How the Program Works
1. Course Assignments, Evaluation and Grading
Your mentor will guide you in completing your Academic Study Plan. In some instances the mentor will provide you directly with specific assignments. When pursuing learning through external investigations and independent studies, you will be expected to demonstrate your competence through submission of a course paper, project, or by written or oral examination.
Students are expected to attain a competency grade of "B" or better within each course before credit is achieved. The student's transcript will record the grade as "C" to represent credit for the specific course. A grade of "NC" or no-credit will be recorded for a failing grade.
2. Learning Resources
Fortunately, there is a full array of aids and field experiences awaiting you as an IUPS student. In approaching your studies, attempt to seek out a variety of sources of information. This will include written materials, online information, professional colleagues, fellow students and academic advisors available in the wider arena of higher education.
Your mentor, with his or her knowledge of academic material, will provide guidance in locating the learning resources and professional contacts necessary to successfully complete your degree program. This may include networking with colleagues, publishers, online resources, professional associations, conferences, seminars and workshops. It might include assistance in selecting textbooks, journals, videotapes and audiotapes, multimedia materials, and related library materials needed to successfully complete the program. You may also call on your mentor to assist you in making effective arrangements for field experience placements and in locating specialized equipment as relevant to your degree program.
Many city and county libraries allow local residents to apply for a library card and use their facilities. Some charge a nominal fee. Many colleges have a policy of allowing students from other universities to check out books and enter the stacks. You are issued a University I.D. card, which can be of assistance in gaining access to university libraries, available student discounts and related privileges. You will probably learn to rely on the card catalogue, computer reference systems, general indexes, guides to periodicals and journals, CD disks, microfilms, and abstracts. There are many excellent guidebooks available for locating learning resources. One of the better resources according to the views of our faculty, in Find It Fast (5th edition, 2000) by Robert Berkman.
Another excellent source of books in print is Specialty Books. Find them online or at (800) 466-1365 or (614) 594-2274 outside USA.
3. Thesis or Dissertation Stage
Following successful completion of your academic courses, the primary mentor will guide you through the thesis or dissertation proposal process. This is described in the Dissertation Project Manual that will be provided to you. The proposal is first approved by the mentor and then sent to the Dissertation Committee. Upon their approval, the student prepares the first draft and obtains feedback from the mentor.
The final draft is sent to the Dissertation or Thesis Committee, and upon its approval the student binds the dissertation and sends two copies to the University.
Projects in Lieu of Thesis or Dissertation
You may elect to submit a major project in lieu of traditional research or dissertation, referred to as a "Work of Excellence". This may take the form of a book, manual, video production, computer software, audiotape program, the establishment of a community-based project, etc.
Students who submit a project in lieu of a thesis or dissertation are required to prepare a formal write-up that provides justification for the project. This presentation should clarify the project structure, the processes through which it was developed, and identify your role in the project. When the mentor and the Academic Dean approve the proposal, the project can be undertaken.
The following discussion should be helpful when proposing a project in lieu of dissertation:
Introduction
In the introductory chapter, describe the academic area being addressed. When appropriate, draw upon demographic statistics, statements from popular media, and discuss the project's meaningfulness to society as well as its importance within the academic discipline. Clarify the specific problem being addressed in the project and explain the issue in detail. The introduction should progress from a statement of the problem and justification of the project toward a statement of the three main objectives of the project. To summarize, explain clearly why this particular project has been selected, and justify the project's importance in addressing the problem.
Review of the Literature
Moving beyond the introduction, the student begins an exploration of what the literature states about the three main areas of focus within the project. You should identify the major relevant positions within the literature, both pro and con, exploring where your work rests with regard to all other studies undertaken in the field. This chapter should present a scholarly discussion of the literature or carry on an academic argument that justifies some major elements behind the intent of the project. This chapter should move in a logical fashion toward a conclusion in support of the project's research emphasis.
Procedures
This chapter describes what you have done or will be doing to address the problem. It should clarify the process followed, or to be followed, from the conception to the completion of the project. The planning process and the research activities related to finalizing the end product of the project should be explained. You should also point out your role in the process and the role of significant colleagues and contributors.
Project Results / Findings/Summary
Here you describe your project output or finished product. If books or manuals are used, you should describe the content of each section or chapter. Explain to what degree your project succeeds, referring to the intent of the main objectives as stated in the introduction. You should also explain what effects or potential effects the completion of the project has or will have, on your academic discipline, workplace, community, and on society. You need to explain any problems that might be encountered, and discuss things that should be done differently in the future. Address the issue regarding the limitations of the project, taking into account cultural, socio-economic, racial, and other demographic issues.
Project Conclusions and Recommendations
Students should use this chapter to clarify what has or might be learned from their project and how that will further the knowledge in their field, benefit their professional development and bring about change in their field. You should be clear to what other conclusions can be drawn and what recommendations can validly be derived from those conclusions.
Appendix
You should insert in the appendix, the recreation of any written material, information, and literature related to your project, or references for any supplemental materials.
Bibliography
Students are to submit proper bibliographies of all sources cited in the review of the literature and elsewhere in their formal write-up.
Final Steps
When you and the mentor agree that the thesis or dissertation is academically sound, you may submit the manuscript for final approval by the Dissertation or Thesis Review Committee.
Use the format described in the dissertation manual regarding title pages, bibliography, citing of references, etc. Upon successful completion of the final rewrite, the Academic Dean will send the formal title sheet of the manuscript to the student with the appropriate signatures.
The manuscript is then appropriately bound and sent to the University. Upon receipt and recognition that the student's program is complete, the diploma is sent to the student, and congratulations are then in order.