Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Program

Student Handbook

Table of Contents

Beginning Graduate Study .............................................................................................................. 3

Transitioning to Graduate-Level Study ....................................................................................... 3

LAS Mission.................................................................................................................................... 4

What is LAS? .................................................................................................................................. 4

MLAS Structure at a Glance ....................................................................................................... 4

MLAS Program Admission Requirements .................................................................................. 5

Some Graduate School Policies & Information .............................................................................. 5

Probationary Graduate Students .................................................................................................. 5

Academic Integrity Policy ........................................................................................................... 5

Recommended Academic Workload for Graduate Students ....................................................... 5

Top 10 Facts You Should Know (from the School of Graduate Studies) ................................... 6

The MLAS Degree: Developing a Plan of Study .......................................................................... 8

Degree Requirements ................................................................................................................ 8

Course Descriptions .................................................................................................................. 8

Choosing Electives .................................................................................................................... 10

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs .................................................................................. 10

Developing and Filing a Degree Plan ........................................................................................ 10

Choosing an Exit Option ............................................................................................................... 11

Proposal ..................................................................................................................................... 13

Applied Project .......................................................................................................................... 13

Internship ................................................................................................................................... 13

Thesis......................................................................................................................................... 13

Forming an Appropriate Committee ......................................................................................... 12

Past MLAS Student Exit Options (for a complete list, visit “Alumni” on the LAS website) ... 12

Funding Your Academic Endeavors ............................................................................................. 14

Scholarships............................................................................................................................... 14

Graduate, Research, Teaching, and Teaching Support Assistantships ...................................... 14

Graduate Student Research and Professional Development Award .......................................... 14

Paid Internships and Student Employment ................................................................................ 15

Liberal Arts and Sciences Graduate Organization (LASGO) and Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Organization (LASSO) ..................................................................................................... 15

Applying for Graduation ............................................................................................................... 15

p. 1

What Can I Do with This Degree? ................................................................................................ 15

Timeline Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 17

Graduate School Instructions Regarding Filing of Petitions ......................................................... 19

Appendix ....................................................................................................................................... 20

p. 2

Beginning Graduate Study

Welcome and congratulations on your decision to further your education through graduate study. The Liberal Arts and Sciences program is especially well-suited for individuals seeking a truly dynamic and flexible graduate educational experience. While it is your responsibility to arrange with your advisor and professors the electives and exit option that best fit your interests and abilities, please note that there are faculty and staff available to assist you throughout this exciting process. This handbook provides a thorough overview of fundamental program details and includes a variety of additional resources that will help you to maximize your experience in the Liberal Arts and Sciences program and succeed in future academic and professional endeavors.

Transitioning to Graduate-Level Study

Academic and personal success in graduate study is greatly dependent upon the degree to which you engage in and utilize the myriad options available to you within the LAS program and on campus. Students that are the most successful and have been the most fulfilled by their academic endeavors hold within them, or cultivate throughout their scholastic journey, attributes such as tenacity, mental plasticity, community-mindedness, and dedication, which enables them to navigate their chosen curriculum at the graduate level while recognizing that meaningful, fulfilling learning does not occur within a vacuum. It is important to note that your experiences throughout your graduate study will differ greatly from the experience you had while pursuing an undergraduate degree. The overarching difference lies in the amount of “passive” and “active” learning and engagement that occurs during both levels of study. Unlike undergraduates, you will be given more independence and less structured, explicit guidance. Likewise, because you will be recognized more as peer than a student in need of monitoring, it is essential that your deportment justifies this faculty respect and reflects the level of professionalism, eagerness, and initiative expected in higher levels of academia. Such actions not only show the respect you have for your current academic endeavors, but demonstrate your dedication toward any future professional and academic pursuits.

The amount of required reading will increase and you will be expected to engage this reading in broader contexts of study and perform critical examinations of it beyond that of a superficial analysis. Not only should you strive to engage your readings more deeply, it is also important that your writing is crafted to reflect these critical examinations in a scholarly manner as well as solidly represent your own authorial voice.

Moreover, becoming a graduate student means that you are no longer passively absorbing the dialogue of the scholarly conversations of your chosen discipline and your success hinges on your ability to actively participate in your education. Rather, you are learning to cultivate reading, writing, and research techniques that will, over time, help you to delve further into this conversation and have the ability to contribute meaningfully to it. Be reminded, though, that the purpose of graduate study is not to display constant, unyielding personal and academic perfection in all endeavors. On the contrary, it is growth and a dedication to a progressive gathering and honing of knowledge and skill that mark a truly successful, fulfilling graduate study experience. Attempting to abide by any perception of “perfection” mires us in impossible and unattainable standards and prevents anyone from making any forward progress. While the prospect of your next step being unknown can be frightening, simply taking that step, and acknowledging the process of error and growth that will occur, can propel an individual in a direction that has the potential to assist in personal, academic, and societal growth.

p. 3

LAS Mission

Within the article “The Highly Practical Liberal Arts,” featured in the 2000 Bryn Mawr College Student Prospectus, Karen Tidmarsh states, “…[a] liberal arts education is certainly meant to broaden students’ experience… and begins by acknowledging that each of them is born in particularities…and each has her own particular talents and weaknesses” (n. pag.). Not overlooking the responsibility of the student, it is important to note the vital role that interdisciplinary liberal arts programs play in helping students to decipher these particularities, strengthen their talents, and improve their weaker areas. Additionally, Tidmarsh states that interdisciplinary programs, “…take students intellectually and imaginatively into worlds that they could never inhabit…and thereby allow them to know themselves in a broader perspective” (n. pag.). By allowing students to explore their interests and passions, while also providing them with the means to develop necessary life skills, the MLAS program does just this. Through education in this form, the enlightenment and power that individuals cultivate allows them to proudly explore and nurture facets of their passions, abilities, and intellect in ways that were previously unknown. With a curriculum anchored deeply in interdisciplinary, self-directed academic exploration, the LAS program strives to assist students in the development of complex argumentative and critical thinking skills so that they can gain the courage to challenge the boundaries generally prescribed by society and the academy. Overall, being aided by the ability to adapt, analyze critically, think creatively, and reflect meaningfully in an unbiased manner, individuals with a well-rounded liberal arts education do not feel adrift on the sea of our diverse global community and are confident that they have developed the skills necessary to navigate it.

What is LAS?

Exposure to a diverse curriculum helps students to develop the oral and written communication skills necessary to develop and deliver well-rounded, cogent arguments that contribute meaningfully to larger discourses. The development of communication skills also helps students to effectively analyze and synthesize information and convey it with both clarity and depth to fit the needs of specific audiences and situations.

Immersion in an interdisciplinary academic program like LAS allows students to practice active critical inquiry and develop cognitive and relational adaptability. Not only does this allow students to hone their ability to think broadly and perceive interconnectivity, it also provides a platform upon which they can broaden their empathetic awareness and cultivate culturally relative attitudes. The mastery of these often neglected soft skills has a tremendous positive impact on one’s ability to effectively develop the hard skills that are valued in specific disciplines and professions. Moreover, throughout an interdisciplinary course of study, students become aware of their potential and value, awakened to the notion that they now have the ability to assert themselves as intelligent, productive, and insightful members of society who have much to offer.

MLAS Structure at a Glance

The MLAS degree requires the completion of 33 s.h. There are three core courses that all MLAS students are required to successfully complete in addition to 18 s.h. of electives. Adding an additional opportunity for customization, these elective hours can be fulfilled through the successful completion of an approved College of Arts and Sciences Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, a selection of directed electives, or a combination of both. The student’s chosen exit option makes up the remaining 6 s.h. and can be fulfilled through the completion of an approved thesis, internship, or applied project. Reflecting the many opportunities for customization the

p. 4

MLAS degree offers, the option chosen depends largely on the student’s interests, strengths, and intents and should be planned and pursued accordingly.

MLAS Program Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, applicants for admission to the graduate program in Liberal Arts and Sciences must have a grade point average of at least 2.75 (based on all hours attempted) and successful completion of at least 18 credits of upper-division coursework in the Arts and Sciences, or a grade point average of at least 3.0 (based on all hours attempted).

International students should demonstrate evidence of an overall TOEFL score of at least 580 paper-based, 92 internet-based, or satisfactory completion of the WESL program.

To apply, students are to submit the following documents to the School of Graduate Studies:

1. A School of Graduate Studies application form; 2. Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended; 3. A 1-2 page personal statement that explains the applicant's larger personal career goals

and how the MLAS degree will further those objectives; 4. An academic paper of at least 5–10 pages that demonstrates an ability to develop a thesis

and make a sustained, well-researched argument; 5. 3 confidential letters of recommendation.

Applications will not be reviewed until all materials have been received.

Some Graduate School Policies & Information

Probationary Graduate Students

Those students who do not meet the Graduate School and departmental grade point requirements for regular admission to a degree program may be recommended for probationary admission by the department. Upon completion of at least six semester hours of graduate-level work at Western Illinois University with at least a B average, probationary graduate students may petition the departmental graduate committee and the Graduate Council for a change in their admission status. If the petition is approved by the department and the Graduate Council, the hours earned while a probationary graduate student may be used to satisfy the requirements for the degree.

Academic Integrity Policy

Western Illinois University is dedicated to the discovery and communication of knowledge. The University can best function and accomplish its objectives in an atmosphere where high ethical standards prevail. For this reason, and to ensure that the academic work of all students will be fairly evaluated, the University strongly condemns academic dishonesty. Please refer to the complete policy at wiu.edu/policies/acintegrity.php.

