New Jersey City University Faculty Handbook
PERSONNEL POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PRACTICE

 

Independent Study and Thesis Advisement

Independent study/thesis is advanced study or research in which a student develops and reports on a major individual project.

It is expected that the students confer with a faculty member or initiate a project during pre-registration prior to the semester during which credit is given. The number of semester hours is dependent on how ambitious the project is. Credit hours will be determined jointly by the faculty members and the learner.

Faculty compensation will be based on the number of credits hours. The following will apply:

1 credit = 1/6 payment (.167) Effective Spring 2001
2 credits = 2/6 payment (.333) Effective Spring 2001
3 credits = 3/6 payment ( .50) Effective Spring 2001

Faculty compensation for thesis advisement is as follows:

3 credits = .50 payment

It is expected that the project will substantially deepen the student’s knowledge once involved in library research, laboratory experimentation, and or field work. Students will benefit from using the department’s specialized equipment and research facilities.

Policy and Procedures for Independent Study/Research

General Statement

Independent study is to be used judiciously. Undergraduate and graduate students may pursue independent study/research for 1 credit, 2 credits, or 3 credits when appropriate.

Criteria For Eligibility

1. The student must be a declared major, under the advisement of the respective department, and have the minimum GPA needed for graduation in that major.
   
   
2. The student must be in his/her junior or senior year.
   
   
3. The student may take independent study for the following reasons:
   
   
• To provide an exceptional student with specialized study.
  
  
• To respond to exceptional circumstances, such as:
  
  • to substitute for a required course in the major when that required course is not offered in time for the student’s scheduled graduation in cases where the student is not at fault.
    
  • to substitute for a course that is not offered by the department, when the study of such a topic on an independent basis would enhance the student’s education in the field of study.
    
    
4. Approval for the independent study is needed from:
   
   
   • The department chair
     
     
   • The dean
     
     
5. In a total program of study, no more than 6 credits of independent study will be allowed in the major.
   
   
6. Exceptions to the eligibility criteria will be determined by the dean’s office, in consultation with the department chair.
   

 

Criteria for Grading

1. Grading will be governed by the standard university academic regulations.
   
   
2. At a minimum, the student will enter into a learning contract with the faculty member detailing the purpose of the study, the product to be accomplished, the number of contacts with the faculty member, and specific requirements for grading.
   
   

 

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January 1995, revised January 2001
See Appendix C for Independent Study/Research Contract.