Foundation year
During this period (normally one academic year), students discuss their program ideas with the chair of the Individually Structured Major program and other faculty members. Students explore educational goals and work with the Career Development Center to fulfill the College General Educational Graduation Requirements.

Requirements for successful completion of the Foundation Year:

• Choose a three-member Faculty Advisory Board
• Submit a program proposal to the Faculty Advisory Board for approval
• Obtain program approval from the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• Register the approved program with the Registrar

Inquiry period
During this phase (normally two academic years), students complete their general education requirements and develop the knowledge and skills identified in their program proposal. This may be accomplished through a combination of regular course work, independent study, off-campus study, fieldwork, internships, and/or research. Advisors are encouraged to provide written annual progress evaluations. By the end of this period, students should have acquired the essential "core" academic foundation to enter the Baccalaureate Year.

Baccalaureate year
The Baccalaureate Year begins by students filing a Program Summary of Final Major Course Requirements. During this period (normally one academic year), students undertake a major project, evaluate their overall program in writing, and complete regular classroom coursework.

Baccalaureate project
The Baccalaureate Project requires students to integrate or exemplify the elements of their program in a meaningful, creative and productive way. Possible projects might be writing, directing and/or performing a play or musical composition, publishing a book of selected poetry and artwork, writing a scientific research report, designing and teaching a course, producing a documentary or instructional video, forming and managing a personal business, evaluating an intercultural study-abroad or internship experience, managing an art gallery, or writing a critical or theoretical essay. A written evaluation of the student's project and their entire program is undertaken by the Faculty Advisory Board.

More Information

Overview
Examples of Individually Structured Majors