A Planning Program for Worcester Polytechnic Institute: The Future of Two Towers - Part Four: A Plan

GLOSSARY

NOTE: A number of new academic concepts are introduced in the Plan. A problem of semantics arises when old words are placed in new situations. The following glossary covers words which have special definitions within the context of the Plan which follows.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION:

The examination required for the B.S. degree in which the student must demonstrate competence in his major field of study.

CONFERENCE (C):

A meeting of six or fewer students and one instructor for the purpose of discussion of the material in a Study-Conference by all participants, including review, development and extension of the topic under investigation, and solutions to specific problems. In addition, laboratory work may be performed where appropriate.

INDEPENDENT-STUDY AND PROJECTS (IS/P):

A basic educational tool of the College requiring individually motivated study of a problem or sub-problem under guidance of a staff member or an advanced student. Emphasis will be placed upon the student's learning what he needs to know to contribute to the solution of the overall problem. The investigation should culminate in a written report, possbily accompanied by an oral presentation, or a piece of equipment with a working manual.

INTERSESSION:

A three-week period (in January) during which there will be offered a series of concentrated presentations or seminars on special topics. These may be attended by students, faculty, and members of the professional community. Sessions may be presented by faculty, students, visiting scholars, or experts from industry and government. Acceptable work for each Intersession will establish 1/3 Unit. STUDY (S.): A basic element of instruction which will involve, on the average, four class meetings and 13 hours of outside work for a total student commitment of about 17 hours per week for one Term. (See VII, THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.)

STUDY-CONFERENCE (S-C):

A basic element of instruction which will involve, on the average, three hours of lecture, 2.5 hours of Conference, and 11-12 hours of outside work, for a total student commitment of about 17 hours per week for one Term. (See VII, THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM.)

SUFFICIENCY EXAMINATION:

An examination in which the student may establish his required qualification in a minor field of study.

TERM:

A basic period of study involving seven weeks.

UNIT:

A Unit may be developed through work evaluated as Acceptable (A), or Acceptable with Distinction (AD) in any combination of the following:

A Unit will generally consist of about 50 hours of work per week for seven weeks - one Term.

1. STUDY - 1/3 Unit per Study

2. STUDY-CONFERENCE - 1/3 Unit per Study-Conference

3. INTERSESSION - 1/3 Unit per Intersession

4. INDEPENDENT-STUDY AND PROJECTS-1/6 Unit minimum for literature search or write-up, but normally at least 1/3 Unit extending up to one full Unit for full-time work in this area per Term

5. Physical Education - 1/12 Unit per Term of participation