2003-2004 Graduate Academic Catalog

- Page 23 - I NDEPENDENT S TUDY • Sustain an overall cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0. On occasion special student circumstances may suggest that an independent study course option should be considered. Such an option might recognize opportunities to explore areas not covered in normal course structure rewarding self-motivated students and encouraging joint study by faculty and students on specialized projects. • Sustain a grade point average of not less than 3.0 in career concentration courses. • Complete all requirements for the degree within seven years after matriculation in the program (unless the student’s program specifies a shorter period of time). Courses completed more than seven years prior to the date of graduation cannot be used to meet the graduation requirements without the written approval of the director of graduate programs. Requests for such permission must provide explicit evidence regarding why the content of these out-of-date courses is still a viable part of the student’s graduate program, and how the student has kept up-to- date with current content in those courses. Extension of the time to complete degree requirements will be granted rarely and only if steady progress toward a degree is evident AND if there are clearly extenuating circumstances beyond control of the student. Individual students and faculty members develop the specific criteria that must be met for the successful completion of specific independent study projects. However, the following guidelines govern the independent study program: • Only one independent study project may be undertaken in an academic term. • The maximum credit that may be earned for any one independent study project is three semester hours. • The faculty member supervising the independent study and the director of graduate programs must sign the student's independent study form. Registration for the independent study must occur at the beginning of the semester in which the work is to be completed. • No more than six semester hours in independent study may be counted toward the graduate degree. • Complete a timely application for commencement which will include a Graduation Audit by the Graduate Office to verify completion of all program requirements. • In general independent study projects cannot be taken in lieu of required courses unless special arrangements have been made through the department sponsoring the course and the Graduate Office • Submit applications for graduation before March 1 st of the year he/she plans to graduate to participate in the Spring commencement ceremony. This includes Spring graduates as well as those who may complete their graduate programs in the Fall. • Taking an independent study course is a privilege, not a right, and faculty do not have to offer such courses if they choose not to do so. • Pay any applicable graduation fees. Revision as of 8/21/2003 • Participating faculty members determine the letter grade.