Independent Studies

LAU offers Independent Studies (IS) courses as an opportunity for students to earn credit for academic work outside of Williamsburg courses using an approved third-party curriculum. Through Independent Studies, students can fulfill the learning requirements of certain core subjects and electives. 

How It Works

You’ll select a curriculum at or above your student’s grade level that works well for them. Then, you’ll pay all costs associated with using the curriculum and submit the curriculum for review and approval. Once approved, your student must complete all course assignments and progress reports as assigned in Canvas and as explained below. If all course requirements are met, your student will receive academic credit on their LAU transcript.

For elective courses, you must arrange for your student to receive instruction from a qualified instructor at least four times during the semester. (If your student uses an approved curriculum for core subjects, they are not required to have outside instruction.) 

To maintain a high level of learning, all curricula must align with and meet Utah State Standards and be approved by LAU. Please refer to our Approved Curriculum list for options. Credit can only be awarded for IS courses using a curriculum at or above your student’s grade level.

Curriculum Approval

At the start of each semester, students are required to submit the chosen curriculum to LAU for review and approval. For IS Electives, students must also submit an Instructor Agreement form in Canvas. LAU will review and approve (or deny) curriculums before the semester add/drop deadline.

Students who do not show evidence of an eligible curriculum or qualified instructor by the semester add/drop date will be withdrawn from the IS course.

Past performance in Independent Studies classes will be considered as part of the approval process. Students who fail LAU IS courses may not be eligible to take these classes in the future.

If your student wants to use a curriculum not currently on our approved list, please contact our Independent Studies Coordinator as early as possible.

Grading & Assignments for LAU IS Courses

Need Help?

For questions regarding Independent Studies, please contact our Independent Studies & Funded Electives Coordinator.