10.2 Overloads and Special Sessions

10.2.1 Overloads
Overloads are defined as additional teaching during the regular fall and spring semesters in excess of the standard 21 credit hours. Ordinarily, full-time faculty may teach no more than one overload course (defined as a course 3 or more credits) per Academic Year.

10.2.2 Independent Study
Students with demonstrated proficiency in a specific area may work individually on a project planned in consultation with a supervising faculty member. Independent study may be taken for up to three credits, with 40 hours of student work per credit as a guiding principle. Independent study does not require a final exam, homework, or quizzes, but should result in the production of a research paper and/or a special project. Independent study cannot duplicate a course offered in the College catalogue.

To be eligible for independent study, a student must be a junior or senior and must be a major or a minor in the subject area of the independent study. Except where independent study is required by the student’s major, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is recommended.

Normally only full-time faculty should be in charge of an independent study. Under special circumstances an adjunct faculty member might be employed to do an independent study if unique expertise is required in mentoring a student. The employment of an adjunct faculty member is at the discretion of the Department Chair.

In normal circumstances, faculty should teach no more than one Independent Study per semester.

A Request for Independent Study must be drawn up and approved by the Department Chair, the supervising faculty member, the student’s faculty advisor, and the Provost/Dean of Faculty. This contract must include a detailed description of the project and be accompanied by a standard application form. An Independent Study Contract should include a time limit with specific deadlines and tasks for completion, as well as regular progress reports on the paper and/or project. In the event of extenuating circumstances within a semester, the same flexibility would be allowed independent study as for any other course.

10.2.3 Teaching in Special Sessions

10.2.3.1 Intersessions and Summer Sessions
The College sponsors one intersession—(January) and a number of summer sessions each year. Faculty who teach in these sessions are paid by contract, unless these courses are part of their normal 21 teaching credit hours.

10.2.3.2 Non-Credit Courses
The College sponsors a program of non-credit courses in which faculty are encouraged to teach. The salary rate and class schedules differ from the credit bearing courses.

Approved August 15, 2018