Ramapo College offers Independent Study to provide students with opportunities to explore, in depth and independently but with the guidance of faculty members, topics not covered in the standard curriculum. Under extraordinary circumstances, Independent Study may also provide students opportunities to explore topics covered in the standard curriculum.

Reason for Policy

To codify Independent Study options and to articulate the procedures governing Independent Study at Ramapo College.

To Whom Does The Policy Apply

Ramapo College faculty, adjuncts, managers, unclassified staff who teach and students.

Related Documents

Procedure

Contacts

Office of the Provost – 201-684-7532

INDEPENDENT STUDIES PROCEDURE

Limited opportunities to enroll for course work on an Independent Study basis are available. A student interested in this option should obtain an Independent Study Registration Form from the Registrar; have it completed by the instructor,  the dean of the school sponsoring the Independent Study, and, in the case of a graduate independent study, the graduate program director; and return it to the Registrar’s Office.

• Undergraduate students may not enroll for more than FOUR (4) credits of Independent Study during any semester, including summer or winter.
• Normally, undergraduate students may not exceed eight credits of Independent Study over the course of a student’s career.
• Graduate students may enroll up to six (6) credits of independent study towards graduation requirements with the permission of the program director. Graduate students may petition the dean to allow enrollment in additional independent study credits.
• Students on academic probation or academic warning are eligible for Independent Study only with the Dean’s permission.
• Students may not take an Independent Study for a course that is offered within the regular schedule for that semester.
• Students must complete a contract form for Independent Study as well as the Independent Study Registration Form. This form will indicate the purpose, objective, grading criteria, guidelines for hours of work required, discipline and level, and title/credits for the Independent Study.
• Independent Study registrations will not be accepted after the last day of add/drop as indicated in the academic calendar.
• Students may appeal the provisions in this policy to the dean sponsoring the independent study course.