New Organizing University

New Organizing University FAQ

About NOU

About the courses

Application Process

Cost and Scholarships

Course Credit

Technology

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What is NOU's purpose?
At New Organizing University, we train change agents in 21st Century organizing skills in a 21st Century classroom. We seek to create real change in America by providing a sustainable, rigorous and challenging online learning forum for organizers to gain and perfect the skills they need to lead us into the future.

What is NOU's philosophy?
We believe that geography should not be a barrier to learning opportunity, and the New Organizing University is designed to deliver our trainings to anyone with an internet connection and a will to create change. We believe in Engagement Organizing. The change we want will only come when we engage the full capacity of people around a compelling vision they believe in, and when organizations and campaigns build leadership capacity that lasts in the communities where they engage.

What is NOU's history?
Over the past 3 years, we've seen a growing demand and need for rigorous, online trainings. In the spring of 2011, we realized that a true online learning experience required more than single-serving webinars, and worked to develop an experiential distance learning program to serve progressive organizers across the country and around the world. Our inaugural programs launched in September, 2011, and we look forward to setting a new industry standard while offering learning opportunity to organizers everywhere.

Who are the instructors?
Instructors will vary, depending on the source material. We work with many of the top practitioners and innovators in organizing, and all course instructors and teaching fellows are accomplished organizers and/or teachers with years of experience in their respective fields.

What types of courses does NOU offer?
Our courses will vary depending on demand and availability of instructors. This semester, our courses include Online Data BootCamp, Campaign Leadership, and a 101 level of Digital Strategies. In the future, we plan to offer additional classes in areas including Organizing & Leadership, Narrative Development, Communications, Management, and Legislative Organizing. Be sure to sign up on our mailing list to receive future announcements.

Will I get 1-1 time with an instructor?
Courses will be supported by teaching fellows, experts in the field who will assist the instructors with small-group learning and 1-1 coaching. The ratio will be (maximum) 15 students:1 fellow, and each student will receive focused, individual feedback and coaching. Most instructors will be available for coaching during an office hours format (schedule announced in each course).

What is the structure of the courses?
Each course will be structured to best suit the subject matter and the learning of the students. Some courses will have two weekly sessions, one focused on teaching content, and a second designed to help students apply the learning in focused practice exercises and receive feedback. Some courses will combine both types of learning experience in one longer session per week. Most courses will also feature a real-world project, campaign simulation, or other ongoing work to help support the learning.

What is the course schedule?
For Spring 2012, courses will run from Monday, February 20 - Friday, May 25. Each course will have it's own meeting times. Refer to course pages for details on the length of the course, as well as the day and time for the sessions.

The Fall 2012 term will run from Monday, August 20 - Friday, November 30, and the schedule of courses posted by the end of May.

Will I need to purchase additional materials for my course?
All course readings and assignments will be published online. If you do not already have the necessary technical equipment to participate actively in the classes, then you will have to purchase that before the course begins. For more specific information, please check out the technology requirements listed on our NOU Policies page.

Students in Online Data BootCamp will need Microsoft Excel to participate in this course. A free trial can be downloaded for those who do not have the program. Other downloads may also be required.

How do I apply?

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the course is filled. Click here to see the list of classes and links to the unique course applications.

Is there an application fee?

No. It is completely free to apply for an NOU course.

What are the application deadlines?
We are accepting applications for spring courses on a rolling basis until classes start.

Am I eligible to attend?
There are no restrictions on who can attend NOU courses. Students, current organizers, aspiring organizers, and others are encouraged to attend. There are no restrictions on national origin, current location, or citizenship. We welcome all applicants from all backgrounds, places, and walks of life. The criteria for all NOU courses is that you are committed to working for change and applying the skills you will learn to efforts to create a more fair, more just world. Any course-specific prerequisites are listed on the unique course informational pages.

What is the cost of my course?
The tuition for all semester-long, 3-credit hour equivalent courses is $700. For shorter, 1-credit hour equivalent courses, the tuition is $300. Payment is due before the start of the course unless specific arrangements have been made.

Are there scholarships available?
Yes. There are limited partial scholarships available, and will be awarded based on the criteria outlined on our policies page.

Am I eligible for a scholarship?
Scholarships are prioritized for full-time or part-time students, persons employed at non-partisan and/or nonprofit organizations, and unemployed persons. All scholarships will be awarded based on a combination of factors, including need, application strength, and other factors as determined by selection committee.

How do I apply for a scholarship?
You must indicate that you are interested and eligible to apply for a scholarship on the online application and then complete a scholarship questionnaire and/or interview in order to apply. This will be sent to you after your online application is completed.

Is NOU an accredited organization?
Not currently. We are actively working towards accreditation at this time, and hope to offer transferable credit courses soon.

How does the course load compare to a university class?
Our courses are designed to be equivalent to a 3 semester credit university or community college course

How will my course be graded?
Students course work and participation will be graded as Pass, No Pass, and Pass With Honors. Students who pass the course will receive a certificate of completion for their course. Students who pass with high honors will also receive a letter of recommendation from NOU.

Will I earn credit for my course?
We cannot offer course credit at this time, as we are not currently accredited. However, students who satisfactorily complete a course will receive a certificate of completion. NOI trainings are recognized as among the best in the political and issue organizing, and many organizations actively seek graduates of NOI programs for their staff.

Can I earn internship credit?
Eligibility for internship credit depends on your school's policies. Students will need to work with their administration to receive approval for internship credit. NOU is happy to provide supporting documentation to help you receive internship credits through your school.

What system does NOU use?
We use Elluminate Live, a platform designed for distance learning programs. Please read the information on the NOU Technology Policy page, as students must meet the technology requirements in order to participate in a course.

Elluminate System Requirements
Courses are taught through Elluminate Live, a platform which will be provided by NOU. Your computer must meet certain technical specifications to participate. Please click here to ensure your computer meets the system requirements.  Additional technology requirements can be found on our Policies page.

Audio/Video Requirements
Students must have a working microphone and headphones connected to your computer. You will also need a webcam to join the live sessions.

Stable Internet Connection
Elluminate Live requires a stable, strong internet connection. We recommend a Local Area Connection, or a reliable wireless connection.

Have questions that weren't answered here? Email us at university@neworganizing.com. Please be sure to specify which course you are inquiring about in the subject line of your email.

Find out more about individual courses and the overall program on our main page!