Registration Steps

Complete all steps of the registration process described below no later than the last day of the Add/Drop period for the semester of registration. The initial faculty advisor meeting must take place no later than 1 month prior to the last day of the Add/Drop period. 

For Spring 2025, the deadlines are:

• November 15, 2024 -  Meet with Professor Stanaitis
• December 15, 2024 – Proposal Due

The proposal deadline must be met to be eligible for Spring 2025 SRP Registration.

For specific dates, please consult the Academic Calendar. 

Once all steps are completed, and your faculty and academic advisors have electronically approved your registration request, the registration will be processed within 3-5 business days and the credits added to your schedule.

1. Meet with Faculty Advisor and develop the required project proposal. The required proposals for each type of project are:
   • Independent Study (SIS-690): A syllabus (1-2 pages) for the proposed independent study that identifies: 1) the learning objectives for the study, 2) the reading, research, or other projects to be completed during the semester, and 3) how the independent study will be evaluated, including any relevant deadlines.
   • Substantial Research Paper (SIS-795): A brief research proposal (2-3 pages). A typical proposal will: 1) identify a research question(s), 2) describe the method(s) that will be used to answer the question, and 3) explain the importance or relevance of the project to current policy or academic debates.
2. (SIS-795 Only) Find a content expert. The content expert professor is critical for the student’s ability to successfully complete the SRP. 
3. Once your faculty advisor approves your proposal, complete the electronic Independent Study Registration Form. You will need to log in with your AU credentials to access the form.
4. In the online form, enter the following pieces of information:
   • Term: Enter the semester and year in which you are going to be conducting your independent research.
   • Subject: SIS
   • Number: Enter the "number" associated with the project you are registering. The corresponding numbers for each type of project are:
     • 690: Independent Study
     • 795: Substantial Research Paper
   • Type: Select "A-F" from the dropdown menu. All projects must be graded A-F
   • Number of Credits: Select the number of credits associated with your project from the dropdown menu. Please consult your academic advisor if you are unsure about the number of credits you should register for.
     • Substantial research papers are 3 credits
     • Independent studies are 1-3 credits
   • Title: Enter your project's title. For SRPs, this is the topic/title of your paper and should not be "SRP" or "Substantial Research Paper." There is a 30 character limit. 
   • Description: Brief project description
   • Will this independent study be in COMM?: No
   • Will this independent study fulfill the AU Core Capstone Requirement? (Undergraduates only): No
   • Faculty Advisor: Enter the name of the faculty member who will serve as your primary project supervisor. This is not your Content Expert. 
   • Academic Advisor: Academic advisor in the IR Online Advising Office (not a faculty member or student success coach)
5. Attach the approved project proposal addendums (from Step 1) to the Independent Study Registration Form.
6. Sign the form and press "Submit."
   • Please note: After submitting your Independent Study Registration Form, you will be redirected to a blank screen. You will receive a confirmation email from the Office of the Registrar.
7. If your project will involve any international travel, complete the Graduate Global Program (GGP) Application and Trip Information form. Note: the Trip Information form must be reviewed by your academic advisor.

By submitting the registration material for an independent study or substantial research paper, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the following policies:

• Human Subject Research: If any portion of your research involves human subjects as defined by American University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the Protection of Human Subjects, you must receive prior approval by the IRB or its designee before conducting the research project. To determine whether your research requires IRB approval and to learn more about the approval process, please visit the IRB website or consult your faculty supervisor.
• Academic Integrity: Standards for academic conduct are established by the University's Academic Integrity Code. By registering for an independent study or substantial research paper, you acknowledge that you are aware of the Academic Integrity Code and a student's rights and responsibilities as defined by the Code. This includes understanding and recognizing plagiarism. Please see your faculty supervisor if you have any questions about the academic violations described in the Code in general or as they relate to particular requirements for your project.

Last updated 28 Sept 2023.