Independent Study

Independent study offers the above average student with substantial training in a communication subspecialty, an opportunity to individually shape a course of study with a faculty expert. Independent study is not a substitute for regular curricular offerings, a way around requirements, or a scheduling alternative for students unwilling to accommodate the timetable of a needed course. Independent study is an avenue for continued learning, if a student exhausts all the curricular resources available within a subspecialty and if the student possesses the initiative and discipline to both structure and pursue a course of study on fairly independent terms. Because of past abuses, the communication faculty affirms the following guidelines for independent study coursework:

The student must have a "B" average or better in communication coursework.
The student must submit an independent study proposal that will contain as a minimum the following provisions:

• Title of independent study course
• Description of course
• Rationale for study
• Projected resources bibliography of readings, films, tapes, etc.
• Assignments/projects envisioned
• Timetable this should include in specific terms the number and dates of student-advisor meetings which will occur.
• Evaluation criteria
• This proposal will serve as the course syllabus and it can be referred to in cases of grade challenges. Only changes mutually agreeable to student and advisor are permissible and then such amendments must be place in writing and signed by both parties.
• The student must have completed all coursework within the subspecialty offered in the regular curriculum.
• The student must obtain a faculty sponsor who is willing to serve as a resource person and evaluator in accordance with proposal guidelines or ones mutually negotiated PRIOR to initiation of the course.
• The student must manifest the characteristics of initiative, discipline, independence, and persistence that makes successful accomplishment of the independent study seem likely.
• The student proposal must be submitted for review to the communication curriculum committee. If accepted, a written contract must be signed by both the faculty sponsor and the student. One copy of both the contract and the independent study proposal should be filed in the master communication file. In addition, one copy of the contract and proposal should be retained by the faculty sponsor and the student respectively.
• The student interested in an independent study should complete the application process well in advance of registration for the term he/she wishes enrollment. The student needs clearance PRIOR to registration for an independent study. Only in rare instances does this policy admit an exception.
• The student must meet deadlines, keep appointments, and complete assignments/projects as agreed in the proposal. Substantial abbreviation of the timetable, which results in superficial study should be unacceptable and cause for appropriate action by the faculty advisor. The student agrees to work INDEPENDENTLY, thus, it is NOT the faculty member’s responsibility to telephone, write, or otherwise follow-up in order to receive timely work.