Recommended Academic Workload for Graduate Students

Graduate students should be aware that academic excellence and scholastic achievement usually require a significant investment of time in study, research, and out-of-class projects. Students should expect that the academic workload at the graduate level per semester hour exceeds that of

p. 5

the undergraduate level per semester hour. Students should plan coursework accordingly with their academic advisor. Workload expectations are an estimate of the amount of work needed for an average student to be successful in graduate coursework. Course grades are based on the quality of work submitted, not on hours of effort. Workload expectations per semester hour do not vary with the method of delivery of the course or the length of the academic term.

1. Students should plan to devote between 4-6 hours outside of class for each hour in class. Thus, students with a 9 semester-hour course load should schedule between 36-54 hours weekly for completing outside-of-class reading, study, and homework assignments.

2. It is recommended that full-time students (taking 9 or more semester hours) not work more than 20 hours per week (on or off campus, including assistantship hours).

3. For 400G-level courses, workload expectations and learning objectives will differ for students enrolled for graduate credit vs. undergraduate credit.

Recommended Course Load if Working Students who are employed (on or off campus, including assistantship hours) should discuss this with their advisor during coursework planning and consider reducing their course loads (semester hours), depending upon their study habits, learning abilities, time management skills, other commitments, and course work requirements. To determine the course load that is most appropriate for you, please refer to the recommendations indicated below:

• Working more than 40 hours per week: 3-4 semester hours • Working 30-40 hours per week: 3-6 semester hours • Working 13-20 hours per week: 6-9 semester hours

Top 10 Facts You Should Know (from the School of Graduate Studies)

1. Pre-registration is available to currently enrolled students. Each semester, enrolled students are given the opportunity to register approximately two months prior to the beginning of the semester. Schedule books are usually available in October for the Spring semester and March for the Summer and Fall Semester. Registration instructions are included in the class schedule book.

2. You have ten days at the beginning of the semester to withdraw from a regularly scheduled class without being assessed tuition. You are allowed nine weeks into the semester to withdraw from a course without academic penalty (you will receive a "W").

3. Nine semester hours is considered full-time enrollment for a graduate student. A full-time load in the summer is six semester hours.

4. Non-degree students are not eligible for financial aid nor are they eligible to hold a graduate assistantship.

5. You must notify the Graduate Office if you wish to apply to a degree program or if you wish to change degree programs.

6. Degree candidates are allowed a maximum number of hours at the "C" level or below. A graduate degree will not be awarded to a student who earns grades of C or lower in more than six semester hours of graduate level work in a program requiring 30 to 46 semester

p. 6

hours, or more than nine semester hours of such work in a program which requires 47 or more hours. No course for which a student has received a grade of D or less may be used to satisfy degree requirements.

7. Degree candidates must file a degree plan after at least nine semester hours and before the completion of fifteen semester hours.

8. The work required for a graduate degree must be completed within six consecutive calendar years. After this, students may revalidate outdated courses with program approval only.

9. The student applies for graduation by the following dates: March 10 (Spring semester), June 10 (Summer session), October 10 (Fall semester).

10. Plagiarism is serious business. Graduate programs require a great deal of reading and writing. Please be aware that the University has strict policies concerning academic dishonesty and plagiarism.

p. 7

The MLAS Degree: Developing a Plan of Study

In developing a tentative plan of study, you should present your academic goals and plan of study to your academic advisor and work in cooperation to develop a tentative degree timeline based on available course offerings.

Degree Requirements

I. Core Courses: 9 s.h. (taken in any order) LAS 501 Tradition and Change: Focus on the History and Philosophy of the Sciences (3) LAS 502 Tradition and Change: Focus on the Social Sciences (3) LAS 503 Tradition and Change: Focus on the Humanities (3)

II. Electives: 18 s.h.

Any College of Arts and Sciences Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and/or directed electives approved by the Director of Liberal Arts and Sciences. No more than 3 credits of electives may be independent work from LAS 504 Integration Independent Study.

III. Select one of the following exit options: 6 s.h. A. Thesis

LAS 667 Thesis (6) B. Internship

LAS 695 Internship Preparation (3) LAS 696 Internship (3)

C. Applied Project

LAS 699 Applied Project (6)

TOTAL PROGRAM: 33 s.h.

Course Descriptions

Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS)

495G/B Liberal Arts and Sciences Senior Capstone. (3) Capstone course for the Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree. Students will study examples of scholarship from a multidisciplinary perspective, research and present an interdisciplinary solution to a significant problem, and prepare a self-reflective academic personal narrative. This course is offered only to students accepted in the integrated bachelor’s/master’s program in LAS. Prerequisites: A&S 195, ENG 280, senior standing, and permission of the Director of LAS.

500 Foundations for Success in Graduate Study. (3) This course prepares degree and non-degree seeking students for success in graduate study, addressing disciplinary awareness while developing advanced critical thinking, research, and writing skills. Building on an introduction to academic culture and professionalization, students will explore disciplinary conventions and general strategies for graduate inquiry, research, and writing.

501 Tradition and Change: Focus on the History and Philosophy of the Sciences. (3) This course covers the development of the scientific approach for explaining natural phenomena.

p. 8

Philosophical issues and technical and theoretical advances, from different historical periods, will be covered.

502 Tradition and Change: Focus on the Social Sciences. (3) This course covers the divergent approaches used in the social sciences to study human behavior. The historical development of disciplines in the social sciences, the field of inquiry in each of the branches of the social sciences, as well as the methods used to study human behavior will be covered.

503 Tradition and Change: Focus on the Humanities. (3) Through engagement with scholarship and the arts from a variety of humanities disciplinary perspectives, this course explores questions humans have asked throughout time, especially concerning self and identity, and the theories and methodologies by which the humanities address these questions.

504 Integration Independent Study. (3) Investigation of an interdisciplinary topic based on the student’s major interests or area of study. Students must identify a graduate faculty member willing to work with them and oversee the independent study. Prerequisite/Corequisite: Completion of at least two of the following: LAS 501, 502 or 503 with a corequisite of the third, approval of proposal*, and permission of LAS director.

505 Research Methods. (3) This course provides an understanding of a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods (data collection and analysis) to use across many arts and sciences disciplines.

667 Thesis. (1–6, repeatable to 6) Prepared under direction of a faculty member with full graduate faculty status from within the College of Arts and Sciences. Defended before a committee composed of the faculty director and two graduate faculty. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Completion of LAS 501, 502, and 503, approval of thesis proposal*, and permission of LAS Director.

695 Internship Preparation. (3) A course intended to prepare the student for LAS 696: Internship when taken to satisfy the MLAS internship exit option. Directed by a faculty member with full graduate faculty status from within the College of Arts and Sciences. Graded S/U. Prerequisites: Completion of LAS 501, 502, and 503, approval of internship proposal*, and permission of LAS director.

696 Internship. (1–6, repeatable to 6) Directed by a faculty member in coordination with an on-site supervisor. When taken to satisfy the MLAS exit option, a final report must be presented to and approved by a committee of the faculty director and two graduate faculty. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Completion of LAS 501, 502, and 503, approval of internship proposal*, and permission of LAS director.

699 Applied Project. (1–6, repeatable to 6) Conducted under direction of a faculty member with full graduate faculty status from within the College of Arts and Sciences. Defended before a committee composed of the faculty director and two graduate faculty. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: Completion of LAS 501, 502, and 503, approval of applied project proposal*, and permission of LAS director.

* For proposal guidelines, see the appendix to this handbook, as well as Student Resources on the website.

p. 9

Choosing Electives

Students pursuing the MLAS degree can select their electives from any department in the College of Arts and Sciences, including the following: African American Studies, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, English, Environmental Studies, Foreign Languages and Literatures, Geography, Geology, History, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mathematics, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, and Women’s Studies.

Making effective choices is largely a matter of clarifying your own intellectual and professional goals. During your first semester, you will work with the LAS Director to choose courses. As a rule of thumb, the graduate faculty believes that you will have the most rigorous and transformative intellectual experiences in seminars at the 500 level. However, in some circumstances, you may find opportunities in other kinds of courses, including 4XXG courses, independent studies, and directed readings. You are limited to 3 s.h. of independent work (i.e., directed reading, independent study, internship) apart from your exit option. You can count a maximum of 15 s.h. of 4XXG courses toward the MLAS degree.

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programs

For MLAS students who are interested in pursuing a post-baccalaureate certificate as part of their elective requirements, the College of Arts and Sciences currently offers certificate programs in Community Development, English (Literary Studies, Professional Writing, or Teaching Writing), Environmental GIS, and Zoo and Aquarium Studies (QC only). For admission requirements and program details, please visit the Graduate School’s website.

Developing and Filing a Degree Plan

After at least 9 s.h. have been completed, and before the completion of 21 s.h., students must apply for graduate degree candidacy through the completion and approval of a Graduate Degree Plan. The degree plan must provide a list detailing courses taken and courses that will be taken for the successful completion of the degree. Once completed, the degree plan should be submitted to the LAS Director, who will in turn submit it for approval by the School of Graduate Studies. Any changes that should need to be made to the degree plan after it has been approved by the graduate school must be submitted through a petition. The degree plan provides a detailed outline of the curriculum appropriate to your degree as approved by the graduate committee in your particular department. The completion of a degree plan is necessary for the creation of accurate WARD reports as well as for proper financial aid planning and disbursement. Also, a completed degree plan is needed on file before an application for graduation can be submitted. A Graduate Degree Plan form can be found in the appendix of this handbook as well as under “Student Resources” on the LAS website.

p. 10

Choosing an Exit Option

The selection of an exit option should be based on personal and academic strengths and interests and should be considered in regards to how it will best suit your strengths and abilities as well as compliment your vision for your final project. Forms and additional information for each option can be found in the handbook appendix.

