FAQs

 

Prospective Students

Financial Aid, Fees, Registration and Student Records

SIS and Degree Information

Online Program/Online Courses

Practicum

WSU Campus Information

Technology Information

Employers

 


 

Prospective Students

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Financial Aid, Fees, Registration and Student Records

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SIS and Degree Information

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Online Program/Online Courses

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Practicum

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WSU Campus Information

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Technology Information

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Employers

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Prospective Students

How do I request an information packet?

Request an information packet online.
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What are the SIS admission requirements?

Admission Requirements www.sis.wayne.edu/admissions
Admission to SIS is contingent upon admission to the Wayne State University Graduate School; for requirements, please refer to the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin.

In addition, Master of Library and Information Science applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
  1. Possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a balance of study consisting of at least 45 credits of course work in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
  2. Have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 or better or possess another degree beyond the bachelor's degree. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average between 2.50 and 2.99 can satisfy this requirement by one of the alternative methods listed below.
    1. Submit evidence of post-baccalaureate graduate course work completed with a grade point average of 3.0 or better in a minimum of 12 graduate credits

      or
       
    2. Submit an official score report for either of the following standardized tests taken within the last five years
    3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE): official score report for the GRE taken within the last five years must indicate a total score of 950 on the combined verbal and quantitative portions. The verbal portion must have a score of at least 500. You may register online at the ETS website. Wayne State University's institution code is 1898.
    4. Miller Analogies Test (MAT): official score report for tests taken within the last five years must indicate a score of at least 410. For MAT information and testing center locations go to Miller Analogies website.
  • Submit a goals statement reflecting relevant personal and academic background and experience. Please limit your statement to 250 words.
  • Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Meet the SIS Program Technology Requirements.
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What are the SIS application requirements?

How to apply to the WSU School of Information Sciences:
  1. Complete the Graduate Admissions Application form online.
  2. Compose a personal statement of 250-500 words and include a current resume or curriculum vitae.
    These materials should be uploaded to your online application. Please download the Personal Statement form to access the personal statement guidelines.
  3. Request official transcripts from each university you attended and have them sent directly to:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Wayne State University
5057 Woodward
Suite 6000
Detroit, MI 48202, USA

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Do I need to take the GRE or MAT?

If your GPA is between 2.50 and 2.74, taking the GRE or MAT is required if you do not possess another degree beyond the bachelor's degree or if you have not completed 12 post-baccalauraete credits with a minimum 2.75 GPA. See admissions requirements.
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What is the minimum grade point average to get into the school?

2.75 GPA. See admission requirement.
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Do international students have to take the TOEFL Exam?

Yes, all applicants are required to submit evidence of proficiency in English to the Office of Graduate Admissions. A minimum score of 550 is required on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a score of 85 is required on the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) or a minimum score of 6.5 is required on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). If taking the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 213 is required.

The following applicants are exempt from taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) test, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS):
  • International students whose native language is English
  • Applicants who have completed all their secondary or postsecondary education in the United States, Canada, or other English speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, the West Indies, and other countries specified by the Wayne State University Office of University Admissions
  • Applicants whose native language is not English, but who have been instructed in the English language, are not exempt from the TOEFL/MELAB/IELTS requirements
  • Further information for international students can be found on the website for the Office of International Students.
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Can international students move to campus, enroll in the on-campus MLIS program and get GSA positions to fund their education??

No. Since the majority of SIS classes are conducted online, it is difficult for international students who wish to be on-campus to meet and maintain student visa requirements for enrollment in a certain number of on-campus courses per semester. Thus, international students who reside in North America are encouraged to not to move to campus, but simply to enroll in the MLIS program's online option. If a student cannot be on-campus, they are not eligible for GSA positions.
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Can commuting Canadians enroll in the on-campus MLIS program?

Commuting Canadians should not enroll in the on-campus MLIS program. Since SIS classes are conducted online, it is difficult for international students who wish to be on-campus to meet and maintain student visa requirements for enrollment in a certain number of on-campus courses per semester. Thus, Canadian students are encouraged to enroll in the MLIS program's online option.You can find more information in our Admissions Process page.
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When is the application deadline?

You can find more information on our Admissions Process page.

