Work of the Program

Each semester in the low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program begins with an eight-day intensive residency, during which students work with their faculty advisor to develop their overall learning goals, identify resources, and design the work of the semester. During the semester, students work independently in their own communities, submitting packet work to their faculty advisor over five three-week periods. Students also carry out a focused senior study project demonstrating their understanding of their subject and/or discipline(s).

Packets vary in content depending on the student’s individual interests and learning goals. Typical packets present the student’s explorations through accounts of learning activities, study journals, annotations or reflective essays, research papers, photos and samples of art work, or video and audio presentations. Advisors carefully review these packets and engage in a supportive written dialogue with students about their accomplishments and areas for continued growth.

Students in the low residency BA in Individualized Studies Program typically draw upon a range of campus and community-based learning resources. In addition to bibliographic and electronic resources, students seek out community-based resources including libraries, social agencies, galleries, museums, businesses, and schools. Students also engage with a rich community of program faculty and students through email correspondence, online discussion groups, and telephone conversations.