Proposal

All exit options require the submission of a 250-500 word proposal that details the student’s intentions behind and goals for their chosen project. Students must also include a working bibliography of at least 15 scholarly and/or primary sources. See the appendix for instructions.

Applied Project

The applied project is a flexible exit option that allows a student to approach a final project in a variety of ways that is also representative of their future plans and goals. Although typically not as research-intensive as a thesis, the completion of an applied project still provides the student with practical academic and/or professional experiences. Examples of potential projects include: an annotated bibliography with corresponding written exam (40-60 pages), the completion of a polished research paper and submitting it for publication (~25 pages), developing a professional portfolio of creative or technical works (40-60 pages). Regardless of approach, the student is also required to complete a reflective report that highlights some of the experiences they had throughout their project journey as well as how the entire process relates to their academic and/or professional goals.

Internship

An internship allows the student to gain on-site professional experience that is directly related to their academic interests and goals. Before beginning their chosen internship, students must complete LAS 695: Internship Prep (3 s.h.) designed to expose students to academic subject matter that facilitates internship success. If necessary the student can choose to enroll in this course along with their internship hours. Students can choose to complete an advertised internship relevant to their academic and/or professional goals or work with an on-site supervisor to create an internship position that is relevant to these goals and mutually beneficial. In addition to the exit option committee, the student will work under the guidance of and receive regular feedback from a designated on-site supervisor throughout the duration of their internship. The faculty director and on-site supervisor will also correspond throughout the duration of the internship. Documentation of the internship is required and must include a reflective journal, a reflective report, required forms and paperwork, and, when appropriate, a sample of work completed as part of the internship. Upon completion of the internship the student will, at a minimum, present their experience to their committee.

Thesis

To demonstrate the mastery of a specific topic and expertise in a particular area of study, students choosing the thesis exit option will work to produce 40-70 pages of original research in a specific area of interest. This option provides rigorous research and writing experience and requires a dedicated research/writing schedule. The thesis will, at a minimum, be presented to and defended in front of the student’s committee. After the defense presentation the student will be given time to perform any final revisions before the thesis is submitted electronically, along with the

p. 11

signature page, the Friday before exams week for graduation that semester. Any thesis submitted after this date will be considered the following semester. For more information regarding thesis preparation and submission, please visit wiu.edu/graduate_studies/thesis_and_dissertation/.

Forming an Appropriate Committee

An exit option committee is composed of a minimum of three faculty members. For each of these exit options the student must select a faculty member to serve as director of their final project. The faculty director must hold full graduate faculty status within the College of Arts and Sciences and is, ideally, someone with whom the student has studied and who is familiar with the student’s academic interests and abilities. Additionally, the student and their faculty director must agree upon two additional faculty members to complete their exit option committee. The committee members must hold full or associate graduate faculty status within the university. Graduate faculty status lists can be found in the Graduate Studies Catalog by department. Expectations of and roles for the committee members should be determined early on so as not to hinder the progress of the final project. Some directors may expect a proposal defense with the committee early on to ensure all parties are on the same page.

Past MLAS Student Exit Options (for a complete list, visit “Alumni” on the LAS website)

Spring 2015 • Elizabeth Fynn (Applied Project) “Clarifying Misconceptions of Antisocial Personality

Disorder and Psychopathy” • Jodi Pospeschil (Applied Project) “Learning the Difference: A Structured Internship in

Writing and Public Relations for the WIU University Relations Office”

Fall 2014 • Shavaun Kidd (Internship) "Internship with the Snow Leopard Conservancy"

Summer 2014 • Belinda Young (Applied Project) "Women and Spirituality"

Spring 2014 • Sue Adams (Applied Project) "Talk With Me: Opening Conversations About

Complicated Biblical Topics” • Martin Jezierski (Internship) “Internship with the WIU Center for International Studies” • Shameka Kuntu (Applied Project) “Exquisite Experience Day Spa & Salon: A Business

Plan” • Brandy Meyer (Internship) "Internship Report: Rock Island Arsenal, Joint Manufacturing

& Technology Center" • Judith Taylor (Applied Project) "Teaching the Underprepared Student"

Fall 2013 • Travis Brown (Applied Project) “Hitting the Target: Archery as Therapy - An Alternative

Approach for Healing Individual and Societal Problems” • Kelvin Celestine (Applied Project) “Build a Better Tomorrow: Nonprofit Resource

Manual” • Krystal Monique Cotton (Internship) • Katina Marie Harmon (Internship) "Interpersonal Violence Prevention Initiative

Internship: Transitions and Adaptations” • Sharon Hunter (Applied Project) "Portraiture: The Spiritual Journey of Women of Color"

p. 12

• Anglique Thompson (Internship)

Summer 2013 • Sara Featherlin (Applied Project) “Deciding the Future of Housing for Non-Traditional

Students at Western Illinois University” • Craig Nellum (Applied Project) “African American Males in Higher Education” • Deonna Perkins (Thesis) “Submersion of Cotton Textiles in Aquatic Environments” • Gretchen Steil-Weiss (Applied Project) “Disability: Literature, Film, and Changing

Consciousness”

Spring 2013 • DaReshia Chambers-Staple (Internship) "Internship with Bridgeway's Residential

Program in Macomb, IL" • Jennifer Lenehan (Internship) “The Ability to Strengthen the Path to Higher

Education” • Dustin McDonald (Internship) "Internship at St. Anthony's Nursing and Rehabilitation

Center in Rock Island, IL" • Kelly Sheridan (Applied Project) • Natalie Smith (Applied Project) "Happy Annie Lennox Day: An Original Screenplay" • John Wiesch (Internship) “Creation of a Homeless Veterans Resource Manual through an

Internship at the Catholic Worker House, Davenport, IA"

Fall 2012 • Amelia Hartnett (Thesis) "Interest Group Politics and Abortion Rights" • Michel Lake (Internship) "Teaching Sociology at the College Level" • Delores Robinson (Thesis) "Perceptions of the Food Insecure: Does Direct Authority

Construct Understanding?"

Summer 2012 • John McLaughlin (Applied Project) “Pyebwa Lespwa: Trees of Hope - A Small-scale

Community-based Environmental Sustainability Initiative” • Michael Britz (Internship) "Internship in Teaching at Waubonsee Community College,

Sugar Grove, IL" • Jacqueline Cunningham-Walls (Applied Project) "Planning an Urban Agricultural

Training Center"

Completed exit options are available for perusal in the LAS Program Office.

p. 13

Funding Your Academic Endeavors

In addition to your primary means of degree funding, additional opportunities for financial assistance are available and should be viewed and approached as valuable opportunities for scholastic involvement and career preparation.

Scholarships

All students are advised to investigate applicable scholarship options both on and off of campus. Available to LAS graduate students is an essay-based LAS program scholarship with an award of $1000. The opportunity to apply for this scholarship will be extended to students annually. The WIU Scholarship Office also provides an extensive list that details potential graduate, private, and departmental scholarship opportunities available to students.

Graduate, Research, Teaching, and Teaching Support Assistantships

Assistantships are merit-based awards that provide students with additional degree funding and offer practical work experience as they advance larger departmental and university goals. All assistantships come with both a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver awarded as compensation for work done within their assistantship position. The status of an assistantship is categorized as either 2/3 or full. Although many assistantships are advertised for all to consider, students should be mindful of any department-specific eligibility requirements that may exist. In order to hold an assistantship position, all students must meet the following criteria:

1. Must have a graduate assistantship application, personal statement of goals, and three letters of recommendation on file in the Graduate School.

2. Must be a degree-seeking graduate student regularly accepted into a master’s program. Probationary students, non-degree students, and second bachelor’s degree students are not eligible to hold assistantship positions.

3. Must have a graduate GPA of at least 3.0 if graduate courses have been completed at the time the contract is initiated.

4. Must be enrolled in at least nine semester hours of graduate coursework or undergraduate deficiencies if holding a graduate, teaching support, or research assistant position for fall/spring; or at least six semester hours if holding a teaching assistant position for fall/spring; or three semester hours for summer (any position). If it is the assistant's last semester of coursework (as verified by the degree plan), it is acceptable to be registered for only the remaining required courses.

