Copy Distribution: Student, Supervising Instructor, Division Office Page 1 of 7
SKYLINE COLLEGE
Independent Study 695
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANY DISCIPLINE
Students who would benefit from learning activities/projects which enhance or augment their
individual instructional programs may enroll in independent study sections. Independent study
activities may relate to General Education or to the student’s major field of study. The
supervising instructor should have specific expertise or experience in the study area.
Before work begins, the student and the supervising instructor should develop an individualized
independent study contract for no more than 3 units in a given semester. Each half unit of credit
requires a minimum of 1½ lab/research hours of “work” per week. Three or four detailed
performance objectives are suggested for each unit of credit.
Once the instructor and student complete and sign the learning contract, it is submitted to the
Division Dean who has direct responsibility for reviewing and approving the contract for the
extent and amount of “work” and units being attempted. After the Dean signs the form, a copy is
retained by the supervising instructor and by the student. The student is allowed to register in the
independent section only upon final approval of the learning contract. Additionally, this course
must follow repeatability rules.
To summarize, steps to enroll and supervise an independent study student are as follows:
1. Instructor obtains learning contract and initial worksheet from the division office.
2. Instructor develops and discusses learning objectives with student and indicates number
of units being attempted.
3. Student and instructor agree on the validity of objectives and number of units being
attempted and sign contract.
4. Signed contract is submitted to the appropriate Division Dean for review and signature.
5. Instructor and student are given a copy of original signed agreement.
6. Instructor is available to student for guidance, supervision, and evaluation of
project/activity on an as-needed basis.
7. Prior to the end of the semester, instructor meets with student to confirm project is
complete and performance criteria are met as per agreement.
8. At the end of the semester, the instructor assigns grade based on quality of achievement,
number of units, and satisfactory completion of objectives on the original copy of the
contract. Consultation with Division Dean is necessary if fewer units than contracted are
to be awarded.
9. Instructor records final student grade via WebSMART.