Application Dates for Admission*
For Fall classes beginning early September by July 1
For Winter classes beginning early January by October 1
For Spring classes beginning early May by March 15

For international students, the application form and all transcripts and documents must be on file in the Graduate Admissions Office at least four months before the start of the term in which the applicant plans to begin graduate studies.

For additional information on Graduate School Admission, refer to the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin.

*These application dates are set by the Graduate School. Keep in mind that having your application into the WSU Graduate School by the submission date does not guarantee a spot in the SIS for that particular semester. Please plan accordingly. You can find more information in our Admissions Process page.
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How long until I find out if I've been accepted?

4-6 weeks for regular domestic applications
8-12 weeks for international applications
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How do I find out my admissions status?

As confirmation that their application has been received, WSU's division of C&IT will send all applicants a personalized WSU Access ID and password. If you have access to the Internet, you can use this Access ID and password to log into Academica to track the status of your application materials, to see that all transcripts have been received, checks cashed, etc.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can call Graduate Enrollment Services at 313.577-GRAD (4723) to check the status of your application. Or, you can call SIS at 313.577.1825.
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I'm a prospective student who has not yet been admitted, but I would like to speak to an advisor. Who do I contact?

Please visit our listing of faculty and staff. The SIS staff is available to answer any general questions you may have about the school. Please call the SIS Main Office at (313) 577-1825 or toll-free (877) 263-2665. Prospective students may also contact Matt Fredericks, Academic Services Officer, at aj8416@wayne.edu or 313-577-2446.

Prospective students with questions about the program are advised to attend one of our Prospective Student Information Meetings
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Is completion of the online orientation required for everyone?

MLIS students are expected to complete an online orientation prior to starting classes. The initial learning activities planned are important in making your first weeks as a student in the school as productive and stress-free as possible. For more information on orientation, please visit our orientation page.

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Financial Aid, Registration and Student Records

What are the dates for registration?

The registration calendar can be found on the Office of the Registrar website.
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When is tuition due?

Tuition due dates can be found in the registration calendar.
General information about tuition can be found on the Records and Registration website.

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How much is tuition?

A current tuition chart can be found at the Records and Registration Tuition and Fees page.

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Do online students pay the omnibus fee?

Yes, the omnibus fee goes toward supporting the technology infrastructure of the school. Although the school does have some computers and equipment available for on-campus classes and students, the bulk of the money goes to support the infrastructure necessary to administer our distance learning program.

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I'm an Ontario/Ohio resident - do I pay regular Michigan tuition?

Ohio/Ontario Good Neighbor Policy
Under the Wayne State University "Good Neighbor" program, residents of Fulton, Lucas, Ottawa and Williams counties in Ohio or Ontario, Canada, who enroll in WSU academic programs, excluding the M.D. program, will have the non-resident portion of fees waived. Please direct questions concerning the WSU "Good Neighbor" program to 1-877-WSU-INFO [1-877-978-4636].

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What are the drop dates for this semester?

Dates concerning dropping classes can be found on the registration calendar.

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What options are available for financial aid?

The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) at Wayne State University annually administers financial aid funds from federal, state, university and private sources. Some financial aid programs are need-based, other programs are non-need based, and awards are given in recognition of special skills, talents, or academic ability. Financial Aid at Wayne State is awarded in the form of a "package" and generally consists of four types of aid: grants, scholarship, loans, and employment.
Information about applying for Financial Aid can be found here.

Financial assistance may be available to new and continuing SIS students. Scholarships, graduate student assistantships, work-study opportunities and Wayne State University student loans are available. Please note that international students are not eligible for financial aid but may be eligible for program scholarships or assistantships.

For the list of SIS Scholarships and an application form, please visit the Scholarships and Financial Aid page.

For information on student employment and graduate student assistantships please visit our Student Employment page.
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The class I need to register for is closed. Is there any possible way for me to add into this class?

Each semester the SIS compiles a wait list for its full classes. Students will be able to sign-up online when the waitlist is posted to the the SIS listserv, SISINF.

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How many credit hours do I need to be considered a full-time student?

The university considers a program of eight graduate credits per semester to be full-time study.

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I was unable to get into a class--will I be able to register next semester? What do I need to do?

