[There are other FAQ pages, on other topics entirely. You can see those by clicking on the FAQ tag at the bottom of this page.]

• Must all master's and non-degree students begin with IRLS 504, Foundations of Library & Information Services?
• What if I already have an advanced degree in library science or another discipline and I just want to take an IRLS course?
• What about parking on the UA campus?
• Are there scholarship opportunities at SIRLS?
• What are SIRLS’ program fees?
• How much are the program fees?
• How can I find out information about taking courses through continuing education as a non-degree student?
• What else do I need to know about the Master's/Specialist Plan of Study (POS)?

Must all master's and non-degree students begin with IRLS 504, Foundations of Library & Information Services?

---Most master's and non-degree students, even CONTINUING EDUCATION students, begin with IRLS 504. IRLS 504 is now offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The Fall and Spring semesters will be offered face to face and online.

Students may take certain courses at the same time they take 504 and may take a full-time or part-time load in the following semester. The 504 course introduces students to SIRLS and graduate study, to the library and information professions, to the foundational concepts needed for success in the program, and also to each other. SIRLS students work together and get to know each other in a face-to-face or online environment.

The Summer course involves: 
1) several weeks of reading and independent study at a location chosen by the student;
2) six days of face-to-face instruction on the UA campus in Tucson (8am to 8pm);
3) an electronic project due about one week later.

What if I already have an advanced degree in library science or another discipline and I just want to take an IRLS course?

--- You will need to apply to the Graduate College as a Continuing Education student ($35). Let us know when that application has been submitted so that we may access it online. Also, fill out a Continuing Education SIRLS’ application and mail/FAX the form to SIRLS. It will be reviewed and you will be notified of the outcome.

What about parking on the UA campus?

---Students, staff, faculty and visitors are responsible for their own parking arrangements. More information is available at Parking & Transportation.

Are there scholarship opportunities at SIRLS?

---Yes, SIRLS has opportunities for financial aid. SIRLS offers both graduate assistantships and scholarships for course tuition. No aid is offered specifically for books or living expenses. Many scholarship funds may only be awarded for program fees.

What are SIRLS’ program fees?

--- SIRLS was told in January 2003 to become more financially self-sustaining. SIRLS submitted a business plan that included a program fee proposal. The reality is that program fees must be collected for SIRLS to survive. Not only must we impose the program fee but it must be large enough to bring substantial revenues into the school. The increased revenue provided by the program fees will be used to hire faculty, increase financial aid, begin to institutionalize Knowledge River, update technology in the school, and improve student services. The overall outcome will be to strengthen the quality of the SIRLS program and your education.

How much are the Program Fees?

--- Please consult the UA Bursar site for specific costs.  http://www.bursar.arizona.edu/students/fees . Fees and tuition amounts are subject to change.

Bursar information

How can I find out information about taking courses through continuing education as a non-degree student?

---Visit the Continuing Education page for information.

What do I need to know about the Master's/Specialist Plan of Study (POS) ?

---Visit the Submitting the Plan of Study page for additional information.

--- What is the Plan of Study? 

The Master's/Specialist Plan of Study is essentially a contract between the student, the department, and the Graduate College specifying which courses the student will take to fulfill the requirements of the master's or specialist degree. A master's or specialist student will not be able to graduate without an online Plan of Study that is approved by the department and Graduate College.

--- When should I file my Plan of Study?

SIRLS recommends that students submit their online Plan of Study in the semester in which they complete 18 credits. The POS also provides the Graduate College with the expected graduation date so that the student's name may be included in the appropriate commencement program.

--- Common Errors

• Approval of POS: The student is responsible to list 12 courses. List the 4 core courses, one course from each distributed elective group and 4 other electives. Tom Wilding is available for help in deciding which courses to take. Tom does online, phone, and in person advising. Contact him via email wilding@email.arizona.edu ..

• Missing personal information: Be certain to choose the correct degree (MA) sought and major (Information Resources and Library Science). Verify your Student ID number and full address.
• Incorrect number of units: Be sure your POS lists thirty-six (36) units. Do not list more that 36 units.
• Time Violation: Graduate College policy states that master's students have 6 years to complete the degree from the date of the earliest coursework being used toward the degree (i.e. the coursework on the POS). If the coursework on the Plan of Study violates this policy, the POS will not be approved.
• Excess units taken outside of SIRLS: No more than six (6) credits on the POS may be courses taken outside of SIRLS. If a student transfers six (6) approved credits into SIRLS, they will be unable to apply independent studies towards their MA.
   

• The transfer policy changed December 2008. SIRLS students can apply up to six transfer credits taken within six years of the completion of their SIRLS master's degree in which a letter grade of A or B was earned from another ALA-accredited library and information science program, with the approval of the student's advisor. Transfer credits cannot be used to take the place of any of the four core courses. This policy applies to all students.
  Please note: courses taken at the University of Arizona are not transfer courses; they are out-of-department courses and must also be pre-approved by the advisor before they can be applied to the degree. The Evaluation of Transfer Credit form and two (2) official transcripts (sealed envelopes) must be submitted to SIRLS, care of Polly Lindeman Mitchell. Students must gain approval for the acceptance of the six transfer credits from their adviser and forward the approval email to SIRLS sirls@email.arizona.edu . 

--- What if my approved coursework changes?

A student whose POS has been approved online by the department and the Graduate College may need to make changes to the coursework as s/he proceeds through the degree program. The student may update the POS after it has been approved and it will be reviewed again and approved or you will be asked to make corrections. The POS must still be in compliance with all pertinent Graduate College policies after the changes are made, or the degree auditor will not accept the changes. Remember, until the POS is approved, you may still make changed in GradPath.

--- What if I change my graduation date?

If you need to change your graduation date, please consult the online GradPath site. http://grad.arizona.edu/