ARTS 4301 - Advanced Drawing
Spring 2025 Syllabus, Section 201, CRN 25684
Instructor Information
Crystal Wagner, MFA
Assistant Professor of Art
Email: crystal.wagner@tamiu.edu
Office: FPA 226A
Office Hours:
M W 11:30-1:00pm
F 8:30-9:30am
or by appointment
Times and Location
Course Description
Additional Course Information
Course Structure
This course is designed to give students autonomy over their creative practice. Students will work on self-directed projects and participate in regular critiques, where they will receive constructive feedback.
Policies and Expectations
- Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory, and active participation is essential to your success in this course. You are expected to attend every class session on time and stay for the entire duration. More than two unexcused absences will negatively affect your grade, and additional absences may result in further penalties. If you anticipate an absence due to unavoidable circumstances, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor in advance and provide appropriate documentation. Excessive tardiness or early departures may also count as absences. NOTE: There will be times when the instructor is on location and not in the classroom. Projects will be submitted digitally, and students are required to be working in the studio at this time. Attendance will still be taken. - Deadlines:
Assignments must be submitted on time. Late work will be penalized unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor. Extensions will be considered only in exceptional circumstances and must be requested in advance. - Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism, dishonesty, or any form of academic misconduct will not be tolerated and will be addressed according to university policies. This includes submitting work that is not your own or failing to properly credit sources. - Inclusive Environment:
Respect and inclusivity are core values of this course. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of disrespect will not be tolerated. Everyone is expected to contribute to a positive and supportive learning environment. - AI Tools:
The use of AI tools, including ChatGPT, is strictly prohibited in this course. All work must be original and reflect the student’s individual effort and critical thinking. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disciplinary action. - Earbud/Headphones: The use of earbuds, headphones, or similar devices are allowed ONLY when instructor has music playing during studio work sessions. NO TV or MOVIES.
- Use of Cell Phones: The use of cell phones during class is strictly prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the instructor for instructional purposes. All phones must be silenced and kept out of sight during class sessions to ensure full attention and participation. Texting, taking calls, or using phones for non-class-related activities is disruptive and disrespectful to the learning environment. Repeated violations of this policy may result in a deduction of participation points or further disciplinary action.
- Participation Policy: Participation is essential for success in this course and will be evaluated based on:
- Attendance: Regular attendance and punctuality are required. Unexcused absences, tardiness, or leaving early will affect your participation grade.
- Engagement: Actively contribute to discussions, critiques, and workshops. This includes offering constructive feedback and sharing ideas.
- Preparation: Come to class with the required materials and assignments, ready to participate.
- Professionalism: Maintain focus and avoid distractions, such as cell phone use or disruptive behavior.
- BE AWARE OF COPYRIGHT LAWS IN ART: Falsely taking ownership of someone else’s work is a violation of the TAMIU Honor Code. What is Copyright? Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to the authors of “original works of authorship” that are fixed in a tangible form of expression. An original work of authorship is a work that is independently created by a human author and possesses at least some minimal degree of creativity. A work is “fixed” when it is captured (either by or under the authority of an author) in a sufficiently permanent medium such that the work can be perceived, reproduced, or communicated for more than a short time.
Program Learning Outcomes
This advanced drawing course emphasizes the development of independent, conceptually driven bodies of work that reflect a mature artistic voice. Students will refine their technical skills, push the boundaries of drawing as a medium, and engage in deeper conceptual exploration to create a cohesive and meaningful portfolio. With a focus on advanced techniques, experimentation, and innovative approaches, students will conduct self-directed research, develop project proposals, and execute works that align with their artistic goals. Regular critiques and critical discussions will challenge students to evaluate their work and the work of their peers, fostering a dynamic and professional studio environment.
Student Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will:
- Develop and execute a cohesive, conceptually driven body of work in drawing.
- Demonstrate advanced technical skills and innovative use of drawing media.
- Explore and refine their personal artistic voice.
- Critically evaluate their own work and that of their peers through critiques and discussions.
- Develop a broader understanding of contemporary drawing practices and how they inform their own artistic development.
Important Dates
Visit the Academic Calendar (tamiu.edu) page to view the term's important dates.
Textbooks
Other Course Materials
Required Materials
- Drawing paper (various sizes)
- Charcoal, graphite, ink, and other mixed media
- Sketchbook (11x14 minimum)
- Portfolio case for transporting work
- Fixative spray and other tools as needed based on individual projects
- Materials as needed
Weekly Schedule
NOTE: This schedule may change. If that happens, the syllabus and schedule will be revised.