If a student is unable to register for classes during the semester for which they applied, they must fill out a Graduate Renewal Application.

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I applied late. Can I get approved for temporary enrollment or can I get a Permit to Register?

No. SIS does not approve Permits to Register. You must be fully admitted to the school in order to register for classes.

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How do I adjust the credit hours for a 2/3 credit-hour practicum?

Students can change the number of credits for variable credit hour courses in Academica. If you want to increase the number of credits, click on the Cred column link. This will take you to the Change Class Options screen. Enter the number of credits and click on the Submit Changes button. To view the changes on your current schedule, click on the Return to Add/Drop Classes Menu.

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Who do I notify if my name or address changes?

When students' personal information changes, they should notify the school office as soon as possible. Students should complete the name/address change process and submit it to the SIS office located in room 106 Kresge Library, email it to asksis@wayne.edu or fax it to 313-577-7563. Address changes can also be completed by logging into Academica. Click on the Student Tab and make changes under the View Personal Information link. Students should still notify the SIS office of any changes. Name changes will require students to bring their new social security card to the Student Records office at 5057 Woodward Ave.

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SIS and Degree Information

How many credits are required for the Master of Library and Information Science?

Master of Library and Information Science https://sis.wayne.edu/mlis

The Master of Library and Information Science degree requires a minimum of 36 graduate-level credits distributed as follows: 18 credit hours in the Library and Information Science professional core and a minimum of 18 credit hours in an area of professional specialization. A maximum of six credit hours in courses outside SIS may be accepted as cognates.

Core Classes
INF 6010 Foundation for the Information Professions
INF 6080 Fundamentals of Information Technology
INF 6120 Access to Information
INF 6210 Organization of Knowledge
INF 7040 Management and Leadership
OR
INF 7310 School Library Media Programs
(Students in the School Library Media Specialization are required to complete INF 7310 instead of INF 7040.)
INF 7996 Research for the Information Profession

All core/required classes are 3 credit hours.

Elective Classes
Students choose elective classes in consultation with their faculty advisor. See also: Areas of Interest and Suggested Classes.
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What are the requirements for the Certificate in Archival Administration?

Required:
INF 7710 Archival Administration
INF7685 Practicum in Archives - Prerequisite INF 7710 plus nine AAC hours
INF 7780 Description and Access for Archives
Electives:
INF 6780 Records Management
INF 7730 Administration of Audio Visual Collections
INF 7740 Archives & Libraries in the Digital World
INF 7750 Introduction to Archival & Library Conservation
INF 7770 Oral History
INF 7885 Cultural Heritage Institutions: Management and Leadership

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What are the requirements for School Library Media Endorsement?

Requirements for school library media (SLM) endorsement are set by the State of Michigan. SIS ensures that completed coursework meets state requirements. Please note that SIS does not determine what those requirements are. More information is available here.
  1. Michigan Teaching Certificate - Students seeking endorsement must have a valid Michigan teaching certificate in order to be endorsed as a school library media specialist in the State of Michigan.
  2. Michigan Test for Teacher Certification - Students must pass the library media subject exam portion of the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) before they can become endorsed.

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How many credits can I transfer?

It is possible to transfer up to a maximum of six credits from another institution, however, the courses must meet certain criteria and must be approved by your faculty advisor (assigned upon admission).

The criteria are:
  1. The credit is certified as graduate-level and is from an accredited graduate institution
  2. The grade is at least a B or higher
  3. The course did not provide credit toward a previous degree
  4. The credit was earned within the six-year time limit of the master's degree
  5. The credit is beyond the 24-credit hours required in residence at WSU
  6. The credit is approved as appropriate to the student's degree program by their advisor
  7. A syllabus of the course to be transferred must be submitted to the school
For more specific information about transfer credits, see the Wayne State University Graduate Bulletin.

Petition for Transfer of Graduate Credit Form

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Can undergraduate credits be used toward the MLIS degree?

No, under no circumstances may undergraduate credits be used toward this graduate degree. Transfer credits must be certified as graduate level on an official transcript from an accredited institution.

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What is a Plan of Work?

