Directed Independent Study

Students may, in limited circumstances, register for courses on a directed independent study basis. Approval for such course work rests with the instructor, the Instructional Dean, and the appropriate Vice President, and is limited to those situations in which no other alternative to course scheduling is available. This exceptional instructional approach is not suitable for courses in which student interaction and sharing of experiences are major components of the course. A Directed Independent Study (DIS) form must be completed for each DIS course. The regular grading system applies to all DIS courses. Grades earned by DIS have the same status as those acquired through regular class attendance.

The following steps are required to complete the Directed Independent Study form

1. The student makes a request of the instructor to offer a Directed Independent Study (DIS).
2. If the instructor agrees to administer the DIS, the student and the instructor must fill out the DIS form completely.
3. The completed DIS form is then forwarded to the Instructional Dean for approval. The Dean will determine the student’s eligibility to complete the course on an Independent Study basis. A minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average is required for DIS study. The form then goes to the appropriate Vice President for approval.
4. After review, the form is returned to the Instructional Dean's office.
5. The student will be notified via RiverMail by the Dean's office of the status of the class, copying the instructor. If approved, the class will be entered by the Dean's office and the reference number sent via RiverMail to the student for self-registration and payment of fees.
6. Student must pay for the class within five days upon notification of an approved DIS.