Week 1 (Mon, Jan 22): Course Introduction and Foundations
- Overview of syllabus and course expectations.
- Introduction to the concept of a cohesive body of work: what it means and how to develop one.
- Presentation: Contemporary artists using drawing in cohesive series.
- Class Exercise: Large-scale collaborative drawing to explore materials and techniques.
- Sketchbook Exercise: Brainstorm themes or concepts for your series through freewriting and quick thumbnail sketches. Create at least 6 visual ideas connected to your chosen theme. Consider medium, format, etc.
Week 2 (Mon, Jan 27 & Wed, Jan 29): Identifying Themes and Concepts
- Monday: Class discussion on personal themes and concepts. Begin drawing
- Wednesday: Studio Day
Week 3 (Mon, Feb 3 & Wed, Feb 5): Concept Development
- Monday: Individual meetings to refine series concepts and discuss sketches.
- Wednesday: Studio time to begin developing the first piece in your series.
- Sketchbook Exercise: Experiment with textures, marks, and techniques that align with your theme. Create at least 5 texture studies or material tests.
Week 4 (Mon, Feb 10 & Wed, Feb 12): Project 1: Developing the Theme
- Monday: Studio time to work on the first piece of your series.
- Wednesday: Studio time continues; check-ins with instructor as needed.
- Sketchbook Exercise: Create 3 composition studies for your first piece, focusing on focal points, balance, and scale.
Week 5 (Mon, Feb 17 & Wed, Feb 19): Critique 1: Project 1
- Monday: Studio time to finalize Project 1.
- Wednesday (Critique): Present Project 1 for class critique and feedback.
- Due Wed, Feb 19: Completed Project 1.
- Sketchbook Exercise: Reflect on your first piece by creating a visual journal page with small sketches, color tests (if applicable), and notes about what worked and what could be refined further.
Week 6 (Mon, Feb 24 & Wed, Feb 26): Project 2: Expanding the Series
- Monday: Begin the second piece of your series, focusing on creating continuity with Project 1.
- Wednesday: Studio time to work on composition, technique, and thematic depth.
- Sketchbook Exercise: Create 5 small sketches exploring variations of the subject, composition, or techniques for Project 2.
Week 7 (Mon, Mar 3 & Wed, Mar 5): Refining Project 2 (Wagner in Arkansas for Radical. Available remotely)
- Monday: Studio time to develop Project 2 further.
- Wednesday: Studio time continues; midweek check-ins through digital submission. Wagner in Arkansas for Radical. Available remotely.
SPRING BREAK (Mar 10–16): No Class
Week 8 (Mon, Mar 17 & Wed, Mar 19): Independent Studio Time
- Instructor On Location in Arkansas: This week will be independent studio time.
- Monday: Students will continue developing Project 2 or begin preliminary work for Project 3.
- Wednesday: Submit digital documentation of works in progress for Project 2 to the instructor by the end of the day. Documentation should include high-quality images of the work and a brief written reflection on progress.
Week 9 (Mon, Mar 24 & Wed, Mar 26): Critique 2: Project 2
- Monday: Studio time to finalize Project 2 and prepare for critique.
- Wednesday (Critique): Present Project 2 for class critique and feedback.
- Due Wed, Mar 26: Completed Project 2.
- Sketchbook Exercise: Create 5 small thumbnail studies exploring potential compositions and visual flow for Project 3.
Week 10 (Mon, Mar 31 & Wed, Apr 2): Refining Project 3
- Monday: Studio time to develop Project 3 further.
- Wednesday: Studio time continues; midweek check-ins with instructor for targeted feedback.
Week 11 (Mon, Apr 7 & Wed, Apr 9): Critique 3: Project 3
- Monday: Studio time to finalize Project 3.
- Wednesday (Critique): Present Project 3 for class critique and feedback.
- Due Wed, Apr 9: Completed Project 3.
- Sketchbook Exercise: Create a reflective timeline of your series’ evolution through sketches, notes, and studies. Highlight key decisions and changes.
Week 12 (Mon, Apr 14 & Wed, Apr 16): Project 4: Culminating Work
- Monday: Begin the fourth and final piece of your series, pushing the theme to its fullest potential.
- Wednesday: Studio time to work on composition, technique, and refinement.
