FAQs

The following answers address the most common questions posed by APS StampCampus students. Other questions may be e-mailed to Gretchen Moody.

Q. What are the minimum computer (hardware) requirements?

We've kept the course designs simple so that students need only an e-mail account and Internet access to participate.

Cost

Q. Are tuition fees for APS members different from nonmembers?

Yes. APS members pay lower tuition fees than nonmembers.

Q. How much does a class cost?

Tuition fees vary depending on the length of the course. APS members enjoy discounted fees.
Click here to learn about the many benefits of APS membership.

Q. How are tuition payments handled?

Tuition is due prior to the first class. You may pay by credit card (MasterCard or VISA), money order, or by check. All fees are in U.S. dollars.

Q. How can I purchase materials?

The APS StampCampus features its own student bookstore with recommended publications and special discounts. Students may also purchase their materials from other sources.

Course Information

Q. How long will it take to complete a course?

Course lengths vary from 4 to 8 weeks.

Q. What do the courses include?

Each course will include assigned reading material as well as homework assignments, available by password, in the student center. Students should review this material prior to class and finish any homework assignments, to prepare for the weekly online class discussion. For specific course descriptions, click here.

Q. What times, dates, and days are classes offered?

Classes will be offered at different times and days, depending on instructor availability. All class discussions will be saved and posted. Class times for each course will be posted as part of the class description.

Q. Can I receive academic credit for these courses?

Not at this time. Our StampCampus operates independently of any educational accreditation body. In addition, our courses are designed for self-enrichment and to help you get more out of your chosen hobby.

Q. Can courses be completed entirely by home study?

Yes. All work is completed at home, via e-mail and/or regular mail.

Q. What do I do if I am unable to attend a class?

We post the class discussions for each course. Lesson material is available at all times in the Student Center, so no make-up class is required. Assignments should still be completed and e-mailed to your instructor.

Enrollment

Q. When can I enroll in the program?

The APS StampCampus uses an open enrollment system so that students may enroll anytime prior to the start of a class, provided space is available.

Q. How do I register for a course?

You may register online by clicking here, or contact the APS StampCampus/Education Department by phone at 814-933-3803 ext. 239, by fax to 814-933-6128, or by printing out the enrollment form and mailing it to: Stamp Campus Registration, American Philatelic Society, 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823.

Q. Must I be an APS member to enroll in the program?

No, but non-APS members pay higher fees for courses.

Q. If I am interested in becoming an APS member, what kind of membership benefits would I enjoy?

APS membership carries a variety of privileges and benefits, including:

• a members-only 20% discount on many publications and sales items, as well as special APS student member discounts on course- related materials.
• The American Philatelist, a 100-page monthly magazine filled with colorful articles; information on U.S. new issues; hobby-related websites; Society news, resources, and sources for stamp; and a calendar of stamp shows and exhibitions.
• special Stamp Insurance Program rates offered by Hugh M. Woods Inc., underwritten by the Chubb Group.
• access to and use of the American Philatelic Research Library, the largest public philatelic library in the United States, with more than two miles of books, catalogues, auction listings, journals, dealer price lists, indexes, research papers of famous collectors, and other materials. Members of the APS/APRL may borrow items directly from the APRL.
• ability to buy or sell material in the APS Sales Division stamp circuits and online StampStore service.
• discounted fees with the American Philatelic Expertizing Service, which provides the opportunity for collectors to have stamps and other philatelic material examined by experts for their opinions regarding genuineness. Crimescope, recommended by the forensic laboratories of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, has enabled APEX to further broaden its scientific analyses to detect counterfeit and altered stamps.
• supervised on-site access to an extensive Reference Collection of real and fake philatelic items.
• support from the APS Mentor Program, a members-only service that matches you with a more experienced collector with similar collecting interests. The program attempts to match up persons in the same geographic area, if possible.

Student Support

Q. How many students are in an online class at one time?

In order to maintain the best student-teacher ratio and to ensure adequate time is spent with each student, class sections are limited to no more than twenty students.

Q. Do students keep in regular contact with other students?

Yes. Students may keep in contact via our message board for each class, where they can discuss any questions that may have arisen during the week. In addition, students are encouraged to correspond by e-mail with their classmates (a course roster is provided with the names and e-mail addresses of fellow students).

Q. In addition to classes, do students have regular contact with their teachers?

Students can e-mail their teachers and/or contact a StampCampus Administrator at any time with any questions or assistance they may need.

Q. Is there any support for students who do not have access to major libraries?

Yes. If you are an APS member, you may request photocopies of articles (for a small fee) and you may borrow books by mail from the American Philatelic Research Library. Nonmembers may borrow materials via interlibrary loan.