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Steps for Independent Studies

Steps for Independent Studies
 
  1. A student discusses the independent study proposal with their advisor. Questions to consider:  how does the independent study fit in the degree program?  What is the topic and how does this fit with the degree program and career goals. The advisor must approve the topic.   It is best to begin this process in the semester before the student intends to enroll and begin to work out the details.  
  2. Identify the faculty instructor.  The instructor may be the advisor or another full time SPHTM faculty with the appropriate expertise.  The instructor must agree to oversee and coach the student through the independent study course. 
The student and faculty instructor determine the course title, plan and milestones for study, objectives, meeting schedule and details of the final product and evaluation criteria. The student in consultation with the faculty instructor develops the independent study plan that includes:
  • Descriptive title of independent study.  This title will appear on the student transcript.  The title cannot be more than 30 characters including spacesNumber of credits
  • Description of independent study – 120 words
  • Three course objectives
  • Course product – must be a high quality written document.  Determine the type of document, length, and other expectations for the product
  • Grading rubric 
 
3. After the details of the independent study are completed, enter the information into Terra Dotta Independent Study.  (Do not enter information into Terra Dotta until it is fully planned and all elements completed.)
  • Enter the information into the initial Terra Dotta system.
  • Enter the course description, objectives, study plan and rubric into Terra Dotta.
  • Send out the e-mails for advisor and for instructor approval of the independent study course.
  • When approvals are received, Terra Dotta will notify the Office of Student Affairs for registration in the Independent study course.
  • Students must register for independent studies.  Master’s students register for the dept call letters and 7990 (e.g., GCHB 7990) and doctoral students register for dept call letters and 8990 (e.g, BIOS 8990).