- Sketchbook Exercise: Create a detailed plan for your final piece, including studies of elements like texture, composition, and scale.
Week 13 (Mon, Apr 21 & Wed, Apr 23): Refining Project 4
- Monday: Studio time to develop and finalize Project 4.
- Wednesday: Continue refining Project 4 and preparing for critique.
Week 14 (Mon, Apr 28 & Wed, Apr 30): Final Critique: Cohesive Series
- Monday: Final preparation for critique; optional check-ins with instructor.
- Wednesday (Critique): Present your cohesive series of 4 completed works for comprehensive class critique and feedback.
- Due Wed, Apr 30: Completed cohesive series (all four projects).
Week 15: Final: Sketchbooks due. W May 7th, 1:10
Grading Criteria
Grading Scale
A 495-550 points (90-100%)
B 440-494 points (80-89%)
C 385-439 points (70-79%)
D 330-384 points (60-69%)
F 329-below points (59% or lower)
The course grade will be based on a total of 550 points, distributed as follows:
Projects 100 points each (400 points total)
Each project will be graded out of 100 points, based on the following criteria:
- Technical Skill: Mastery of drawing techniques and use of media. /40
- Conceptual Depth: Thoughtful development of ideas and creativity. /40
- Effort and Presentation: Evidence of significant time investment and /20
commitment to the creative process. Work is clean, well-prepared,
and presented professionally. Demonstrates attention to detail in
finishing.
Participation (100 points)
Participation will be evaluated on:
- Attendance: Consistent attendance and punctuality.
- Engagement: Active involvement in discussions, critiques, and studio work.
- Preparation: Coming to class with required materials and assignments.
- Professionalism: Maintaining focus, contributing constructively, and avoiding distractions (e.g., cell phone use).
Sketchbook (50 points)
The sketchbook will be graded on:
- Consistency: Completion of weekly sketchbook exercises as assigned.
- Exploration: Evidence of experimentation and creative thinking.
- Documentation: Reflection and visual note taking to support the development of your projects.
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
Week of | Agenda/Topic | Reading(s) | Due |
---|---|---|---|
1/22 | See schedule on syllabus |
University/College Policies
Please see the University Policies below.
COVID-19 Related Policies
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please refer to the Student Handbook, Appendix A (Attendance Rule) for instructions.
Required Class Attendance
Students are expected to attend every class in person (or virtually, if the class is online) and to complete all assignments. If you cannot attend class, it is your responsibility to communicate absences with your professors. The faculty member will decide if your excuse is valid and thus may provide lecture materials of the class. According to University policy, acceptable reasons for an absence, which cannot affect a student’s grade, include:
- Participation in an authorized University activity.
- Death or major illness in a student’s immediate family.
- Illness of a dependent family member.
- Participation in legal proceedings or administrative procedures that require a student’s presence.
- Religious holy day.
- Illness that is too severe or contagious for the student to attend class.
- Required participation in military duties.
- Mandatory admission interviews for professional or graduate school which cannot be rescheduled.
Students are responsible for providing satisfactory evidence to faculty members within seven calendar days of their absence and return to class. They must substantiate the reason for the absence. If the absence is excused, faculty members must either provide students with the opportunity to make up the exam or other work missed, or provide a satisfactory alternative to complete the exam or other work missed within 30 calendar days from the date of absence. Students who miss class due to a University-sponsored activity are responsible for identifying their absences to their instructors with as much advance notice as possible.
Classroom Behavior (applies to online or Face-to-Face Classes)
TAMIU encourages classroom discussion and academic debate as an essential intellectual activity. It is essential that students learn to express and defend their beliefs, but it is also essential that they learn to listen and respond respectfully to others whose beliefs they may not share. The University will always tolerate different, unorthodox, and unpopular points of view, but it will not tolerate condescending or insulting remarks. When students verbally abuse or ridicule and intimidate others whose views they do not agree with, they subvert the free exchange of ideas that should characterize a university classroom. If their actions are deemed by the professor to be disruptive, they will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action (please refer to Student Handbook Article 4).
TAMIU Honor Code: Plagiarism and Cheating
As a TAMIU student, you are bound by the TAMIU Honor Code to conduct yourself ethically in all your activities as a TAMIU student and to report violations of the Honor Code. Please read carefully the Student Handbook Article 7 and Article 10 available at https://www.tamiu.edu/scce/studenthandbook.shtml.
