INDEPENDENT STUDY
ratified: Academic Council, January 31, 1992, Academic Dean, Feb. 9, 1992
last update: 11/99
archived versions:
The purpose of an Independent Study (299) is to allow a student to pursue an in-depth exploration of an area of academic knowledge for which no approved QVCC course exists.
Independent study is to be conducted under the guidance and at the discretion of a faculty member who is qualified in the subject area and who is willing to provide guidance for the project and to evaluate the student's work.
Adjunct faculty may also supervise an independent study, with the approval of the adjunct instructor's faculty liaison.
All proposals for independent study and all final awards of credit through independent study must be approved by the Academic Dean.
Proposals must be submitted to the Academic Dean prior to the end of the first week of classes of the semester in which the study is planned.
The regular Academic Calendar deadlines and requirements (adds/drops, pass/fail, withdrawal, etc.) will apply to all approved independent study courses.
Design of Study:
An independent study proposal should be designed to be completed during a single semester. The proposal should include (when appropriate):
1. A brief course description (similar to a catalog listing) and number of credits to be earned;
2. The specific objectives of the study, including materials and resources to be used and the learning outcomes and/or skills to be acquired;
3. The number of hours required to meet the credit objectives (each credit should be equivalent to 45 hours of learning);
4. A timetable for student projects and/or exams;
5. An estimated schedule of faculty/student contacts;
6. Method(s) of evaluation to be used.
Final Report Form:
A final report form is required for each independent study.
The report will include a summary of the ways in which objectives were met and will list any modifications that were made to the original proposal.
The instructor will also assign a letter grade and indicate the number of credits earned. The final report form will then be submitted to the Academic Dean for approval.
A copy of the Independent Study proposal and final report will become a part of the student's permanent record.
Students who wish to contest a grade or number of credits earned with an independent study should follow the normal appeals procedure ("Review of Academic Standing" in Student Handbook, also listed as "Academic Appeals" in this handbook).
Procedures:
1. A student interested in doing an independent study should contact a member of the faculty prior to the semester in which credit will be sought.
2. If the faculty member accepts the student's request, s/he will assist the student in designing a course proposal for independent study.
3. The instructor will submit the proposal to the Academic Dean. If a proposal is not approved, it may be revised and resubmitted.
4. If the Academic Dean approves the proposal, copies of the signed document will be sent to the student and to the instructor. The original will remain with the Dean. Once approval has been granted, work on an independent study may begin at any time, even prior to formal registration.
5. At the appropriate time, the student will take his/her copy of the approved proposal to Student Services to register for the course.
6. At the end of the semester, the instructor will complete the final report form and forward it to the Academic Dean.
7. After the Academic Dean signs the final report, a copy will be sent to the student. The original proposal and the final report will be forwarded to the Director of Records. Students should be advised to keep their copies of both documents.