The Plan of Work (POW) serves as a statement of the student's academic objectives and constitutes a contract between the student and the university. Each student must file a POW with SIS upon completion of the first nine hours of course work. The POW should be completed with the guidance and direction of the student's faculty advisor. It is the student's responsibility to draft a POW and to obtain the faculty advisor's approval and signature. Students must file a POW in the required time period or an academic hold will be placed preventing further registration. Following SIS approval of the POW, notice of candidacy status is forwarded to WSU Student Records and the completed document is retained in the student's folder in the SIS files. This document becomes the official list of courses to be completed satisfactorily by the student for fulfillment of the requirements for the MLIS degree.

Any change in a student's course planning requires that a Change in Plan of Work (CPOW) form be completed in consultation with the faculty advisor prior to registration. Deviation from the POW without notification of change can result in delayed graduation. Plan of Work (POW) and Change in Plan of Work (CPOW) forms can be found on our Forms page.

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What is the job outlook for someone with an MLIS? What can you do with a MLIS?

Engaged in challenging careers, qualified information professionals are working in varied settings all over the globe. Librarians held about 134,800 jobs in 2018. Employment of librarians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Communities are increasingly turning to libraries for a variety of services and activities. Therefore, there will be a need for librarians to manage libraries and help patrons find information. (Occupational Outlook Handbook)

With more than 50 percent of today's gross national product related to the management of information, career opportunities for individuals trained in library and information science are abundant and diverse.

Information professionals will have a wider than ever choice of where and how to apply their knowledge and abilities. Exciting career opportunities exist in both the public and private sectors, including business, law, medicine, publishing, government, archives and museums, communications and media, engineering, academic environments, and pre K-12 education. Check the 'Library Journal's' October issue each year to review annual statistics on information sciences placements.

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What are the faculty members' areas of interest? Who advises for specific specializations?

See the faculty directory.

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What are the SIS Office hours?

The School of Information Sciences main office hours are:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Faculty have varying office hours each semester. To schedule an appointment with a faculty member, please contact the main office at 313-577-1825 or toll-free at 1-877-263-2665. 

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Where is the School of Information Sciences located?

Location, Driving Directions and Parking

The School of Information Sciences main office is located in the Purdy/Kresge Library, Room 314.4 Kresge. Administrative offices are located in 106 Kresge. 

For driving directions to the Purdy/Kresge Library, please visit our Contact Information page.

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Online Program/Online Courses

What is the difference between the traditional and the online MLIS options?

The traditional program is for local students who want to take as many courses face-to-face as possible or who want courses (such as Archives) that are currently not available in an online format. The online option, favored by most students for most classes, is designed for students who live too far from campus to attend face-to-face classes or who like the convenience that online courses provide. All students in the online program qualify for in-state tuition so this option makes an MLIS from Wayne State an affordable degree for any student.

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Can I dual enroll in the traditional and online program?

No, students apply and are admitted to only one program. Students must choose traditional OR online. Students may request to change programs by completing the Change of Status form.

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Can I switch the format of my program?

Yes, students may request to change the format of their program by completing the Change of Status form. The requested change will be reviewed by the program director and is not automatically granted. Note: Students are only allowed to switch once.

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How much time should I expect to spend per credit hour outside of class studying/finalizing assignments/reading?

A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that reasonably approximates not less than:

1. one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time; or

2. at least an equivalent amount of work for other activities, including laboratory work, internships, practicums, studio work, and other academic work leading to the award of credit hours.

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Can traditional students take online classes?

Yes, traditional students can take online classes on a space available basis. In fact, many of the students enrolled in online classes are traditional students. It's just that online students "" because they cannot take traditional classes "" get priority enrollment in online courses.

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Can international students take online courses?

International students not enrolled in the fully online program are restricted to one online class per semester to maintain their F1 Visas. More information is available through the Office of International Students and Scholars.

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How does an online course work?

Faculty use Canvas, a course management tool, for posting lectures and assignments. Students participate by contributing to discussion boards, chat rooms and/or email conversations. Videos of lectures may be available through a variety of platforms including Canvas. Assignments are submitted electronically through email, websites and Canvas submission tools.

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Can all courses for the MLIS degree be taken online?

Yes, if you are enrolled in the online program, the MLIS degree can be obtained completely online. Traditional students may have the opportunity to take online courses, but online course availability is not guaranteed.

