Independent Study Authorization Form (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REQUESTING PERMISSION TO ENROLL IN AN INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSE

Aviation Technology

Purdue University

About the Independent Study

Independent study courses are only allowed if they (1) supplement existing courses in the curriculum with deeper study in a subject

area, (2) delve into topics not currently covered in the AT curriculum, or (3) work on specific developmental projects that are designed

to extend the student's knowledge in a particular area. In all cases the course requirements must equate to the required effort that

justifies the level and credit provided by the course. An independent study cannot substitute for an existing, permanent AT course. A

maximum of six credit hours of independent study is permitted on any program plan of study. Additionally, independent study courses

should not repeat, nor be used for remediation of, content already covered in other existing courses. Independent studies must be

reviewed and approved by the student, course instructor, student’s academic advisor and either the curriculum committee (for

undergraduate students) or the graduate committee (for graduate students) before the start of the semester in which the independent

study is to begin. Lastly, graduate students must have an approved plan of study on file to be eligible to enroll in an independent study

course.

Process

For an independent study, the student and instructor must fill out an independent study authorization form containing a 16-week

schedule of activities (with milestones or deliverables) and respective due dates. The student, course instructor, and student’s

academic advisor signs the form and provides it to either the curriculum committee (for undergraduate students) or the graduate

committee (for graduate students). The form must then be reviewed and approved by the appropriate committee. The chair of that

committee then signs the form giving either approval or denial of the request. If the request is denied by the committee, the committee

chair returns a copy to the student's academic advisor for record keeping and conferral with the student. If the request is approved by

the committee, the committee chair provides the form to the department head. The department head has final approval authority. After

approving or denying the form, the department head signs the form and returns a copy to the student's academic advisor for record

keeping and conferral with the student. Only upon department head approval is a student allowed to be enrolled in an independent

study course. The entire independent study process must be completed prior to the start of the semester in which the independent

study is to begin.

Procedural Requirements

Meet with your professor to discuss your proposed study and secure his/her approval for the project you envision.

Incorporating your professor’s input, prepare a detailed project prospectus (typed or word processed, use APA format, title page),

including the following indicated sections.

a. Problem: Define the rationale and delimit your problem area (explain your interest in pursuing the project, why this area is of

concern to you). How does this project relate to your degree objectives?

b. Purpose and Objectives: What do you hope to accomplish? Provide a physical numbered listing of all objectives you expect

to accomplish.

c. Procedures: Explain the methods you expect to use and any unusual requirements for materials, equipment, or facilities. A

graphical time line and two progress reports from the student must be submitted by the student to the professor in charge

between weeks three and ten of the semester. Specifically, indicate key deadline dates for each progress report and

deliverable. Provide a narrative, flow chart, or outline of step-by-step procedures used to complete this study. If applicable,

provide a supply and material cost worksheet.

d. Outcomes: What will be the tangible results (deliverables, i.e. software source code, papers, reports, products, or summaries)

of your study? Who will receive copies (office, professor, co-working professor, and student)? Will you conduct a formal

presentation of your results?

e. 16-week outline: The 16 week outline should include a week-by-week listing of any meetings, milestones or other

deliverables, along with associated due dates, that the student will undertake.

Meet with your professor in charge to discuss and refine your project prospectus.

Revise the prospectus as necessary. Complete the INDEPENDENT STUDY AUTHORIZATION FORM (reverse side of this

page); attach it to the front of the prospectus; and secure the signatures of your academic advisor and the professor in charge of

the independent study course you will be taking before pursuing the approval and signature of the appropriate committee.

Submit the signed copy of your request to the AT Main Office, NISW 219, requesting that it be given to the appropriate committee

for review.

REV. 11/10

Independent Study Authorization Form Page 2

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