5. Sign an assistantship contract and complete all required employment paperwork.

Graduate Student Research and Professional Development Award

If further support is needed to facilitate research projects and presentations, scholarly pursuits, or professional development opportunities, both full and part-time students in good standing on both WIU campuses are encouraged to apply for a Graduate Student Research and Professional Development Award. For application requirements, please visit http://www.wiu.edu/graduate_studies/current_students/studentfund.php. (For a template, see the appendix.)

p. 14

Paid Internships and Student Employment

On occasion, companies and departments within the university will offer internship positions that include monetary compensation. Bridging academic interests and career aspirations, internships provide an invaluable opportunity for gaining practical work experience in a setting that allows students to demonstrate the concepts and skills they have acquired in their particular field of study. Students should also be mindful of general student employment opportunities that often come available on campus. While these positions may not relate directly to a student’s academic or career interests, they provide a setting for the cultivation of easily transferable skills and habits applicable within most job settings.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Graduate Organization (LASGO) and Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Organization (LASSO)

Situated on the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses respectively, both LASGO and LASSO work to promote the study and recognition of liberal arts and sciences among students and faculty and throughout the community. Both organizations work to support LAS students as they pursue their degree and encounter numerous interdisciplinary opportunities. Open to LAS undergraduate and graduate students, participation in either organization helps members to foster personal, professional, and academic growth while they strive to promote community and collegiate fellowship. Check out the webpages for LASGO and LASSO (linked from the LAS main page) to find out how to get involved and to see how they promote LAS and connect with other organizations, departments, and the community.

Applying for Graduation

During the semester you plan to graduate or participate in the commencement ceremony, you need to have an approved Application for Graduation on file with the School of Graduate Studies. This application must be submitted by March 10 for spring graduation; June 10 for summer; and October 10 for fall. A copy of this application can be found in the appendix or on the School of Graduate Studies website at http://www.wiu.edu/graduate_studies/current_students/forms/clear.pdf.

What Can I Do with This Degree?

Completing an LAS degree is an incredible opportunity for you to design an academic experience that is representative of your personal and academic interests and is specific to your goals. Whether you are completing this degree as a professional credential or using it for the application and entry into further study, it is vital that you have confidence that your academic choices within this program will help you to realize these aspirations. You must make it clear that you have given considerable consideration to how this degree will aid you in actualizing your professional and academic goals.

Unlike students pursuing profession-specific degrees, the dynamic nature of this degree tasks you with locating the niche within which you can apply and have recognized the knowledge and skills you gave gained throughout your academic journey. The way that you approach minor(s), electives, and post-baccalaureate certificates provides an opportunity for you to contemplate your future goals and demonstrate how you have tailored your degree to facilitate your entry into a desired career or academic field. If you still find yourself uncertain of your trajectory post-

p. 15

degree, check out the “What Our Alumni Are Doing Now” section of the LAS website to get a small glimpse of the possibilities that lay before LAS graduates.

Additional readings you may find helpful:

“Five Steps to a Successful Job Search for Liberal Arts Grads.” http://www.joblaunchaccelerator.com/#!Liberal-Arts-Grads-5-Steps-to-a-Successful-Job-Search-/cgwo/D370CB85-7B86-4024-82A4-D67528681919

“Making the Case For A Pragmatic Liberal Arts College Education.” http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/09/making-the-case-for-a-pragmatic-liberal-arts-college-education/

“A Student’s Perspective on the Liberal Arts.”

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-zimmerman/a-students-perspective-on_b_5546357.html?

“The Confidence Factor in Liberal Education.”

http://www.aacu.org/publications-research/periodicals/confidence-factor-liberal-education

p. 16

Timeline Checklist

____ Begin working on your application to the program at least a semester before you would like to enroll (transcripts, writing sample, personal statement, confidential reference letters).

____ Upon acceptance, meet with the LAS Director (or graduate committee chairperson) to discuss your goals and course options and begin filling out your LAS Plan of Study (see appendix). Meet regularly with the director about your goals, plan of study, and exit option plans.

____ Attend an MLAS program orientation meeting (usually in the August).

____ Be aware of semester and annual deadlines for assistantships, scholarships, awards, and Graduate School official paperwork.

____ If you plan to complete a post-baccalaureate certificate, fill out the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Application Form (see appendix).

____ If you were admitted with probationary status, submit a Petition (see appendix) to change your status to regular standing once you have achieved a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.

____ No later than the semester before you plan to begin your exit option, begin talking with your advisor and other faculty about your exit option and committee, including your faculty director and two additional members. Review the required paperwork for your chosen exit option and complete your proposal (students will not be registered for exit option hours without an approved proposal). (See appendix for proposal instructions and forms.)

____ At least one semester before you graduate, file your Graduate Degree Plan (see appendix).

____ If you complete a post-baccalaureate certificate, fill out the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Completion Form (see appendix) by the deadline in the semester you plan to complete it (Oct 10, Mar 10, or Jun 10).

____ Once you have completed your exit option proposal and decided on a committee, complete the Graduate School Exit Option Committee Approval Form (see appendix).

____ Set up a clear timeline with your faculty director and committee for deadlines and completion of your exit option.

____ No later than the semester in which you plan to graduate, complete any necessary petitions with the Graduate School (e.g., petition to change your degree plan, petition to be considered under a different catalog for your post-bac certificate).

____ No later than the deadline in the semester you plan to graduate (Oct 10, Mar 10, or Jun 10), submit your Application for Graduation (see appendix).

____ Upon completion of your exit option and exit option presentation, submit a copy of your exit option document (thesis, portfolio, project, internship report, etc.) with the signed exit option committee form to the LAS Director.

p. 17

____ If you are completing a thesis, electronically submit the final version of your thesis no later than 11:59pm on the Friday before finals week in the semester in which you plan to graduate.

____ If you have an incomplete in your exit option hours and do not need to take additional hours toward your degree, you will need to enroll in 1 s.h. of continuous enrollment for each fall and spring semester that you carry an incomplete in your exit option, in order to maintain student status. See the appendix for this form. Once you complete the form, you will be automatically enrolled in continuous enrollment until your exit option is completed and a change of grade submitted.

p. 18

Graduate School Instructions Regarding Filing of Petitions

Situations may occur as a graduate student works toward an advanced degree that require either exceptions to existing regulations or modifications and changes in his or her plan of study. For such situations it is necessary to file a petition. This form must be returned to the School of Graduate Studies after it has been completed and signed by the major advisor, the director, and one other member of the departmental Graduate Committee. To aid you in the completion of these petitions, the following instructions are given.

1. Petition to transfer to a graduate record at Western Illinois University credits earned at other institutions. The petition should state when the courses were taken, where they were taken, the course number and title, the number of semester hour credits received and grade received. One official transcript must be sent directly from the college or university where they were taken to the School of Graduate Studies of Western Illinois University. You will be notified by the School of Graduate Studies of the action of this petition, and if the action is favorable, the transferred credits may then be listed on your Degree Plan. Transfer credit is acceptable only after you have been admitted to candidacy and only if you receive a grade of B or better.

2. Petitions to substitute, cancel, or add courses on a degree program that has already been approved. A change in the plans of the student or a conflict in the scheduling of courses will occasionally make it necessary to ask that certain courses in an already approved degree program be changed. Such petitions should be filed with their accompanying reasons after you have been notified that your degree program has been approved. The petition should contain the department course number, descriptive title and number of credits of all courses affected, the grades received in them, if any, and the reasons for the change.

3. Petitions to be granted an extension of time for completion of the graduate degree. A graduate degree must be completed within six calendar years. If the degree is not completed within the time limit allowed, graduate courses carried outside of the time limit are not acceptable in the program submitted for the degree. Students who wish to have the time limits extended must revalidate courses taken outside the time limit as part of their graduate program and are required to file a petition in the School of Graduate Studies, supported by the approval of the major adviser. Such petitions should contain a statement of the semester and academic year in which all graduate degree requirements will be completed, grade and course titles of any work which will be validated by an extension of time, and a statement of when these courses were taken. Such petitions should be filed as soon as the student discovers that he or she will not be able to meet the stated time requirements. These petitions should be accompanied by, or followed by, letters from appropriate faculty revalidating the out-of-date courses.

4. Petition to be granted a change of status. Upon completing at least 6 semester hours of graduate work with at least a B average, probationary students may petition for change of status.

5. Some instances when a petition must be presented to Graduate Council:

1. waiving the 6-hour "C" rule; 2. late withdrawing from a semester after the semester has passed; 3. requesting to hold an assistantship with less than a 3.0 graduate GPA.

These are only a few examples. Should you have any questions about your petition, contact the Graduate School.

p. 19

Appendix

Attached are documents and resources that you may find useful while earning your LAS degree. Many of these resources are available on both the LAS and School of Graduate Studies websites.

A. LAS Plan of Study (p. 21) B. Graduate School Degree Plan (p. 23)

– Sample Graduate Degree Plan (p. 24)C. Graduate School Exit-Option Committee Approval Form (p. 25)D. Post-Baccalaureate Certificates

– Graduate School Application Form (p. 26)– Graduate School Completion Form (p. 27)

E. LAS Proposal Guidelines and Approval Forms: – LAS 504: Integration Independent Study (p. 28)– LAS 667: Thesis (p. 30)– LAS 695: Internship Preparation and LAS 696 Internship (p. 33)– LAS 699: Applied Project (p. 37)

F. Graduate School Thesis Checklist (p. 41)– Graduate School Thesis Sample Pages (p. 42)

G. Template for Graduate Research and Professional Development Fund Award Proposal (p. 49) H. Graduate School Application for Graduation (p. 51)I. Graduate School Petition Form (p. 52)J. Graduate School Continuous Enrollment Form (p. 53)

p. 20

Plan of Study

(to be determined in consultation with the Director of Liberal Arts and Sciences)

Master of Liberal Arts and Science

THE CORE

The core seminars must be completed prior to beginning exit options.

