The Independent Scholar Program is designed to meet the needs of outstanding students who have clearly defined educational goals that cannot be fulfilled within the framework of a normal departmental or interdisciplinary major. Independent study, in consultation with faculty advisers, is a significant portion of the program. Application deadlines for the 2008-09 academic year are Monday, October 6 for fall review, and Monday, March 9 for spring review.
Eligibility: In order to qualify to be an Independent Scholar, a student must demonstrate a high level of scholarship. It is the normal expectation that students applying for Independent Scholar status be in their sophomore year with no fewer than 14 credits remaining, and that they will fulfill all requirements for the degree, using their approved Independent Scholar plan as their major course of study. Proposed INDE programs will be evaluated in light of feasibility, academic integrity, and demonstrated ability of the student. A successful proposal must articulate a fully developed program of study, and will demonstrate compellingly that the student’s academic goals cannot be met through existing majors.
Application process: To be designated an Independent Scholar, a student must undergo a rigorous approval process overseen by the Curriculum Committee. The process begins with an interview with Dean of Curriculum Bob Cluss. The student must subsequently prepare and submit a well-defined program to the Curriculum Committee, covering a description of the aim of the program, the independent work, and the courses he or she proposes to take comprising the major. The proposal must be accompanied by a written endorsement of a faculty member who is willing and qualified to supervise the student, as well as an alternate faculty member. The Curriculum Committee will review all submitted materials, and if warranted, convene a meeting with the candidate and advisers. Final approval rests with the Curriculum Committee.
Oversight: The Curriculum Committee will solicit updates from each Independent Scholar twice a year. Changes to the program must also be submitted to the Curriculum Committee, and the faculty supervisor will cosign all registration materials. The Major Declaration form and Degree Audit forms will be signed by both the faculty adviser and Dean of Curriculum. Students who elect to withdraw from the Independent Scholar Program, or who have their independent scholar status withdrawn, may be allowed, at the discretion of the committee, to graduate in general studies, without a formal major in any department.
Senior work: The INDE 0800 is a cumulating experience for this program of study. This project brings together the course work the student has completed and incorporates all aspects of the study into one final project. Students applying to be independent scholars are asked to provide an indication of possible INDE 0800 projects at the time that they submit their proposals. Students are able, however, to change the topic of their INDE 0800 project in order to respond to new interests and information acquired during the course of their study.
The INDE 0800 project is undertaken for one or two terms. Students who wish to be considered for honors must work with a thesis committee. Others may choose to work with an individual faculty member, usually the student's adviser. The choice of senior project is flexible. For example, with permission from the adviser, a student in the performing arts might want to incorporate a dance performance, musical composition, or some other feature as part of his or her course of study.
Honors: In order to be considered for honors, independent scholars normally must meet two criteria: a minimum average of B+ in courses taken towards the major and a minimum grade of B+ on the senior work component. The Registrar's Office oversees the first requirement and will inform the adviser of the student's eligibility. The senior work component must be evaluated by a committee of three faculty members (one of whom, at the adviser's request, may be a faculty member on the Curriculum Committee). Minimum thesis grades for each level of honors are B+ (Honors), A- (High Honors), and A (Highest Honors), but the determination of the appropriate level will be made by the committee.
For more information about this program, contact Bob Cluss, Dean of Curriculum.