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 the schedule of classes, and instructor contact information can be found using the university 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(review Auditing 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]

The application to audit courses opens 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:

AUDIT APPLICATION

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 to complete 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 course based on seat availability. Applicants are encouraged to attend the first week of class and 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 course for 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 contact AU Central with questions.

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.

Please contact the Office of Alumni Relations with questions at alumniaudit@american.edu.

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 schedule an appointment 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 at www.american.edu/ocl/OneCardDining/get-one-card.cfm for 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.