We are committed to strict enforcement of the Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code tend to involve claiming work that is not one’s own, most commonly plagiarism in written assignments and any form of cheating on exams and other types of assignments.
Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s work as your own. It occurs when you:
- Borrow someone else’s facts, ideas, or opinions and put them entirely in your own words. You must acknowledge that these thoughts are not your own by immediately citing the source in your paper. Failure to do this is plagiarism.
- Borrow someone else’s words (short phrases, clauses, or sentences), you must enclose the copied words in quotation marks as well as citing the source. Failure to do this is plagiarism.
- Present someone else’s paper or exam (stolen, borrowed, or bought) as your own. You have committed a clearly intentional form of intellectual theft and have put your academic future in jeopardy. This is the worst form of plagiarism.
Here is another explanation from the 2020, seventh edition of the Manual of The American Psychological Association (APA):
“Plagiarism is the act of presenting the words, idea, or images of another as your own; it denies authors or creators of content the credit they are due. Whether deliberate or unintentional, plagiarism violates ethical standards in scholarship” (p. 254). This same principle applies to the illicit use of AI.
Plagiarism: Researchers do not claim the words and ideas of another as their own; they give credit where credit is due. Quotations marks should be used to indicate the exact words of another. Each time you paraphrase another author (i.e., summarize a passage or rearrange the order of a sentence and change some of the words), you need to credit the source in the text. The key element of this principle is that authors do not present the work of another as if it were their own words. This can extend to ideas as well as written words. If authors model a study after one done by someone else, the originating author should be given credit. If the rationale for a study was suggested in the discussion section of someone else's article, the person should be given credit. Given the free exchange of ideas, which is very important for the health of intellectual discourse, authors may not know where an idea for a study originated. If authors do know, however, they should acknowledge the source; this includes personal communications (p. 11). For guidance on proper documentation, consult the Academic Success Center or a recommended guide to documentation and research such as the Manual of the APA or the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. If you still have doubts concerning proper documentation, seek advice from your instructor prior to submitting a final draft.
TAMIU has penalties for plagiarism and cheating.
- Penalties for Plagiarism: Should a faculty member discover that a student has committed plagiarism, the student should receive a grade of 'F' in that course and the matter will be referred to the Honor Council for possible disciplinary action. The faculty member, however, may elect to give freshmen and sophomore students a “zero” for the assignment and to allow them to revise the assignment up to a grade of “F” (50%) if they believe that the student plagiarized out of ignorance or carelessness and not out of an attempt to deceive in order to earn an unmerited grade; the instructor must still report the offense to the Honor Council. This option should not be available to juniors, seniors, or graduate students, who cannot reasonably claim ignorance of documentation rules as an excuse. For repeat offenders in undergraduate courses or for an offender in any graduate course, the penalty for plagiarism is likely to include suspension or expulsion from the university.
- Caution: Be very careful what you upload to Turnitin or send to your professor for evaluation. Whatever you upload for evaluation will be considered your final, approved draft. If it is plagiarized, you will be held responsible. The excuse that “it was only a draft” will not be accepted.
- Caution: Also, do not share your electronic files with others. If you do, you are responsible for the possible consequences. If another student takes your file of a paper and changes the name to his or her name and submits it and you also submit the paper, we will hold both of you responsible for plagiarism. It is impossible for us to know with certainty who wrote the paper and who stole it. And, of course, we cannot know if there was collusion between you and the other student in the matter.
- Penalties for Cheating: Should a faculty member discover a student cheating on an exam or quiz or other class project, the student should receive a “zero” for the assignment and not be allowed to make the assignment up. The incident should be reported to the chair of the department and to the Honor Council. If the cheating is extensive, however, or if the assignment constitutes a major grade for the course (e.g., a final exam), or if the student has cheated in the past, the student should receive an “F” in the course, and the matter should be referred to the Honor Council. Additional penalties, including suspension or expulsion from the university may be imposed. Under no circumstances should a student who deserves an “F” in the course be allowed to withdraw from the course with a “W.”
- Caution: Chat groups that start off as “study groups” can easily devolve into “cheating groups.” Be very careful not to join or remain any chat group if it begins to discuss specific information about exams or assignments that are meant to require individual work. If you are a member of such a group and it begins to cheat, you will be held responsible along with all the other members of the group. The TAMIU Honor Code requires that you report any such instances of cheating.
