GSLIS Gateway: Courses & Registration

4-to-3 Credit Implementation: FAQs

In April 2004, the Faculty approved a motion enabling GSLIS to move to a new course system. The Credit Implementation Committee was formed and met for the first time in November, beginning a process of planning for the implementation of the 3-credit system in the Fall of 2005. As GSLIS moves closer to implementation, we recognize that questions will continue to arise. If you have an issue that isn't addressed here, please email gsliscredit@simmons.edu.

-- Pat Oyler, Chair
November 7, 2004

To skip past list of questions to browse the FAQ, click here.

Why is the Simmons GSLIS program changing from a 4-credit to 3-credit system?page top
Simmons GSLIS is changing from a 4-credit to a 3-credit system to enable students to take more courses and to have a more in-depth education for the same number of credits and same tuition. This will also allow GSLIS to align itself more closely with other schools of library and information science -- there is only one other school on the semester system using 4-credits.

Does this change impact the number of credits needed for graduation? page top
No, it does not. The Simmons MSLIS program will continue to require a minimum of thirty-six credits for graduation.

How long do I have to complete the program? page top
Students have six years to complete the program. This policy remains as it always has been.

When does the change take effect?page top
The new credit system begins in Fall 2005. Students enrolling for the first time in the GSLIS program in Fall 2005 will come under the new system; students already in the program will have the option to choose whether to shift to the new system or to remain within the 4-credit system that existed when they originally began the program.

How will this impact my financial aid and health insurance?page top
For purposes of financial aid, students must have half-time status. To be considered 'half-time status' at Simmons College, graduate students must be enrolled in a minimum of five credits.

Any enrolled student at Simmons College may opt to take the health insurance coverage. Students who are not enrolled in a minimum of nine credits must contact the Student Financial Services Office to request to be billed for health insurance. Students who are enrolled in nine or more credits must purchase health insurance or complete the health insurance waiver form.

I am a currently enrolled student - does the change impact me? Do I have to choose now? page top
No. Although you must complete your degree within six years of entering the program, because you enrolled in the program by Summer 2005 you can
choose at any point beginning in Fall 2005 to take a course for four or three credits.

I am starting the program in Spring or Summer 2005 - under which credit system will I enter?page top
Because you are enrolling in the program prior to Fall 2005, you can either remain with your four credit courses or you may opt to take courses for three credits starting in Fall 2005. The program is thirty-six credits for all students.

If I choose to remain under the 4-credit system, will I be doing more work than the student who takes the same course for three credits? page top
If you started the program in Spring or Summer 2005, the course content will remain the same regardless of whether you are taking the course for four or three credits. During the transition period, classes will include students taking the same course for either four or three credits. Since GSLIS charges by the credit hour, there will be two different prices for the same course. All students entering the program by Summer 2005 will have the option to choose what works best for their own individual situation. In either case, the degree consists of thirty-six credits.

What happens to 2-credit/half-term courses? page top
Through an ongoing (but separate) curriculum revision process, the faculty is analyzing all of the current courses, including content, format, and how they relate to the learning outcomes that were voted in during the 2003-2004 academic year. If your plans include taking a 2-credit course, you should take it by Summer 2005. Read more about this...

In Fall 2005, I will have only one 2-credit class left to take - will I have to pay for 3-credits? page top
Students who need 2-credit courses should try to complete them prior to the fall of 2005. If a student is unable to do so, however, each case will be handled on an individual basis.

In Fall 2005, I will have only one 4-credit class left to take - will I be able to graduate if I only take a 3-credit course?page top
Because you are currently enrolled in the program, you will take the course for four credits.

In Fall 2005, I planned on taking eight credits - do I now have to take three 3-credit classes (and pay for nine credits) or can I take two 3-credit classes (and receive eight credits)?page top
If you entered under the 4-credit system, you will take two courses. You will receive four credits for each course (and you will pay for eight credits).

I only need six credits to graduate, and was planning on taking a 4-credit and a 2-credit class - what will happen under the new system?page top
You will be able to take two 3-credit classes, for a total of six credits.

I have been accepted for Spring 2005 (or Summer 2005) but plan on deferring enrollment for a semester or two - how does this impact me?page top
If you begin your program prior to Fall 2005, you will enter under the 4-credit system and you have the right to complete your program under that system. If you enter in Fall 2005, you will enter under the 3-credit system and that is the system you will follow for your degree.

What if I am in the Archives/History, SLTP, or DA program? page top
For students with questions about how this might affect the Archives/History, SLTP or DA program, please see that program's director.

I applied to the Simmons GSLIS program for admission in Fall 2005 under the assumption that I only needed to take a minimum of nine courses, and now I understand I have to take a minimum of twelve. This is not feasible given my personal situation. Is there any flexibility?page top
All students starting in Fall 2005 come under the new 3-credit system. If this doesn't work for your schedule, contact the Admission Office about starting in Summer 2005.

Who are the faculty/administration/student contacts for questions and concerns?page top
There are several students serving on the committee considering this issue. They will be reporting back to students and encouraging discussion via the LISSA eLearning. Please also feel free to directly contact any one of the following students, faculty, or staff:

Patricia G. Oyler, GSLIS Faculty, Chair
Robin Peek, GSLIS Faculty
Michele Cloonan, GSLIS Dean
Donna Dolan, College Registrar
Denise Davis, Asst. Dean, Admission & Recruitment
Jennifer Doyle, GSLIS Website and Special Projects Manager
Linnea Johnson, Asst. Manager, Information Technology
Alison Bozzi Zaya, Student Representative
Linda Carroll, Student Representative