The faculty advisor should help the student prepare the proposal, particularly where
the major-emphasis is concerned.
The faculty advisor should make sure that the proposal meets the aspirations of the
student.
The faculty advisor should make sure that the proposal completely satisfies the requirements
for an academically rigorous B.U.S. degree.
The student-advisor team should consider the prerequisites for and availability of
selected courses.
The team should consult actual departmental advisors or professors regarding questionable
courses and obtain written approval of any requirements waived.
The faculty advisor writes a letter for the student that explicitly states an understanding
of the sponsor's responsibilities and willingness to be a sponsor.
The letter should also strongly endorse the proposal.
This letter becomes part of the proposal, so it should be given to the student to
include in that document.
Once the proposal is complete, the advisor becomes its advocate and is invited to
appear with the student before the University Studies Committee to answer any questions
that might arise.
If a change in the approved major-emphasis curriculum becomes necessary, then it is
the faculty advisor's responsibility to approve any substitutions.
The faculty advisor must make sure that the substitution follows the theme and intent
of the original proposal.
The faculty advisor must make sure that the academic integrity of the program and
the various hour requirements for a B.U.S. degree are maintained.
The B.U.S. coordinator/advisor must be notified in writing of any adjustments in order
to make final approval and to update the student's file.
Before the student's final semester at the University, the student-advisor team will
need to design the details of the student's senior thesis or project.
This should involve at least 3 semester hours of independent study from the faculty
advisor's department that the faculty advisor will supervise and grade.
The student will need to consult with the faculty advisor from time to time.
How often is left to their discretion, though we hope it is often enough that both
share control of the degree.