Core Seminars (9 cr) Semester LAS 501: Tradition and Change: Focus on the History and Philosophy of the Sciences

(3)

LAS 502: Tradition and Change: Focus on the Social Sciences (3)

LAS 503: Tradition and Change: Focus on the Humanities (3)

THE ELECTIVES

Electives must be graduate courses from within the College of Arts and Sciences. No more than 3 s.h. of

independent study or directed readings.

Electives (18 cr) Semester

THE EXIT OPTION

All exit options require finding a faculty member to direct and writing a proposal prior to registering for the

course. Thesis, Internship, and Applied Project exit options require, in addition to the faculty director, two

committee members.

Exit Option (6 cr) Semesters Faculty Member Working With

LAS 667 (Thesis) (6) *OR*

LAS 695 (Internship Preparation) (3)

+ LAS 696 (Internship) (3) *OR*

LAS 699 (Applied Project) (6)

Please refer to the School of Graduate Studies catalog for more information.

p. 21

Plan of Study

(to be determined in consultation with the Director of Liberal Arts and Sciences)

Departments within the College of Arts and Sciences Offering Graduate Courses:

African American Studies (AAS)

Anthropology (ANTH)

Biological Sciences (BIOL, BOT, MICR, ZOOL)

Chemistry (CHEM)

English (ENG)

Environmental Studies (ENVR)

Foreign Languages and Literatures (FL)

Geography (GEOG)

Geology (GEOL)

History (HIST)

Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS)

Mathematics (MATH)

Philosophy (PHIL)

Physics (PHYS)

Political Science (POLS)

Psychology (PSY)

Religious Studies (REL)

Sociology (SOC)

Women’s Studies (WS)

Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Arts and Sciences that would count toward the MLAS degree:

Community Development

English (Literary Studies, Teaching Writing, or Professional Writing)

Environmental GIS

Zoo and Aquarium Studies

Please note that for some courses, especially the sciences, you may need to meet pre-requisites in order take the course.

If you have questions about pre-requisites, please contact the instructor or graduate director/coordinator in that

department.

p. 22

Name: ______________________________________________________________________ WIU ID No.:____________________________________

(For security purposes do not enter Social Security Number)

Present mailing address: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone: __

Degree sought: __ Major: _____________________________________________ Option/Emphasis: ____________________

Date of oldest WIU graduate course listed on degree plan: Semester: _____________________ Year: ____________ Catalog year: _______________ ________________________

______________

Dept.

No.

Title

SH

Gr.

Instructor

Dept.

No.

Title

SH

Gr.

Instructor

Total semester hours: Deficiency courses (if any):

Student=s Thesis/Dissertation

Supervisor (please print)__________________________________ signature/Date: __________________________________________

Graduate Degree Requirements

Western Illinois University

Graduate Degree Plan School of Graduate Studies

STUDENTS - DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE

Candidacy/Degree Plan Approval

Adviser=s signature/Date: ____________________________________________________

Grad Committee Chair=s signature/Date: ________________________________________

Committee Member=s signature/Date: __________________________________________

Committee Member=s signature/Date: __________________________________________

School of Graduate

Studies/Date: _________________________________ Degree Clearance/Date:

Graduation Application ______________________________

T/D (if required) _____________________________________

Graduate Studies: ____________________________________

Western Illinois University School of Graduate Studies 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455-1390 (309)298-1806 Fax: (309)298-2345 wiu.edu/grad Email: Grad-Office@wiu.edu

Form will not be processed without signatures. Complete

this form and submit to your adviser upon completion of 21

semester hours of WIU graduate work. 9-17-14

p. 23

p. 24

Admission Application for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program

Western Illinois University

School of Graduate Studies

Note: This form is to be used by current WIU graduate students only. If you have not applied to the Graduate School, you must apply by completing an Admission Application.

I would like to apply for a post-baccalaureate certificate program at Western Illinois University.

Name: WIU ID No.: Current address:

Email address: Phone number:

Please indicate post-baccalaureate certificate program (Select one only)*:

___ Business Administration ___ Business Analytics ___ Community Development ___ English - Literary Studies ___ English - Professional Writing ___ English - Teaching Writing ___ GIS Analysis: Ecological GIS ___ GIS Analysis: GIS Applications ___ Health Services Administration ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Ed. Technology Specialist ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Graphics Application

___ Instruct. Design & Tech. – Multimedia ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Online & Distance Learning Dev. ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Tech. Integration in Ed. ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. – Workplace Learning & Perform. ___ Museum Studies ___ Music Performance ___ Police Executive Administration ___ Supply Chain Management ___ TESOL ___ Zoo and Aquarium Studies

Semester to begin program:

Student’s signature _____________________________________________________ Date: _____________________

Complete and return to the School of Graduate Studies. *If you are completing more than one certificate, please submit a new form for each.

Upon completion of all post-baccalaureate certificate requirements the student must submit a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Completion Application form to the School of Graduate Studies by March 10 (spring semester), June 10 (summer session), or October 10 (fall semester).

Western Illinois University School of Graduate Studies 1 University Circle Macomb, IL USA 61455-1390 Phone (309)298-1806; Fax (309)298-2345 wiu.edu/grad; Email: Grad-Office@wiu.edu 5-29--15

p. 25

Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Completion Application

Western Illinois University

School of Graduate Studies

WIU ID No:

Name: (Print or type your name using upper and lower case letters exactly as you wish it to appear on your certificate)

Expected completion date: ___Spring ___Summer ___Fall 20____

Please indicate post-baccalaureate certificate program (Select one only)*:

___ African and African Diaspora World Studies ___ Applied Mathematics ___ Business Administration - Business Administration ___ Business Administration - Supply Chain Management ___ Community Development ___ Economics - Business Analytics___ English - Literary Studies ___English - Professional Writing ___ English - Teaching Writing ___ Environmental GIS ___ Health Services Administration ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Ed. Technology Specialist ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Graphics Application

___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Multimedia ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Online & Distance Learning Dev. ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Tech. Integration in Ed. ___ Instruct. Design & Tech. - Workplace Learning & Perform. ___ Museum Studies ___ Police Executive Administration ___ TESOL ___ Women’s Studies ___ Zoo and Aquarium Studies

*If you are completing more than one certificate, please submit a new form for each.

Email address:

Current mailing address:

Telephone number:

Certificate address: (Certificate will be mailed to the above address approximately 6-8 weeks after conferral)

List below the courses you are now taking and/or plan to take to complete the post-baccalaureate certificate.

Dept/Course Title Credit hours

Student’s signature _____________________________________________________ Date: _____________________

Upon completion, send this form to the School of Graduate Studies by March 10 (spring semester), June 10 (summer session) or October 10 (fall semester).

Students – Do not write below this line

Western Illinois University School of Graduate Studies 1 University Circle Macomb, IL USA 61455-1390 Phone (309)298-1806; Fax (309)298-2345 wiu.edu/grad; Email: Grad-Office@wiu.edu 4-8-15

Date certificate completed: ________________________ Date certificate mailed: ___________________________

p. 26

Committee Approval Form Western Illinois University

School of Graduate Studies This form will become part of a student’s file in the Graduate School It is to be completed prior to the beginning of a student’s exit option or dissertation process and forwarded to the Graduate School for approval. WIU ID No.:

Student’s name (Last, First, Middle/Maiden):

Current address:

Telephone number: Program: Recommendations for exit option or dissertation committee (must have a minimum of 3 committee members plus chair):

Committee or Dissertation Chair:

Committee member:

Committee member:

Committee member (Dissertation only):

SIGNATURES Student: _____________________________________________________________ Date: ________________

_____ (Initials) I give permission to make my thesis/dissertation also available electronically through Western Illinois University.

Graduate Adviser/Program Coordinator: ____________________________________ Date: ________________

Committee or Dissertation Chair: __________________________________________ Date: ________________

Department Chair: _____________________________________________________ Date: ________________

College Dean (Dissertation only): _________________________________________ Date: ________________

Director of Graduate Studies: _____________________________________________ Date: ________________

The recommendations for membership on this committee have been approved by the Graduate School. Any recommended changes in membership of this committee must be forwarded to the Graduate School for approval.

Western Illinois University School of Graduate Studies 1 University Circle Macomb, IL USA 61455-1390 Phone (309)298-1806; Fax (309)298-2345 www.wiu.edu/grad; Email: Grad-Office@wiu.edu 3-25-15

p. 27

Proposal Guidelines and Approval Form

LAS 504: Integration Independent Study

Course Description: Investigation of a specific topic based on the student's major interests or area of study. This is a required course in the Master of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree, and must be completed prior to registering for exit option hours. Pre-Requisite: Completion of at least two of the following: LAS 501, 502 or 503 with a co-requisite of the third, approval of proposal, and permission of LAS director.

The Integration Independent Study

This course provides the interdisciplinary student the opportunity to further explore an area of scholarly interest, in particular one that crosses disciplinary boundaries. The topic may draw on courses already completed. The student might think of this as an opportunity to develop their dream course, in consultation with a faculty member who has expertise in that field. Reading and writing expectations should be equivalent to those for a graduate seminar.

The Proposal

The proposal consists of a 250-500 word (approximate) description of the course subject area. It should address the following:

What topic, questions, or issues are you interested in pursuing in this course?

What prior coursework and/or experience will this course build upon?

How will pursuit of this topic connect with your overall degree plan?

What specific reading, writing, and other assignments will you complete as part of this course?

The proposal should include a bibliography of scholarly and/or primary texts.

Alternatively, the proposal could be developed like a graduate seminar syllabus.

