Description
CLA offers several opportunities for students to earn credit through individual study. These include directed study and directed research, independent registration, extra credit registration, and directed instruction. All of these registrations require that students obtain written permission of the instructor, the department, and the college using the Student/Faculty Contract. Instructions for using the form are outlined below. Students can be referred to the Career and Community Learning Center (CCLC) in 135 Johnston (624-7577), which serves as the advising office for independent and directed study.
Except for a limit on directed instruction (see below), CLA has no restrictions on the number of independent and directed study credits that may be allowed toward degree requirements. However, departments may have their own requirements or restrictions. Students should consult their major departments to find out what restrictions apply. The standard regulations concerning grades, incompletes, and cancellations apply to all special registration courses.
Directed Study and Directed Research
This is an individual learning experience arranged between a student and one or more University faculty members to explore areas of inquiry not covered by regular courses. Most departments offer directed study (sometimes listed as “Directed Research” or “Directed Reading”) under the numbers x970, x992, x993, or x994. Writing intensive options are usually listed under x793W or x794W. The courses carry a range of credits, but it is unusual for a student to receive more than 3 or 4 credits for one registration. The number of credits to be earned is determined in consultation with the faculty member before registration.
Students often find it helpful to obtain planning assistance from CCLC before approaching an instructor. CCLC advisers will review a draft proposal and, in some instances, may be able to assist students in identifying appropriate faculty.
An interdisciplinary liberal arts directed study number (ID 3993) is also available for projects that do not fit under a single departmental registration (approval from CCLC is required for such registrations). Students will be required to secure approval from faculty members representing the relevant disciplines covered by the study.
Extra credit registration (X registration)
This option permits students to earn extra credit in connection with a course they are taking or have previously taken by doing more intensive or additional study of a topic that is part of, or a logical extension of, the course. Extra credit registration is sometimes used to add credits to achieve full-time student status. The registration may be based on additional reading and research or on learning gained in a field experience that relates to the course content. The registration should not be used if the department offers a regular course that has the same objectives as the project. Only a limited number of credits per course are allowed-consult your coordinator. Extra-credit may be indicated by course section or component.
Directed instruction
Several departments offer the opportunity to learn more about a course by assisting in teaching it to others. To register for directed instruction, students must already have taken the course and be particularly knowledgeable in the subject area. Check with your coordinator about limits on using directed instruction credits for graduation.
Directions for Student/Faculty Contract
All of the above special registrations require the student to complete and turn in a special permission slip. The form can be obtained from departmental offices or CCLC. It is helpful to see CCLC adviser for planning assistance before seeing an instructor.
- Signatures must be obtained from both the instructor and the department.
- The department keeps the white copy, the instructor keeps the yellow copy, and the pink copy is taken by the student to the Student Information Office, 49 Johnston, for college approval and the assignment of a class number for the course.
- The student completes registration as usual.
- The pink copy is sent to CCLC at the end of the semester by the Student Information Office staff in 49 Johnston.
- Unlike standard courses, students may register late for a directed study/directed research, extra credit, or directed instruction course through the end of the 8th week of the semester without a late registration petition. Late registration approval is given by SIO staff when the student presents the pink copy of the approved student/faculty contract. Approval by petition is not required because the College recognized that the unique nature of such work may require additional time to finalize arrangements and complete the Student/Faculty contract form. A petition approved by scholastic committee is required for registration after the 8th week of the semester.
Other Independent Study
When the options described above do not seem appropriate, students may be interested in independent study through the Inter-College Program. ICP 3075 allows independent study in areas that do not fit into a single CLA department or interdisciplinary program. This registration may be used to engage in cross college work (e.g., in business and communications or in design and sociology) or when working with faculty in departments that don’t have appropriate registrations for undergraduates, e.g., the medical school. All questions regarding ICP 3075 should be referred to the Inter-College Program staff (101 Westbrook Hall, 624-2004). Students, however, may first want to visit the CCLC to determine if CLA registration would be more appropriate.
- Before a student may register for ICP 3075, an ICP 3075 directed study contract must be submitted to an Inter-College Program staff member, who will assist in refining it.
- The student may register for the course once the proposal has received Inter-College Program approval. However, in order to receive credit toward a CLA degree, the proposal must be reviewed by the scholastic committee (who will assist in determining which credits may be counted as CLA credits and which may be counted toward the student’s degree as part of the policy on non-liberal arts credits). If students need such an evaluation, they should petition the scholastic committee through their student advising community.
Related Policies/Information
Career and Community Learning Center
http://www.cclc.umn.edu/
Inter-College Program
http://www.cce.umn.edu/degrees/icp/
Forms/Instructions
Sample Student/Faculty Contract
Directions for Student/Faculty Contract
