Individual Study

Individual Study is designed for students who are prepared to study at an advanced level, have already completed basic work in the classroom, have the ability to work independently, and are prepared to develop their own syllabus for the quarter.

For help using the Individual Study Contract system, see the Individual Study Guide on our HelpWiki.

General Requirements and Policies

As of fall 2015, there are new Individual Study requirements for undergraduate students.

Academic Year 2022-23 Undergraduate Contract Due Dates

  • Fall Quarter: Friday, September 23, 2022
  • Winter Quarter: Friday, December 9, 2022
  • Spring Quarter: Friday, March 17, 2023
  • Summer Quarter: Friday, June 9, 2023

Types of Individual Study

  • Individual Learning—An Individual Learning Contract (ILC) is negotiated between a student and faculty/staff sponsor who has knowledge in the area to be studied. In consultation with the sponsor, the student initiates the agreement to undertake work at an advanced level, develop specific learning goals, and identify and complete learning activities. The sponsor agrees to provide appropriate oversight, support, and advice.

  • Internship Learning—An Internship Learning Contract (INT) includes applied work experience, that is negotiated among a student, a field supervisor in an organization or business, and an Evergreen faculty/staff sponsor. The student arranges to spend an agreed-upon number of hours (paid or unpaid) working with an organization, engaging in activities that provide new learning for the student and at the same time benefit the host organization. Many internship contracts also include an academic component which the student negotiates with the faculty sponsor.

    In-Program Internship: If you are or will be registered in an academic program and your Internship contract will document work you will be doing to earn credit within that program, please follow the same steps for Internship Learning Contracts.

  • Other Types of Independent Study:

    • Student Originated Studies
    • Undergraduate Research

Human Subjects Review

Projects that involve interviews with human subjects will need to be conducted remotely. Please consult the Human Subjects Review website and the Human Subjects Review Guidelines to determine whether you need to submit a full Human Subjects Review application.

Travel and your plan of study

You may not build any travel, either foreign or domestic, into your plan of study.

Questions?

Consult first with your faculty sponsor, but any other questions can be directed to deans@evergreen.edu.