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Who teaches online courses?

Both full-time and adjunct faculty lead our online courses. With a network of over 80 adjunct faculty members, the SIS utilizes the knowledge and practical experience of subject specialists working in the field nationwide.

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How do I find out which classes are offered online?

Please refer to the Class Schedules. Course offerings are divided between online, on-campus and distance sites.

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Is the online program accredited?

Yes, both the traditional and online MLIS programs are accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).

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When can I apply for the online program?

Applications for the online program are accepted during Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer semesters. Students are admitted to the program on a rolling basis. Please visit our Admission Process page for deadlines and requirements.

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Are there technology requirements for students?

Yes; you can find the complete details of the program's technology requirements at our Technology Requirements page.

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Will online students interact with on-campus students?

Yes! First, online students will have the opportunity to meet on-campus students during faculty & student lunches held each semester. In addition, many student associations conduct web-based meetings so that online students can participate in the activities of the WSU chapters of information sciences professional associations.

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What are the tuition rates and fees for the online program?

Online students pay the same tuition and fee rates as Michigan residents. Please visit our Tuition and Fees page for current rates.

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Practicum

What is entailed in a practicum course?

The 3-credit practicum requires a minimum of 135 hours on-site. In addition, students are also required to attend three seminars, maintain a journal, do an analysis of their experience and are responsible to see that the evaluation from the practicum institution is sent to the Practicum Supervisor.

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When may I apply for a practicum?

The practicum application deadlines are as follows:

  • Fall Semester: June 1
  • Winter Semester: October 15
  • Spring/Summer Semester: March 1

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May I take a practicum anytime during my work on my degree?

Students must have completed a minimum of 24 hours, which includes INF 6010, 6080, 6120, 6210 and 7040. Relevant electives should be selected to prepare you for the type of practicum experience you are seeking.

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May I complete my practicum where I currently work or have worked?

Students are not placed where they are working or have worked or volunteered. This avoids conflicts of interest.

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May I get paid for the practicum?

Students may receive payment while they are completing coursework for the practicum for credit.

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Does the practicum site need to have a professional librarian on duty to provide supervision?

The practicum site must provide professional oversight.

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Since I am currently working, I would like to schedule my practicum hours in the evening and on weekends.

It is best when placements are to be scheduled to provide full exposure to the full working week, days, nights, and weekends.

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May a practicum be spread over two semesters?

Only in special and unusual circumstances will permission be granted to spread the practicum over two semesters (i.e. such as wanting to start the practicum in November and finishing early February).

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May two practica be selected as a part of a student's course work?

The answer is "No" except for the following two exceptions:

If a student is enrolled in the Archival Administration Certificate Program, a second non-archival practicum maybe approved.

If a student is taking more than 36 hours for their master's degree, a second practicum maybe approved.

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Are there preferred semesters to take a practicum?

Students who want to do reference work in an academic library should be aware that for a quality experience the practicum should be taken in either the fall or winter semesters. The reference desk from late May on sees little reference activity and does not allow for a quality experience.

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When are the seminars?

Dates for the seminars are scheduled online with the practicum coordinator each semester. The confirmation email will inform the student as to the dates and times of the seminar. This confirmation of placement site is sent to the student 21-30 days prior to the beginning of the semester they are registered to take a practicum.

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Where can I get additional information about the practicum?

The practicum guideline/application form is available on the school's website.

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WSU Campus Information

What are housing options as a Wayne State Student?

For on-campus and off-campus housing please see the website for the Office of Housing and Residential Life.
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Where can I get information regarding parking issues?

See the website for Parking and Transportation Services.
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Where can I get a map of campus parking lots?

See the campus map.
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Technology Information

What are the SIS technology requirements?

Students must have basic computing skills to be successful at SIS. Please visit Technology Requirements page for detailed computer competencies, computer requirements and internet/email guidelines.

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How do I get Microsoft Office?

Microsoft Office is available as a free download for SIS students. It is highly recommended that you download this program using a computer with a high-speed internet connection. For more information on software downloads, click here.

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Employers

I'm an employer and I'd like to send a job posting to SIS. How do I do this?

Please email job postings to asksis@wayne.edu.

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