Timeline

At the beginning of the semester before the student plans to enroll in LAS 504: the student should meet with the LAS director to discuss interests and options. That same semester will then be used to find and meet with a faculty director and prepare a proposal. The student will not be registered for LAS 504 until they have a proposal approved by both the faculty director and LAS director.

p. 28

LAS 504: Approval Form

Student Name

Student WIU ID# Phone

Email Sem/yr

Course Topic

Proposal attached?

Signatures

Student

Print name Signature/Date

Faculty Director

Print name Signature/Date

LAS Director

Print name Signature/Date

p. 29

Proposal Guidelines and Approval Form

LAS 667: Thesis

Course Description: Prepared under direction of a faculty member with full graduate faculty status from within the College of Arts and Sciences. Defended before a committee composed of the faculty director and two graduate faculty. Graded S/U. Pre-requisite: Completion of LAS 504, approval of thesis proposal, and permission of LAS director.

The Thesis

A thesis represents mastery of a particular subject area, and should investigate a topic requiring original research. The student should demonstrate appropriate academic preparation prior to its undertaking. With this in mind, it is the responsibility of the faculty director in consultation with the student to set parameters for the scope of the research, and to ensure that the research is current and that the response to that research is adequate.

The Thesis Proposal

The thesis proposal consists of a 250-500 word (approximate) description of the thesis. It should address the following:

What is your main research question or focus? / What is the big question you are trying to answer?

What is the current academic discourse surrounding this topic and what original contribution do you hope to make? / What sort of previous research has been done in this area? (note that citations are appropriate for the proposal)

Why is what you are doing interesting and important?

The proposal should also include a working bibliography of at least 15 scholarly and/or primary texts.

The Thesis Committee

Ideally the student asks a faculty member with whom they have previously studied to direct the thesis. The faculty director and student should agree on two additional committee members. The role of the committee members should be determined among the faculty director and members (e.g., advisory, judicial, content-oriented, editorial) so that everyone understands their role and expectations. The student should also talk with the faculty director about when to share drafts with the committee members.

It is highly recommended that the faculty director and student share the thesis proposal and planned schedule for completion with the committee as early as possible in the process so everyone is clear on expectations and timeline.

The faculty director must be someone with full graduate faculty status within the College of Arts and Sciences. The committee members must have associate or full graduate faculty status within the university. Please note that graduate faculty status is separate from promotion status (i.e., assistant, associate, or full professor). A list of faculty and their status for each department can be found in the School of Graduate Studies Graduate Catalog.

Changes to the committee should be made in consultation with the faculty director, and the faculty director or student should notify the LAS director of any changes.

p. 30

Thesis Length

Thesis length can vary, depending on the field, but is usually 40-70 pages.

Timeline

At the beginning of the semester before the student plans to enroll in thesis hours: the student should meet with the LAS director to discuss interests and options. That same semester will then be used to find and meet with a faculty director and prepare a proposal. The student will not be registered for thesis hours until they have a proposal approved by both the faculty director and LAS director.

It is strongly recommended that students break up their thesis hours over at least two semesters. Generally, a student who has a proposal ready and begins research at the beginning of the summer, then sticks to a good research and writing schedule throughout fall and spring, will be able to complete the thesis in time for a May graduation.

By the end of the semester before graduation: student should have submitted a draft of at least one chapter and received feedback; student should also have a schedule for the subsequent semester.

At least 8 weeks before the graduation semester ends: student should have submitted a complete draft of the thesis to their faculty director; the rest of the semester will consist of back and forth between the student, director, and committee on feedback and revisions.

At least 4 weeks before the graduation semester ends: the student and committee should agree on a defense or presentation date that is prior to the last Friday of classes.

The thesis must be defended, final revisions must be made, and the thesis must be submitted electronically with signature page to the School of Graduate Studies no later than 11:59pm on the last

Friday of classes (before exams week).

Thesis Defense/Presentation

At a minimum, each student must present to the committee on their thesis prior to submitting it to the School of Graduate Studies. The defense or presentation may be open to the public or closed. For specifics, students should consult with their faculty director and are encouraged to follow the guidelines within the faculty director’s discipline.

Thesis Copies

All students will automatically be directed through the electronic submission process to order a copy of their thesis for the university. Students must also order a copy for the Liberal Arts and Sciences program, and it is professional courtesy to order a copy for one’s faculty director as well. However, the latter two copies do not have to be ordered through ProQuest; talk with faculty or the School of Graduate Studies about other options.

Additional Resources for Exit Options

Graduate School Guidelines on Thesis Formatting and Submission: http://www.wiu.edu/graduate_studies/current_students/index.php

For students with a science focus: http://www.wiu.edu/cas/biological_sciences/graduate/index.php

For students with a humanities focus: http://www.wiu.edu/cas/english_and_journalism/graduate/resources.php

For students with a social science focus: http://www.wiu.edu/cas/sociology/grad/

p. 31

LAS 667: Thesis Approval Form

Student Name

Student WIU ID# Phone

Email

Tentative Thesis Title

Please indicate the semesters in which you plan to register for thesis hours and the credits per semester (e.g., fall 2013, 3 cr; spring 2014, 3 cr OR fall 2013, 2 cr; spring 2014 2 cr; summer 2014 2 cr)

Proposal attached?

Signatures

Student

Print name Signature/Date

Faculty Director

Print name Signature/Date

Committee Member

Print name

Committee Member

Print name

LAS Director

Print name Signature/Date

p. 32

Proposal Guidelines and Approval Form

LAS 695 Internship Preparation + LAS 696 Internship

Course Descriptions

LAS 695: Internship Preparation (3 cr) A course intended to prepare the student for LAS 696: Internship when taken to satisfy the MLAS internship exit option. Directed by a faculty member with full graduate faculty status from within the College of Arts and Sciences. Pre-requisite: Completion of LAS 504, approval of proposal, and permission of LAS director.

LAS 696: Internship (3 cr) Directed by a faculty member in coordination with an on-site supervisor. When taken to satisfy the MLAS exit option, a final report must be presented and approved by a committee of the faculty director and two graduate faculty. Graded S/ U. Pre-requisite: Completion of LAS 504, approval of proposal, and permission of LAS director.

Internship Preparation Course

This course is designed to aid the student in mastery of academic subject matter that will help them succeed in their internship. For the course, students will work with a faculty director on reading, writing, training, and other assignments as appropriate that will prepare them for an optimum experience.

The internship preparation course should be completed the semester before beginning the internship, and will be treated like an independent study; the student will work one-on-one with their faculty director to complete assignments according to a mutally agreed upon schedule.

The Internship

Graduate School guidelines state that fifty hours of work = 1 graduate credit hour. Thus, for a 3-credit internship, expect to work 150 hours (10h/wk for 15 weeks, 12.5h/wk for 12 weeks, 15h/wk for 10 weeks, 25h/wk for 6 wks, etc.).

There are a variety of ways that a student can set up an internship. A student may apply for an advertised internship or work with their faculty director and/or on-site supervisor to develop an internship tailored to mutual goals. Internships can be paid or unpaid;, however, in an unpaid internship, it is critical that the student is getting as much of an educational/learning experience out of the internship as the site is getting labor from the student. This means that the on-site supervisor should expect to spend time meeting with the student to provide feedback and ensure the student’s educational objectives are being met.

The Internship Proposal (Preparation and Internship)

The proposal for the preparation course and actual internship should include the following:

Goals and objectives of internship

Description of reading, writing, training, and other assignments as appropriate for LAS 695, with a reflection on how these assignments connect to stated goals and objectives

Working bibliography for LAS 695 (10-15 sources)

Competencies and experience to be gained through internship

Likely responsibilities and assignments/tasks given during Internship

Hours working per week/length of assignment

The Internship Committee

Ideally the student asks a faculty member with whom he or she has previously studied to serve as mentor and liaison during the internship (if there is a separate on-site supervisor) or with whom to intern (if the faculty director is also the supervisor). The faculty director and student should agree on two additional committee members. The role of the committee members should be determined among the faculty director and members (e.g., advisory, judicial, content-oriented, editorial) so that everyone understands their role and expectations. The student should also talk with the faculty director about when to share questions, concerns, or materials with the committee members.

p. 33

It is highly recommended that the faculty director and student share the internship proposal and planned schedule for completion with the committee and on-site supervisor as early as possible in the process so everyone is clear on expectations and timeline.

The faculty director must be someone with full graduate faculty status within the College of Arts and Sciences. The committee members must have associate or full graduate faculty status within the university. Please note that graduate faculty status is separate from promotion status (i.e., assistant, associate, or full professor). A list of faculty and their status for each department can be found in the School of Graduate Studies Graduate Catalog. The on-site supervisor may or may not be affiliated with the University.

Changes to the committee should be made in consultation with the faculty director, and the faculty director or student should notify the LAS director of any changes.

Internship Documentation

At the end of the internship, students should submit the following to their committee:

A weekly or daily journal/log kept throughout the duration of the internship that includes day, time, activity, and at minimum a weekly reflection on the experience

A report (approx. 8-10 pages double-spaced) on 1) background on the internship location and position; 2) list of internship goals and objectives; 3) detailed explanation of how the student met goals and objectives through the internship; 4) description of key tasks performed and/or projects completed; 5) discussion of competencies or skills gained; and 6) argument for how the internship experience fits with their overall master’s degree in preparing them for the next step (academic or professional)

When appropriate, a written or multimedia text that the student prepared as part of the internship (e.g., website, manual, DVD)

Required forms and paperwork

The faculty director may request additional documents or have additional deadlines.

