Questions FACULTY Frequently Ask



QUESTIONS STUDENTS FREQUENTLY ASK


I want to print a poster to present my results.


Go to http://www.lib.grinnell.edu/general/facilities/printers/posterprinter.html for instructions.
Contact the Associate Deans' Office (x3460) or Dean's Office (x3100) for budget number.


Can I hold a summer job in addition to my MAP project?


Students and faculty mentors should understand that a summer MAP project is 
understood to be a full-time job.  This is the reason why summer MAP students are 
allocated a summer stipend.  Students may not receive a wage for a second summer job 
at Grinnell College during the time that they are enrolled for the MAP.


My summer MAP entails a good deal of reading.  I can read just about anywhere, 
so do I really need to be on campus for a summer MAP?


Yes, you do.  The MAP is a project that is actively mentored by your faculty director.  
Both of you need to be on campus for the duration of the MAP.  Of course, if you must 
travel to an archive or special collection as part of your research, you may do so.


I am planning to work on a six or an eight-credit MAP.   How are the two parts of 
the MAP graded? 
MAP projects must comprise a total of 4, 6, or 8 credits, with no more than 4 credits 
earned in a single semester or summer.  Although a MAP component may earn 2 
credits, there are no 2-credit MAPs.  Each portion of a two-part MAP receives 
a grade.  As you plan the project, you and your mentor should agree upon a gradable 
product for each portion. 


I am completing the first portion of a two-semester (or a summer plus one 
semester) MAP.  I've been spending all of my time doing research and don't plan 
to start producing the final product until some time in the second portion.  My 
mentor knows I've been working hard; can't she just give me an "S" for my 
research so far?  


No.  You must produce gradable work in order to receive a passing grade for the first 
portion of your two-semester (or multi-term) MAP.  You and your mentor can think 
creatively about how you might produce something that would contribute to your final 
product in some way.  You might compile an annotated bibliography.  You might write a 
detailed plan of the artwork that you intend to produce or a proposal for the final stage of 
your research.  You might write a detailed introduction to the research paper you intend 
to write during the second portion of the MAP, or the program notes for the theatrical 
production you will stage in the second portion of the MAP.   


Producing a piece of gradable work will serve as an important first step toward the 
completion of a major project.  It also ensures that you can receive a letter grade for the 
first portion of your work in case, for some unforeseen reason, you cannot complete the 
second portion of your MAP.


I want to enroll in a two-semester (or a summer plus one-semester) MAP.  Does 
the second portion have to immediately follow the first?


In most cases, it is to your advantage to follow up the first semester's or the summer's 
work without an interruption.  Your mentor can probably explain to you how difficult it can 
be to start up a project after a hiatus of several months.  However, in some cases such a 
delay cannot be avoided.  In particular, summer research MAPs may be conducted over 
the course of two summers.


I had planned to work on a summer MAP, had worked everything out with my 
professor, and had filed my application.  Out of the blue, however, I've got this 
great opportunity to travel the length of the Amazon river!  Can I just drop the 
MAP? 


MAPs aren't like regularly offered courses.  This is even more the case for summer 
MAPs.  Considerable resources have already been allocated to your MAP before you 
even file the application.  Furthermore, your mentor has made a commitment to you that 
may have involved changing summer plans in order to remain on-campus for the 
duration of your MAP.  If your MAP is part of a faculty member's research project, your 
withdrawal may create complications for a project that has been designed to use 
research assistants.  It will be too late for your mentor to find another assistant.   For 
these reasons, permission to withdraw from a summer MAP will be granted only for a 
serious and unexpected crisis.


My MAP was really successful and my advisor wants me to present it at a conference. 
What do I need to do now?

Students can receive funding to present at one conference during the calendar year 
following their MAP.  To request funding, go to /MAP/forms/budgetrequest/