A note on independent study

Independent study is a funny little pocket of academics that I think is a little confusing for students.  Sometimes I think students feel entitled to register for an independent study (often without asking the instructor first) or that it's an option for them at any point in their academic career.  Here are a few things you might not know about independent studies, my dear students.

Professors are not paid extra to teach independent study courses.  Also, they are in addition to our regular teaching load and they are often more work than a regular course because we have to create something from scratch and usually at the last minute.

You might also reflect upon why you need the independent study.  Is it because you didn't plan your degree well and you want to graduate this semester and need another course?  Is it because you forgot to complete your requirements and now you need me to help you so you can graduate on time?  Or is there a valid reason that a particular course is not available to you (and failing to register until the first day of classes so that the one you need is full is not a valid reason)?

Independent study courses should be just as much, if not more, work than a normal course.  Even though you might only be meeting with your instructor once a week rather than two or three times doesn't mean you should expect only one third of the work.  You should actually take advantage of the one-on-one time with your instructor and use it to get some good work done.

If you are willing to put in the work, please do not inform an instructor that you need an independent study.  As I stated, we don't get compensated for the extra amount of work this course will be.  Just because your friend got one last semester doesn't mean you should get one this year.  Sometimes an instructor will grant a request for an independent study, but they should not nor should they be asked to make it a regular occurrence.  I have been teaching an independent study each semester since I arrived here and I'm taking a break.  Please stop asking and then giving me a nasty look when I tell you I'm not offering one next semester.

Thanks, bye.