INTRODUCTION Welcome to the University of Southern Mississippi School of Library and Information Science! You have selected a rigorous program that will prepare you for the many opportunities and challenges of working in library and other information science fields. This document summarizes some of the important procedures and regulations that will govern your activities as you proceed toward your master of library and information science degree. When you first read this document, you may feel overwhelmed by the many "rules" governing your graduate career. However, having clear goals, objectives, and procedures help to ensure that students complete the degree in a timely fashion.
The material contained herein is not intended to substitute for or otherwise modify the regulations that are contained in the current Graduate Bulletin or in other official University documents. This document supplements and explains general University- and Departmental-level requirements as they might apply specifically to the graduate program in library and information science. This Policy and Procedures Manual will be updated periodically. If you find any portion of Manual to be unclear, or if you believe there are other topics that should be included please contact the current Director Dr. M. J. Norton, or post anonymously to the General Discussion Board in the coursesites.blackboard.com software identified as SouthernMissSLIS. There is a graduate guide that contains additional information on the courseware we use, the advising and schedule cycles, as well as many tips for easing your trip through our graduate program.
All students will be provided a copy of this document on entry to the program. You will be asked to read this document in the first week of your enrollment, and to sign a form to indicate that you have read this document and have had the opportunity to ask questions about its contents. The most recent copy of the document can be downloaded from the School of Library and Information Science website (www.usm.edu/slis/). You will be notified (via e-mail and listserv) every time the document is updated. Please download and read the updated document as soon as possible after receiving notification.
A RECOMMENDATION AS YOU BEGIN YOUR PROGRAM-OF-STUDY
It is recommended that you permanently retain a copy of the course syllabus for each of the graduate courses you take during your program-of-study at Southern Miss, as well as a copy of the Graduate Bulletin. Such information is occasionally useful to potential employers; future graduate programs and personal reflection on the character of your education. You are to retain copies of all major assignments and papers you complete while in the program. You will be required to submit a portfolio of work before being admitted to the Master's Project course, LIS 695. (This applies to all students admitted beginning in summer 2005. Students previously admitted will complete a comprehensive exam prior to completing their master's projects.)
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