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General Education Programs

INDIVIDUAL INITIATED MAJOR/MINOR

INDIVIDUALLY INITIATED MAJOR

An individually initiated major (IIM) provides an opportunity for students to develop a major that demonstrates a depth of learning and a unique combination of two or more subject areas. With the assistance of faculty advisors, the student designs a coherent sequence of studies selected from academic areas or subjects listed in the College Catalog. Such study allows a student freedom in constructing a unique major that encourages creative synthesis of inter-relationships across disciplines. Adherence to the steps and deadlines outline below is critical to timely completion of the student’s degree.

Initiation of IIM request:

The request for an IIM should originate in conversation between the student and the academic advisor. Together, they consider whether or not this curriculum plan makes sense in light of the student’s goal. The student should review requirements in the College Catalog, complete the IIM Contract found on the Registrar portal tab, and meet with key personnel whose signatures are required.

The IIM Contract must be submitted by the student’s academic advisor to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC) chair before completion of 60 credits of undergraduate work. Most often, this would be in the spring semester of the sophomore year. Transfer students entering with more than 60 credits must submit an IIM Contract in the first semester of matriculation at the College. Transfer students may need more than the usual number of semesters to complete the IIM requirements.

Qualifications for the IIM:

The student demonstrates a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 and has earned fewer than 60 credits.

Administration of the IIM Process:

The student meets with the academic advisor to develop an IIM Contract. The academic advisor forwards the student’s completed IIM Contract to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC) chair prior to completing 60 credits of study.

Any changes in the IIM are for extenuating circumstances only and must be requested on the IIM Adjustment Form found on the Registrar portal tab and submitted by the faculty advisor to UCC for approval. Copies of a UCC-approved IIM are forwarded to the Registrar as well as to the student and academic advisor by the UCC chair.

Structure of the IIM:

Structure of the IIM will contain at least 45 credits, distributed across two or three academic areas. Each of two areas will be represented with 18 – 24 credits. If a third area is selected, it should be developed as the equivalent of a minor area of study, with 12 credits of course work. The IIM must include 2000/3000/4000 level courses and a minimum of one 3000+ level course from each of the academic areas included in the major.

The IIM must also contain an appropriate integrative capstone course to demonstrate that the goals of the curriculum plan have been achieved. Students are encouraged to include internships and/or 4000 level independent learning experiences.

It is the responsibility of the Department Chairpersons, faculty advisors, and UCC to ensure that the IIM has academic integrity, meets the requirements and expectations of the respective departments, and fulfills the mission objectives of the College.

IIM Forms:

The IIM Contract and the IIM Adjustment forms are available on the Registrar portal tab. 

Individually Initiated Minor (IIMinor)

An individually initiated minor (IIMinor) provides an opportunity for students to develop a minor that demonstrates learning and a unique combination of two or more subject areas. With the assistance of faculty advisors, the student designs a coherent sequence of studies selected from academic areas or subjects listed in the College Catalog. Such study allows a student freedom in constructing a unique minor that encourages creative synthesis of inter-relationships across disciplines. Adherence to the steps and deadlines outline below is critical to timely completion of the student’s degree.

Initiation of IIM request:

The request for an IIMinor should originate in conversation between the student and the academic advisor. Together, they consider whether or not this curriculum plan makes sense in light of the student’s goal. The student should review requirements in the College Catalog, complete the IIMinor Contract found on the Registrar portal tab, and meet with key personnel whose signatures are required.

The IIMinor Contract must be submitted by the student’s academic advisor to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC) chair before completion of 75 credits of undergraduate work. Most often, this would be in the spring semester of the sophomore year. Transfer students entering with more than 75 academic credits must submit an IIMinor Contract in the first semester of matriculation at the College. Transfer students may need more than the usual number of semesters to complete the IIMinor requirements.

Qualifications for the IIMinor:

The student demonstrates a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 and has earned fewer than 75 credits.

Administration of the IIMinor Process:

The student meets with the academic advisor to develop an IIMinor Contract. The academic advisor forwards the student’s completed IIMinor Contract to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee (UCC) chair prior to completing 75 credits of study.

Any changes in the IIMinor are for extenuating circumstances only and must be submitted on the IIMinor Adjustment Form by the faculty advisor to UCC for approval. Copies of a UCC- approved IIMinor are forwarded to the Registrar as well as to the student and academic advisor by the UCC chair.

Structure of the IIMinor:

The IIMinor will contain at least 15 credits, distributed across at least two academic areas with a minimum of nine credits at the 2000 and 3000 level. The IIMinor must include a minimum of three credits at the 3000+ level.

It is the responsibility of the Department Chairpersons, faculty advisors, and UCC to ensure that the IIMinor has academic integrity, meets the requirements and expectations of the respective departments, and fulfills the mission objectives of the College.

IIMinor Forms:

The IIMinor Contract and the IIMinor Adjustment forms are available on the Registrar portal tab.