Frequently Asked Questions About Interim

1. When are contracts for individually designed Interim projects due?

   October 9. Be sure you talk with your faculty sponsor early enough to complete the contract form before the October 9 deadline.

2. Can I drop my Interim project and add another?

   If you do it before the third day of the term. A student cannot add an Interim project or drop without a grade of "W" after the third day of Interim. If a student drops after the ninth day of Interim, a grade of "F" or "U" will automatically be assigned.

3. Can first-year students do contracts for individually designed Interim projects?

   Only sophomores, juniors, and seniors do contracts for individually designed projects. First-year students usually do projects on campus or either they travel with BSC faculty.

4. Can first-year students do internships?

   No, we believe students gain more from internships if they have had more coursework before they serve as interns.

5. Can I go to another college with an Interim term during January?

   Sophomores, juniors, and seniors may attend another institution with a 4-1-4 calendar for January if they have the approval of their advisor and the Director of Interim, who facilitates the 4-1-4 exchange for the student.

6. I was sick during the winter of my sophomore year. What do I do if I missed an Interim?

   A student may make up a missed Interim in any summer. Usually this means that a student will have to contract with a faculty member to do an individually designed project because no Interim projects are offered in the summer. Occasionally, however, a faculty member will sponsor a study-travel Interim project during the summer term.

7. Can I register Interim credit in the fall term?

   No, Interim credit may be registered only in January or in the summer.

8. What is a Senior Project and do I have to do one?

   Each student is required to do a Senior Project . This senior Interim is done in the student's major and is done for a letter grade (not satisfactory/unsatisfactory). It is usually an extensive project or a large piece of research.

9. Can I do an internship at my Dad's office?

   No, students are not allowed to intern with a relative, but oftentimes a parent or other family member can help to set up an internship for a student. Many students do internships in their hometowns during January.

10. Can first-year students do study-travel projects?

    Certainly! First-year students can travel with BSC faculty projects.

11. How much does Interim cost?

    The tuition charges for four Interims are included in with your regular tuition. If you must for some reason do an extra Interim, there will be a charge for that fifth Interim. If you do a study-travel project, you must pay travel costs, of course.

12. How do first-year students get into an Interim project?

    First-year students get to sign up for their Interims before registration. First-year students fill out a placement card, listing their top four choices of Interim projects. Then they are placed in one of those projects. Usually students get their first or second choice. This assures first-year students that a place will be held for them in a project they want.

13. How much does a study-travel project cost?

    Typically, study-travel costs about $2300-$4800. BSC faculty work to keep the project costs as low as possible. Interim Scholarships are available each year to assist students in realizing their dreams of travel

14. I'm interested in music. Should I try to do all of my Interim projects in music?

    We encourage our students to explore outside of their majors for the Interim term. Your Senior Project is required to be in your major, so broaden your liberal arts experience by doing your other three Interims in different areas.

15. If I have a double major, do I need two senior projects?

    Yes, one for each major.

16. Do I have to buy a meal ticket during Interim?

    No, you don't have to buy a meal ticket in January, but food service is available if you want it.