Timeline

At the beginning of the semester before the student plans to enroll in internship preparation hours: the student should meet with the LAS director to discuss interests and options. That same semester will then be used to find and meet with a faculty director, identify an internship, and prepare a proposal. The student will not be registered for internship preparation or internship hours until they have a proposal approved by both the faculty director and LAS director.

It is strongly recommended that students complete their internship preparation course before beginning their internship.

At least 8 weeks before the graduation semester ends: student should be making timely progress toward completion; student and committee should have a very clear understanding of remaining work and deadlines for submission and feedback.

At least 4 weeks before the graduation semester ends: the student and committee should agree on a presentation date that is prior to the last Friday of classes.

The internship and documentation must be completed, final revisions must be made, and all paperwork must be submitted no later than 4:30pm on the Friday of exam week.

Internship Presentation

At a minimum, each student must present to the committee on his or her internship. The presentation may be open to the public or closed. For specifics, students should consult with their faculty director and are encouraged to follow the guidelines within the faculty director’s discipline.

p. 34

LAS 695 + 696: Internship Preparation and Internship Approval Form

Student Name Phone

Student WIU ID# Student Email

Site of Internship Supervisor Contact Info

Internship Beginning Date ____________ Ending Date ____________Hours per Week _____________

LAS 695 (sem/yr) LAS 696 (sem/yr/cr) Proposal attached?

Signatures

Faculty Director

Print name Signature/Date

Committee Member Committee Member

Print name Print name

LAS Director

Print name Signature/Date

Supervisor:

I understand that I am responsible for: 1. Providing a supervised work experience as outlined in the proposal. I will contact the faculty

director if problems arise. 2. Conducting periodic review sessions with the intern to:

a. Determine what activities have been accomplished b. Help the intern gain better insights about experiences c. Assist the intern to prepare for future experiences

3. Evaluating the work of the intern in an oral conference at or near the conclusion of the internship.

4. Signing a final approval sheet if approval is accorded, provided by the Liberal Arts and Sciences program at Western Illinois University.

On-Site Supervisor Print name Signature/Date

Intern:

I understand that I must satisfactorily complete all requirements of my internship and work the required number of hours for the amount of credit I am seeking in order to be awarded credit for my internship.

Student Print name Signature/Date

p. 35

LAS 696: Internship Completion Form

Student Name

Brief Internship Description

Copy of documentation submitted?

We hereby verify that ________________________________________ (student intern) has met all of

the obligations for his/her internship and may be awarded ________________ semester hours of credit

for 696.

Signatures

Student

Print name Signature/Date

Faculty Director

Print name Signature/Date

Committee Member

Print name Signature/Date

Committee Member

Print name Signature/Date

On-site Supervisor

Print name Signature/Date

LAS Director

Print name Signature/Date

p. 36

Proposal Guidelines and Approval Form

LAS 699: Applied Project

Course Description: Conducted under direction of a faculty member with full graduate faculty status from within the College of Arts and Sciences. Defended before a committee composed of the faculty director and two graduate faculty. Graded S/U. Pre-requisite: Completion of LAS 504, approval of applied project proposal, and permission of LAS director.

The Applied Project

The applied project option is flexible, tailored for students who don’t necessarily need a great deal of research training. Some examples of applied projects include:

Designing a course, complete with learning modules and assignments (portfolio of approx. 40-60 pages)

Performing a small research project that is not as involved as a thesis (research log and report totaling approx. 40-60 pages)

Developing an educational program for a non-profit organization (portfolio of approx. 40-60 pages)

Developing a resource manual for a non-profit organization (approx. 40-60 pages)

Preparing an annotated bibliography and questions for a final comprehensive exam in a particular subject area (annotated bibliography plus written exam totaling approx. 40-60 pages)

Researching and developing three conference papers for presentation (and submitting abstracts to present them)

Preparing a publishable research paper and submitting it for publication (approx. 25 very polished pages)

Developing a teaching portfolio that includes teaching philosophy, sample job application letters, curriculum vita, sample syllabi, sample assignments, sample lesson plans/activities, and a scholarly based rationale for choices in material design (approx. 40-60 pages)

Developing a professional portfolio (e.g., creative writing; medical writing and editing) (approx. 40-60 pages)

Regardless of the option chosen, the student will be required to write a final report describing their applied project experience and how it connects with their larger academic or career goals.

The Applied Project Proposal

The applied project proposal consists of a 250-500 word (approximate) description of the applied project. It should address the following:

Describe your project.

What is your area of focus and what is your rationale for pursuing this project?

What is the current academic discourse that you will draw on to inform your project and what original contribution do you hope to make? / What sort of previous research or similar projects have been done in this area? (note that citations are appropriate for the proposal)

Why is what you are doing interesting and important?

The proposal should also include a working bibliography of at least 15 scholarly and/or primary texts and a list of specific written assignments and other activities (as appropriate).

The Applied Project Committee

Ideally the student asks a faculty member with whom they have previously studied to direct the applied project. The faculty director and student should agree on two additional committee members. The role of

p. 37

the committee members should be determined among the faculty director and members (e.g., advisory, judicial, content-oriented, editorial) so that everyone understands their role and expectations. The student should also talk with the faculty director about when to share drafts with the committee members.

It is highly recommended that the faculty director and student share the applied project proposal and planned schedule for completion with the committee as early as possible in the process so everyone is clear on expectations and timeline.

The faculty director must be someone with full graduate faculty status within the College of Arts and Sciences. The committee members must have associate or full graduate faculty status within the university. Please note that graduate faculty status is separate from promotion status (i.e., assistant, associate, or full professor). A list of faculty and their status for each department can be found in the School of Graduate Studies Graduate Catalog.

Changes to the committee should be made in consultation with the faculty director, and the faculty director or student should notify the LAS director of any changes.

Applied Project Length

Since the applied project can take various forms, length of the written portion can vary. However, faculty and students should consider that the applied project is 6 credits and should be equivalent in workload to 6 credits of graduate work.

Timeline

At the beginning of the semester before the student plans to enroll in applied project hours: the student should meet with the LAS director to discuss interests and options. That same semester will then be used to find and meet with a faculty director and prepare a proposal. The student will not be registered for applied project hours until they have a proposal approved by both the faculty director and LAS director.

It is strongly recommended that students break up their applied project hours over at least two semesters. Generally, a student who has a proposal ready and begins research at the beginning of the summer, and sticks to a good research and writing schedule throughout fall and spring, will be able to complete the applied project in time for a May graduation.

By the end of the semester before graduation: student should have submitted portions of the project to the faculty director and received feedback; student should also have a schedule for the subsequent semester.

At least 8 weeks before the graduation semester ends: student should be making timely progress toward completion; student and committee should have a very clear understanding of remaining work and deadlines for submission and feedback.

At least 4 weeks before the graduation semester ends: the student and committee should agree on an oral exam or presentation date that is prior to the last Friday of classes.

The applied project must be completed, final revisions must be made, and a copy must be submitted with signature page no later than 4:30pm on the Friday of exam week.

Applied Project Oral Exam/Presentation

At a minimum, each student must present to the committee on his or her applied project. The presentation may be open to the public or closed. For specifics, students should consult with their faculty director and are encouraged to follow the guidelines within the faculty director’s discipline.

p. 38

LAS 699: Applied Project Approval Form

Student Name

Student WIU ID# Phone

Email

Tentative Applied Project Title

Please indicate the semesters in which you plan to register for applied project hours and the credits per semester (e.g. FA 13, 3 cr; SP14, 3 cr OR FA 13, 2 cr; SP 14, 2 cr; SU 14, 2 cr)

Proposal attached?

Signatures

Student

Print name Signature/Date

Faculty Director

Print name Signature/Date

Committee Member

Print name

Committee Member

Print name

LAS Director

Print name Signature/Date

p. 39

LAS 699: Applied Project Completion Form

Student Name

Applied Project Title

Copy of project submitted?

Signatures

Student

Print name Signature/Date

Faculty Director

Print name Signature/Date

Committee Member

Print name Signature/Date

Committee Member

Print name Signature/Date

LAS Director

Print name Signature/Date

p. 40

Thesis Checklist Western Illinois University

School of Graduate Studies All revisions are due by the Friday before finals week. Any questions, contact the School of Graduate Studies or the department. Thesis samples

Margins/Type/Spacing

Left margin = 1.5”; right, bottom and top = 1” Times New Roman, size 10 or 12 Double-spaced (long quotations and footnotes are single-spaced)

Triple space after every chapter title line Single space indented lengthy quotes

Title Page of Abstract (not numbered)

Title (ALL CAPS) Student’s name (ALL CAPS)

Date of graduation Abstract (not numbered)

No more than one page Approval page (not numbered)

Student’s name (ALL CAPS) Committee members named Date (month and year) of graduation

Title page of Thesis (not numbered; assumed i)

Title (ALL CAPS) Student’s name (ALL CAPS) Date of graduation

Acknowledgments (numbered ii)

No more than one page Small Roman numeral bottom center

Table of Contents Roman numerals bottom center Must list all headings and subheadings (including abstract, lists, tables, appendixes, references) List of headings/subheadings must match headings/subheadings of chapters EXACTLY

List of Tables and Figures

Format similar to Table of Contents Titles and captions must agree with titles and captions listed within document EXACTLY

Chapters

Chapter headings – ALL CAPS First page of each chapter numbered bottom center Remaining pages numbered top right (1/2” from top)

Appendixes

Title page only numbered bottom center Remaining pages numbered top right

References

Must be alpha, double-spaced Notes:

Western Illinois University School of Graduate Studies 1 University Circle Macomb, IL USA 61455-1390 Phone (309)298-1806; Fax (309)298-2345 www.wiu.edu/grad Email: Grad-Office@wiu.edu

7-2-13

p. 41

___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

________________________________

_______________

(Title)

An Abstract of

a Thesis

Presented to the Faculty of

(Department)

Western Illinois University

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Master of _________

By

(Student’s Name)

(Month, Year)

p. 42

ABSTRACT

Type a brief description of the problem, the methods, techniques and data used

and the major finding of the study. Abstract should not exceed 600 words

p. 43

_____________________________________

______________________________________

______________________________________

______________________

APPROVAL PAGE

This thesis by ___________________________ is accepted in its present form by

the Department of _______________________________ of Western Illinois University

as satisfying the thesis requirements for the degree Master of _________.

