Note that they said in the email that the FEP is ultimately the responsibility of the student. Obviously, I agree with that, as it is work the student must complete on their own. However, the problem remains that TWUSLIS did not communicate expectations, nor offer preparation help. Students were instructed to contact their advisors who (as noted elsewhere in this guide) provided incorrect information and did not respond to student questions. There was also inconsistency between what different advisors told students. The single recorded Q&A session from years prior was no longer accessible. TWUSLIS could have solved a lot of problems by simply offering a style/formatting guide or held info sessions once a semester. Even the name of the FEP is misleading, as it is neither a final exam, nor is it a true portfolio.
September 12, 2019 at 4:23pm CT
From: Aaron Elkins
Subject: Aaron Elkins (School of Library & Information Studies Collaborative Space) just sent you a message in Canvas.
Information for Fall 2019 Final Exam Portoflio
STUDENTS WHO NEED TO TAKE THE FINAL EXAM PORTFOLIO MUST APPLY TO COMPLETE IT: STUDENTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENROLLED TO COMPLETE THE FINAL EXAM PORTFOLIO.
Who needs to apply for the Final Exam Portfolio?
The Final Exam Portfolio is a degree requirement only for students working towards their MLS: it is not a course. Only students who have successfully completed 24 credit hours before the start of the current semester AND are enrolled in at least one course during the current semester are eligible to apply for the Final Exam Portfolio. If you have applied to graduate this semester, and you have not yet taken the Final Exam Portfolio, you must do so this semester.
How do you apply for the Final Exam Portfolio?
Go here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqKpVw1TIBPCIflIcVMnvz48S_rqDtZkYPC1Il2oGqgd7BTg/viewform
The Final Exam Portfolio Application will ask for your name, the 7-digit Student (Colleague) ID, and the courses you have successfully completed, so have the information ready before you apply to take the Final Exam Portfolio.
Final Exam Portfolio Overview
This is only an overview: please find and review the complete set of instructions in the SLIS Collaborative Space in Canvas. Your Final Exam Portfolio (FEP) is comprised of two parts: the Work Products Essay and the Professional Development Plan.
Work Products Essay
Students will submit an essay describing a total of three work products, one each from three different LS classes, and the three selected work products. In the essay, students will select a set of professional competencies and describe how the work products demonstrate the selected competencies.
A successful Work Products essay presents a cohesive narrative that explains the context for each work product, a rationale for why each work product was selected, and explains how each work product relates to your goals, accomplishments, and professional competencies. Your work products essay should also be well written, with correct grammar, syntax, and citations/references as appropriate.
Professional Development Plan
For this part of the Final Exam Portfolio, you will submit an essay describing your plan for professional development after completion of the MLS degree. The Professional Development Plan will help you think about what you want and need to do to continue to grow as a professional.
A successful Professional Development Plan presents a cohesive narrative of your goals; knowledge and skills required for successful practice; self-assessment of your current level of knowledge and skills; your areas for growth; and priorities, sequence, and opportunities for growing as a professional. Your plan should also be well written, with correct grammar, syntax, and citations/references as appropriate.
Final Exam Portfolio (FEP) Fall 2019 Timeline
- Event Date
- Semester begins: August 26
- FEP application window opens: September 16
- FEP application window closes: September 30
- Submission site for FEP opens: October 7
- Submission site for FEP closes: October 21
- Faculty complete scoring exams: November 4
- Students notified of results: November 11
- Certificates of Completion submitted to SLIS Director: November 11
- Certificates submitted to the Graduate School: November 18
Make sure you have a current faculty advisor: Any questions related to the logistics of Final Exam Portfolio should be directed to your faculty advisor. Advisors can answer your questions, help you with the Final Exam Portfolio, and make your Final Exam Portfolio process as smooth as possible. While your advisor can be very helpful to you, your Final Exam Portfolio is ultimately your responsibility.