Senior Individualized Projects in Psychology

Frequently Asked Questions
Note: There are several other Psychology and College documents describing SIP requirements and procedures in considerable detail; you will find answers to most other questions not found here by reading them.

Senior Individualized Project (SIP)

What SIP grades are given?---There are three possible grades for your Psychology SIP, regardless of SIP type or number of units: 1) Fail; 2) Pass; and 3) Pass with Distinction. Each unit of the SIP is graded separately. For example, it is possible that you might receive a “Pass” for one unit and “Fail” the other. The “Pass with Distinction” grade is commonly (but mistakenly) called “Honors” on the SIP. Strictly speaking, however, Honors are given only in your major. SIP grades appear on your transcript (along with your SIP title) but do not affect your GPA.

Who will read my SIP?---Every SIP is assigned a primary reader. This is not necessarily the faculty member you list as your SIP supervisor. The Psychology Department assigns your primary reader in terms of faculty expertise, in consideration of the need to balance the number of SIPs to be read by members of the Department. Your request that a particular faculty member be assigned as primary reader will be given consideration.

If the primary reader decides that your SIP is a “Pass,” ordinarily there will be no additional readers. However, you may request that another faculty member read the SIP if you think your SIP deserves better than a “Pass.”

If the primary reader does not think your SIP has earned a “Pass” or if he or she thinks it might deserve a “Pass with Distinction,” one or more additional readers are assigned until a consensus on the grade is reached. Sometimes additional readers are assigned just to assure consistency and fairness in grading, such as when new faculty members read SIPs for the first time.

Can I revise my SIP?---You may not request permission to revise your SIP simply because you want to improve your SIP grade. However, the reader(s) may ask you to revise your SIP. The Psychology Department makes this decision and never allows revisions to correct for sloppiness or inadequate effort. In most instances, the Psychology Department does not think it is practical to attempt revising your SIP while you are taking a full load of courses. The Department will ask for revisions only when: a) a relatively small amount of work can make a significant difference in the quality of the SIP; or b) it is clear that you have sufficient time and would greatly benefit from the additional work involved.

What if my SIP does not pass?---Since the SIP is a College graduation requirement, you would have to do another SIP if your SIP does not “Pass.” However, there are then several options: 1) “redo” the SIP that did not pass; 2) begin a new SIP in Psychology or in another department; 3) take regular college courses as you SIP; or 4) petition for a waiver of the SIP requirement. The last alternative involves substitution additional course work for the SIP. The first three options require that you register for the SIP again. It is possible to complete your SIP during the summer following commencement, but the earliest possible SIP registration for credit would be in the fall. However, as soon as the SIP receives a passing grade, the Registrar will certify that you have met this graduation requirement.