- Student Right of Appeal: Faculty will notify students immediately via the student’s TAMIU e- mail account that they have submitted plagiarized work. Students have the right to appeal a faculty member’s charge of academic dishonesty by notifying the TAMIU Honor Council of their intent to appeal as long as the notification of appeal comes within 10 business days of the faculty member’s e-mail message to the student and/or the Office of Student Conduct and Community Engagement. The Student Handbook provides more details.
Use of Work in Two or More Courses
You may not submit work completed in one course for a grade in a second course unless you receive explicit permission to do so by the instructor of the second course. In general, you should get credit for a work product only once.
AI Policies
Your instructor will provide you with their personal policy on the use of AI in the classroom setting and associated coursework.
TAMIU E-Mail and SafeZone
Personal Announcements sent to students through TAMIU E-mail (tamiu.edu or dusty email) are the official means of communicating course and university business with students and faculty –not the U.S. Mail and no other e-mail addresses. Students and faculty must check their TAMIU e-mail accounts regularly, if not daily. Not having seen an important TAMIU e-mail or message from a faculty member, chair, or dean is not accepted as an excuse for failure to take important action.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to download the SafeZone app, which is a free mobile app for all University faculty, staff, and students. SafeZone allows you to: report safety concerns (24/7), get connected with mental health professionals, activate location sharing with authorities, and anonymously report incidents. Go to https://www.tamiu.edu/adminis/police/safezone/index.shtml for more information.
Copyright Restrictions
The Copyright Act of 1976 grants to copyright owners the exclusive right to reproduce their works and distribute copies of their work. Works that receive copyright protection include published works such as a textbook. Copying a textbook without permission from the owner of the copyright may constitute copyright infringement. Civil and criminal penalties may be assessed for copyright infringement. Civil penalties include damages up to $100,000; criminal penalties include a fine up to $250,000 and imprisonment. Copyright laws do not allow students and professors to make photocopies of copyrighted materials, but you may copy a limited portion of a work, such as article from a journal or a chapter from a book for your own personal academic use or, in the case of a professor, for personal, limited classroom use. In general, the extent of your copying should not suggest that the purpose or the effect of your copying is to avoid paying for the materials. And, of course, you may not sell these copies for a profit. Thus, students who copy textbooks to avoid buying them or professors who provide photocopies of textbooks to enable students to save money are violating the law.
Students with Disabilities
Texas A&M International University seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons with disabilities. This University will adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to afford equal education opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to register with the Office of Student Counseling and Disability Services located in Student Center 126. This office will contact the faculty member to recommend specific, reasonable accommodations. Faculty are prohibited from making accommodations based solely on communications from students. They may make accommodations only when provided documentation by the Student Counseling and Disability Services office.
Student Attendance and Leave of Absence (LOA) Policy
As part of our efforts to assist and encourage all students towards graduation, TAMIU provides
LOA’s for students, including pregnant/parenting students, in accordance with the Attendance Rule (Section 3.07) and the Student LOA Rule (Section 3.08), which includes the “Leave of Absence Request” form. Both rules can be found in the TAMIU Student Handbook (URL: http://www.tamiu.edu/studentaffairs/StudentHandbook1.shtml).
Pregnant and Parenting Students
Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, harassment based on sex, including harassment because of pregnancy or related conditions, is prohibited. A pregnant/parenting student must be granted an absence for as long as the student’s physician deems the absence medically necessary. It is a violation of Title IX to ask for documentation relative to the pregnant/parenting student’s status beyond what would be required for other medical conditions. If a student would like to file a complaint for discrimination due to his or her pregnant/parenting status, please contact the TAMIU Title IX Coordinator (Lorissa M. Cortez, 5201 University Boulevard, KLM 159B, Laredo, TX 78041,TitleIX@tamiu.edu, 956.326.2857) and/or the Office of Civil Rights (Dallas Office, U.S. Department of Education, 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620, Dallas, TX 75201-6810, 214.661.9600). You can also report it on TAMIU’s anonymous electronic reporting site: https://www.tamiu.edu/reportit.
