The faculty team is composed of a core faculty advisor assigned from the Independent Study Degree Program and two team members chosen by the student and approved by the faculty advisor. Team members must hold an advanced degree and are selected for their expertise in the student's fields of study. Team members offer academic and professional guidance, provide overall continuity in the student's work, and ensure academic integrity for each student's personalized program of study. They evaluate the appropriateness of the study plan to the student's fields of study, and student's progress in relation to the study plan. They are responsible for reviewing and critiquing the student's work and for providing a summary evaluation at the completion of the student's program.
Students meet with their faculty team four times during the program.
Unless other arrangements are made with the faculty advisor, these team meetings are held on the Lesley University campus. Beyond the required team meetings, students may schedule additional meetings with their core faculty advisors and with their team members, when mutually agreeable. Our location in the greater Boston area has allowed the program to build a substantial pool of competent, enthusiastic and highly-qualified team members for our students. If a student is unable to recommend team members, the faculty advisor will assist in locating appropriate candidates. At the beginning of each fall semester, a one-day colloquium is offered.