee for the application. Existing students may simply email NCPACE@ColumbiaSouthern.edu for guidance.
2. SUBMIT YOUR TRANSCRIPTS – Upload copies of your transcripts via your MyCSU portal or utilize our Transcript Request Service and CSU will locate your previous academic and/or Joint Services Transcript for you.
3. RECEIVE YOUR EVALUATION – Once you have submitted your transcripts, we will contact you with your academic evaluation report results. CSU allows maximum transfer of credit hours for prior academic credits, training, and relevant professional licenses and certifications. CSU also evaluates military training for course credit. Existing students must ensure that they are in an approved NCPACE program.
4. SECURE TUITION ASSISTANCE – You will need to follow the Tuition Assistance Steps to initiate TA, and ensure the following:
   • a. Complete required training.
   • b. Submit your education plan for the approved program and review with the Navy College Counselor.
   • c. Submit TA/NCPACE application for funding via the MyNavy Education website. All TA/NCPACE applications for funding must be submitted and command approved through MyNavy Education as early as 120 days prior to the term start date, but no later than 7 days prior to the term start date.
   • d. Generate TA/NCPACE Voucher and send to NCPACE@ColumbiaSouthern.edu.
5. ENROLL – Our helpful staff will be with you every step of the way to make sure you get enrolled in your NCPACE courses without any difficulty. Be sure to select the courses that appear in the approved degree programs.
6. NOTIFY YOUR PROFESSOR – Once enrolled, you will notify the professor that you are enrolling in NCPACE courses so that they may provide access to course materials.
7. DOWNLOAD COURSE MATERIALS – Ensure that you download course materials promptly before losing internet connection. Submit course assignments once internet connection is restored.

Transient Student Status for NCPACE Students at CSU

The transient student status at CSU allows students enrolled in post-secondary education programs outside of the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) to complete coursework during periods of limited or no internet connectivity.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Current Enrollment:
   The student must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary education program that is not part of the NCPACE program.
2. Primary Institution Authorization:
   The student must submit a parent-letter from the school where they are primarily enrolled. This letter should confirm the student’s current enrollment status and support their request to take courses at CSU as a transient student.
3. Course Selection:
   The courses selected at CSU must align with the student's academic plan and be approved by their primary institution. The parent-letter should ideally include information on how the CSU courses will be applied towards their degree requirements.
4. Adherence to CSU Policies:
   While enrolled at CSU, the student must comply with all academic and administrative policies of CSU, including deadlines, grading criteria, and academic integrity standards.

Application Process:

1. Submit an Application:
   Interested students must complete the transient student application form provided by CSU, including all required documentation.
2. Parent-Letter Submission:
   The parent-letter from the student's primary institution should be submitted along with the application. This letter can be obtained from the academic advisor or registrar’s office at the parent institution and must be on official school letterhead signed by an authorized representative of the institution. It must include CSU’s course number, course title, and credit hour requirement.
3. Review and Approval:
   The application and accompanying documentation will be collected by the admission’s office. The registrar’s office will review and approve the application. Students will be notified of their transient status approval and provided with next steps for course enrollment.
4. Course Enrollment:
   Once approved, students can enroll in the selected CSU courses and will receive guidance on accessing course materials and completing assignments under the constraints of limited connectivity.

Support and Resources:

CSU is committed to supporting transient students and will provide access to resources such as offline course materials and alternative assignment submission methods, tailored to accommodate limited connectivity.

Course Drops

Students who are official registered and enrolled assume full responsibility for the completion of courses for which they are enrolled. If a student course drop or withdrawal is necessary, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of the Registrar and submit the Official Course Drop/Withdrawal Form located in the Student Portal. Students should also review the Official Course Drop/Withdrawal Policy and the Tuition Refund Policy.

Contact

If you have questions, you may reach out to the CSU-NCPACE program coordinators at NCPACE@ColumbiaSouthern.edu.