TAMIU advises a pregnant/parenting student to notify their professor once the student is aware that accommodations for such will be necessary. It is recommended that the student and professor develop a reasonable plan for the student’s completion of missed coursework or assignments. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (Lorissa M. Cortez, lorissam.cortez@tamiu.edu) can assist the student and professor in working out the reasonable accommodations. For other questions or concerns regarding Title IX compliance related to pregnant/parenting students at the University, contact the Title IX Coordinator. In the event that a student will need a leave of absence for a substantial period of time, TAMIU urges the student to consider a Leave of Absence (LOA) as outlined in the TAMIU Student Handbook. As part of our efforts to assist and encourage all students towards graduation, TAMIU provides LOA’s for students, including pregnant/parenting students, in accordance with the Attendance Rule and the Student LOA Rule. Both rules can be found in the TAMIU Student Handbook (https://www.tamiu.edu/scce/studenthandbook.shtml).
Anti-Discrimination/Title IX
TAMIU does not discriminate or permit harassment against any individual on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity in admissions, educational programs, or employment. If you would like to file a complaint relative to Title IX or any civil rights violation, please contact the TAMIU Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity/Title IX Coordinator, Lorissa M. Cortez, 5201 University Boulevard, Killam Library 159B, Laredo, TX 78041,TitleIX@tamiu.edu, 956.326.2857, via the anonymous electronic reporting website, ReportIt, at https://www.tamiu.edu/reportit, and/or the Office of Civil Rights (Dallas Office), U.S. Department of Education, 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1620, Dallas, TX 75201-6810, 214.661.9600.
Incompletes
Students who are unable to complete a course should withdraw from the course before the final date for withdrawal and receive a “W.” To qualify for an “incomplete” and thus have the opportunity to complete the course at a later date, a student must meet the following criteria:
- The student must have completed 90% of the course work assigned before the final date for withdrawing from a course with a “W”, and the student must be passing the course;
- The student cannot complete the course because an accident, an illness, or a traumatic personal or family event occurred after the final date for withdrawal from a course;
- The student must sign an “Incomplete Grade Contract” and secure signatures of approval from the professor and the college dean.
- The student must agree to complete the missing course work before the end of the next long semester; failure to meet this deadline will cause the “I” to automatically be converted to an “F”; extensions to this deadline may be granted by the dean of the college. This is the general policy regarding the circumstances under which an “incomplete” may be granted, but under exceptional circumstances, a student may receive an incomplete who does not meet all of the criteria above if the faculty member, department chair, and dean recommend it.
WIN Contracts
The Department of Biology and Chemistry does not permit WIN contracts. For other departments within the college, WIN Contracts are offered only under exceptional circumstances and are limited to graduating seniors. Only courses offered by full-time TAMIU faculty or TAMIU instructors are eligible to be contracted for the WIN requirement. However, a WIN contract for a course taught by an adjunct may be approved, with special permission from the department chair and dean. Students must seek approval before beginning any work for the WIN Contract. No student will contract more than one course per semester. Summer WIN Contracts must continue through both summer sessions.
Student Responsibility for Dropping a Course
It is the responsibility of the student to drop the course before the final date for withdrawal from a course. Faculty members, in fact, may not drop a student from a course without getting the approval of their department chair and dean.
Independent Study Course
Independent Study (IS) courses are offered only under exceptional circumstances. Required courses intended to build academic skills may not be taken as IS (e.g., clinical supervision and internships). No student will take more than one IS course per semester. Moreover, IS courses are limited to seniors and graduate students. Summer IS course must continue through both summer sessions.
Grade Changes & Appeals
Faculty are authorized to change final grades only when they have committed a computational error or an error in recording a grade, and they must receive the approval of their department chairs and the dean to change the grade. As part of that approval, they must attach a detailed explanation of the reason for the mistake. Only in rare cases would another reason be entertained as legitimate for a grade change. A student who is unhappy with his or her grade on an assignment must discuss the situation with the faculty member teaching the course. If students believe that they have been graded unfairly, they have the right to appeal the grade using a grade appeal process in the Student Handbook and in the Faculty Handbook.
Final Examination
All courses in all colleges must include a comprehensive exam or performance and be given on the date and time specified by the Academic Calendar and the Final Exam schedule published by the Registrar’s Office. In the College of Arts & Sciences all final exams must contain a written component. The written component should comprise at least 20% of the final exam grade. Exceptions to this policy must receive the approval of the department chair and the dean at the beginning of the semester.
Mental Health and Well-Being
The university aims to provide students with essential knowledge and tools to understand and support mental health. As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer access to Telus Health, a service available 24/7/365 via chat, phone, or webinar. Scan the QR code to download the app and explore the resources available to you for guidance and support whenever you need it. The Telus app is available to download directly from TELUS (tamiu.edu) or from the Apple App Store and Google Play.