Student-Initiated Seminar FAQs
What is a student-initiated seminar?
A group of students may propose a seminar of special
interest to them that is not a regular part of the curriculum. With the
cooperation of a faculty member who has agreed to teach the course, students
develop a reading list and syllabus with information such as the meeting times,
assignments and due dates, and grading. A student-initiated seminar counts as a
regular course and may count as a departmental, but does not fulfill
distribution requirements.
How do I propose a student-initiated seminar?
After some preliminary discussion with both the faculty
member and other students interested in taking the seminar, you should make an
appointment to see Dean Peter Quimby by calling 8-3040. He will discuss both
the content of the proposed course and the process for approval with you, and
will provide you with the proposal form. Once you complete the form, you will
meet with Dean Quimby again, who will submit the proposal for approval to a
subcommittee of the Committee on the Course of Study. If approved, a list of
students will be provided to the Office of the Registrar in order to enroll them in
the course.
How many students must enroll in a student-initiated
seminar?
At least 12 students must enroll in the course. The
student initiators must provide the names of the students who agree to enroll
at the time the proposal is submitted.
What other information is required on the proposal?
The proposal must include a brief description and
rationale for the seminar, a tentative syllabus for the course including meeting
times, reading list, and course requirements, the names of at least 12
interested students, a signed statement from the faculty member who agrees to
conduct the course, a statement from the chair of the appropriate department
endorsing the seminar and certifying the faculty member's availability to teach
the course, and any additional information you wish to submit.
What are the deadlines for submitting a proposal?
For a spring semester seminar, proposals must be
submitted by Dec. 1. For the fall semester seminar, proposals must be
submitted no later than April 10.
How will a student-initiated seminar appear on my
transcript?
The seminar will be recorded with the departmental code,
a special ST-level course number, and a transcript title.
What are some examples of recent student-initiated
seminars?
Recent student-initiated seminars have included "Computer
Graphics and Rendering," "The History of Welfare," "Contemporary American Indians,"
"Transition in the Caribbean," and "Concept
Design."