CSUMB Presidential Transition

The ILP, the proposal for the Individualized Learning Plan, is developed in ISSM 300, which provides a structure for students to create the case for the need and ability of the student to undertake this topic of focus for the ISSM major. This document includes a Statement of Purpose, Autobiography, MLOs, Ethics Statement, Bibliography, Conclusion, and Capstone Proposals Page, as well as summary of academic progress to the CSUMB ISSM degree.  It includes a signature page with a title for the ILP, the Topic of Study on which the course of learning is focused.

The ILP must be feasible in terms of CSUMB's learning resources, faculty expertise, and the other types of learning opportunities that are available or approved by CSUMB. The student's learning goals and outcomes must match CSUMB's vision and educational goals, ULRs, graduation requirements, and the learning experiences available through the existing degree programs. All ISSM students must consult with faculty members in the various areas they seek to combine within their topics of study, and obtain the approval of at least two faculty members at CSUMB from different departments.

The ISSM is unique in that it assigns a highly significant and proactive role to the student in developing and executing the student's learning program at CSUMB. This role requires that the student be considerably self-directed, highly motivated, and capable of successfully undertaking an independent learning program. ISSM students must assume primary responsibility for planning their learning programs and cultivating a collaborative relationship with two or more faculty members at CSUMB who are willing to advise and assist them throughout the completion of their special major. Therefore, ISSM students must take greater initiative and greater responsibility for shaping and implementing their learning program than most students in the other majors at CSUMB.

To gain approval, the ISSM proposal must have the following required elements:

  1. Proposed title of the student's Topic of Study.
  2. Statement of Purpose. A statement of how a student wishes to play a role in the world, and spend energies, express talents, interests, passions, and commitments and values; what learning develops the capacity to play this role; how CSUMB has majors and courses and programs that provide such learning if they are integrated into one coherent program of study. This statement will provide an explanation of why the student's goals cannot be achieved within one of the existing degree programs at CSUMB. It will explain how the student's learning goals can be achieved through combining the learning outcomes of two or more of the existing degree programs, including learning experiences that complement and/or integrate those drawn from existing degree programs.
  3. Introductory autobiographical statement that describes the student's academic and career goals, prior learning experiences and academic background, as well as their readiness/preparation for self-directed learning. What led to the commitments, values, visions, goals, and interests that inform this ILP? What led the student to CSUMB and to ISSM?

In addition, the ISSM Learning Plan must have the following required elements to gain approval:

  1. A description of each of the learning outcomes in the student's area of focus, how they relate to one another, how each outcome will be achieved (i.e., by a course at CSUMB, an internship, a service learning project, independent learning project, etc.), and how the achievement of each outcome will be assessed (i.e., by a course-based assessment, an independent faculty assessment of the student's competency, achievement of an acceptable score on a standardized examination, etc.). Depending upon the specifics of the proposed topic, this section may require between 2 to 5 pages of explanation.
  2. A brief description (1 to 2 paragraphs) of how the student plans to satisfy or has satisfied all ULRs (or their equivalents) and CSUMB's general graduation requirements.
  3. A brief discussion (1 to 2 paragraphs) of possible options for a capstone project that will effectively demonstrate the student's ability to integrate the various outcomes/competencies in their proposed concentration.
  4. The names of the faculty at CSUMB who have been consulted by the student and those who are willing to provide advice and support for the student through serving as members of their faculty advisory committee.
  5. A proposed time-line (tentative schedule) for the achievement of the various outcomes listed in the learning plan as well as the completion of the ULRs or their equivalents and university graduation requirements (e.g., second language, service learning, etc.).
  6. Ethics Statement. How a student imagines taking the Core Values, Mission, and ethics of CSUMB through this degree to the community through work, service, and learning.
  7. Bibliography (12-20 items minimum; this will be expanded, annotated, and developed in ISSM 395 and 400).
  8. Conclusion.

The ILP must be approved and signed by the ISSM Director/Advisor and/or Professor of ISSM 300 by the end of the semester in which the student takes the Integrated Studies Proseminar in order for the student to continue in the program. This will require the signatures of at least two faculty members from different departments prior to the signature of the ISSM representative.

ILP Template

The ISSM 300 course will outline and further develop the principles and policies of the ILP outlined here. The actual format of the ILP is subject to change and development in ISSM 300. Students should check with the Professor of ISSM 300 for specific advice on how to complete the ILP.

The information on this page is designed to provide an overall understanding of the ISSM degree, and is subject to update and change. Students should check with the ISSM professors, director, and advisor for up-to-date information.

 

Posted on Oct 01, 2010 -