Chairperson, Examining Committee

Member, Examining Committee

Member, Examining Committee

Date

p. 44

___________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

________________________________

_______________

(Title)

A Thesis

Presented to the Faculty of

(Department)

Western Illinois University

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Master of _________

By

(Student’s Name)

(Month, Year)

p. 45

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Grateful acknowledgment is extended to [Name, Title] and committee members

[Names], for their valuable suggestions and guidance given in this thesis project. I

especially want to thank...

ii

p. 46

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

List of Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv - v

Chapter 1 - Introduction . . 1

Chapter 2 - Literature Review 8

Subtitle A

Subtitle B .

Subtitle C

. 8

. 14

19

Chapter 3 - Research Methodology 54

Chapter 4 - Findings & Analysis of Data 71

Chapter 5 - Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations 115

References Cited

Appendices .

120

125

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iii

p. 47

LIST OF TABLES

No. Title Page

I. Bureau of Prison Facilities Activated in last 5 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

II. Bureau of Prison Facilities in the Planning or Constructive Stage 17

III. Federal Prisoner Population Porjections (1996-2006) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

IV. Iowa Prison System (as of July 1, 2000) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

iv

. . . . .

p. 48

Graduate Student Research and Professional Development Fund: Application for Funding Spring 2012 Dilger/Mossman 1�

Proposal for Funding: “Title of My Project”

[Note we begin with a title which is descriptive. The document uses a header as well to ensure no

pages are misplaced.]

Write a very short summary of your project here: no more than two sentences, using as little

jargon as possible.

Description of Research Project

Describe your proposed project as specifically as possible.

If this connects to your thesis or capstone work, include a short discussion of that project. Then

more specifically, explain how your proposed project connects to this larger work.

If your proposal is not related to your thesis or capstone work, show that it remains a relevant

and important contribution to your work on the long term.

If you are proposing funding for a conference, seminar, or workshop which requires submitting

an abstract or similar statement, summarize this text in the main copy, and attach a copy as an

appendix.

This section should be no more than four double-spaced pages.

Your project and professional goals

Discuss how the project you propose will help you meet your professional and academic goals.

Think not only about specifics (conducting archival research, presenting at a conference, etc.) but

the potential to interact with scholars in your field of interest, receive feedback on your work,

begin cultivating a specialty as required by the graduate program, etc.

This section should be short.

Verification of Acceptance

Add this section if you are proposing that you attend a conference or similar activity which

requires a peer-reviewed abstract or proposal.

If you have been accepted: attach documentation (a letter, email, or conference program).

If you have not yet been accepted: explain that you are awaiting decision and will forward proof

of acceptance when it is available. For example:

I submitted my abstract in January and was informed I would not receive

verification of acceptance until March 15, 2012. As soon as I receive verification

of acceptance, I will forward the necessary documentation to the School of

Graduate Studies.

Itemized Budget

The budget is critical. It must be as accurate as possible and must show your need. You should

also follow University standards for travel whenever possible. Furthermore, if your research

project costs more than $500, you should show that you have procured (or at least requested)

funds from another source, including the College of Arts and Sciences.

p. 49

Graduate Student Research and Professional Development Fund: Application for Funding Spring 2012 Dilger/Mossman 2�

The sample table below includes categories relevant for attending a conference. Use categories

which fit your needs.

Item Description Requested from SoGS Cost Sharing Total

Travel Airfare (RT): $400

Airport Shuttle (RT):

$30

Airfare: $197

Airport Shuttle: $30

Airfare: $100 (requested

from Dept. of English &

Journalism)

Airfare: $103 (my

personal funds)

$430

Accommodations $25/night x 4 : $100

$100 -- $100

Food

Conference Meal

Plan: $68

Friday Conference

Banquet: $40

$108 -- $108

Other

(explain)

Conference

Registration Fee

(student rate): $65

$65 -- $65

Total $703 $500 $203 $703

The table should be followed with a narrative which is specific and refers clearly to the items

above. Use conference web sites and ask your faculty sponsor for help creating an accurate

budget. For travel, consult sites like kayak.com, expedia.com, etc., and do a little web searching

to find out if airport shuttles or other services are available.

Finally, use a spreadsheet and/or check your math!

p. 50

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Western Illinois University Application for Graduation School of Graduate Studies

Date: ________________________ WIU ID No. ________________________________________ (For security purposes do not enter Social Security num ber)

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Expected graduation date (Choose one): ____ Spring ____Summer ____Fall 20______

(NOTE: Must submit application by March 10 for spring graduation; June 10 for summer; October 10 for fall)

Do you plan to participate in a commencement ceremony? ___Yes ___No

If yes, which ceremony? (If your plans to participate change, please advise the Graduate Office as soon as possible.)

___Macomb (May) ___Quad Cities (May only) ___Macomb (December)

Print or type your name, using upper and lower case letters EXACTLY as you wish it to appear on your diploma.

Current address (commencement information will be mailed to this address):

Street City State Zip

Telephone number: ___________________________

Email address: ________________________________________________________

Diploma address (diploma will be mailed 6-8 weeks after commencement):

Street City State Zip

List below the courses you are now taking and/or plan to take. Please include credit to be transferred from another college or

university and indicate the school.

Dept./Course # Course Title Credit Hours Term to be taken

All students applying for graduation must complete an Alumni Register form. The form is located in the drop down

menu on STARS (www.wiu.edu/stars).

Students - Do not write below this line

Upon completion, return this form to the School of Graduate Studies Date diploma mailed:_________________ Western Illinois University 1 University Circle, Macomb, IL 61455. Phone 309.298.1806, Fax 309.298.2345 Email: Grad-Office@wiu.edu www.wiu.edu/grad

3-29-10

p. 51

Western Illinois University

Petition Form School of Graduate Studies

Date:

Name: WIU ID No:

Field of study:

Give full reason(s) for request: If petition is to be presented to the Graduate Council, student must provide rationale and

documentation to support appeal. Additional documentation may be attached to this form.

Student’s signature: ________________________________ Note: If petition is a request to change an F grade back to

an incomplete, an extension date must be indicated within Email address: the request. The course instructor must also sign.

Current address: Instructor: ___________________________________

Home address:

Students: Do Not Write Below This Line

Give full reason(s) for department/program recommendation: If petition is to be presented to the Graduate Council,

department must provide rationale for recommendation. Additional documentation may be attached to this form.

Recommendation Signatures

Graduate Committee action: ___Approve ___Deny Member/date:______________________________ (Should be someone other than department chairperson)

Department Chair recommendation: ___Approve ___Deny Chairperson/date: __________________________

Western Illinois University Final action by Graduate School: ___Approve ___Deny School of Graduate Studies

1 University Circle

Macomb, IL USA 61455-1390 Note (if any): __________________________________ Phone (309)298-1806; Fax (309)298-2345

www.wiu.edu/grad; Email: Grad-Office@wiu.edu Signature/date: _________________________________ 11-11-10

Form will not be processed without signatures.

p. 52

REQUEST TO ENROLL IN UNIV 695, CONTINUING ENROLLMENT

Applicant must complete this form, obtain the required signatures, and submit the form to the School of Graduate Studies, Sherman 116, to begin initial enrollment of 1 s.h. in UNIV 695. Following this term, the student will be automatically enrolled in UNIV 695 for fall and spring semesters until a final grade is received for the exit option activity and the degree is completed, or the time period to complete the degree is exceeded. The following regulations apply: 1. Applicant must have completed all coursework required for degree completion but have remaining incomplete grades in capstone/exit option course(s). 2. Applicant must have a degree plan on file in the School of Graduate Studies. TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT: Student’s Name ______________________________ WIU ID __________________________ Student’s Signature _____________________________ Date _____________________ UNIV 695 – Continuing Enrollment, 1 s.h. STAR # ______________________ Semester FALL SPRING 20____ TO BE COMPLETED BY ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT: Department Chair ___________________________________ Date _________________ Graduate Committee Chair ____________________________ Date ________________ TO BE COMPLETED BY SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES: Courses remaining for degree completion __________ Incomplete grade(s) in capstone hours ________ Approved _____ Denied ______ Enrolled Yes_____ No_____ Graduate School Signature _______________________________ Date ________________

p. 53