Residency
Short-term housing options in Seattle:
- The iConnect message board is a place where iSchoolers who need somewhere to stay for residency can connect with those who live in Seattle.
- Hotels near campus
Travel methods:
To Do List:
- Get your student ID and pick up your UPASS or registration stickers.
- Activate your library card.
- Prearrange a face-to-face meeting with your advisor if possible.
Tips:
- You will need to know your student number for various things, so carry it around with you or memorize it.
- Sometimes web sites for classes are put up the week before the residency. Usually the professor will email you when they go up, but it's good to keep checking for them.
- Classes are all day and very intense during your first residency. Prepare yourself with snacks, coffee money, and a good night's sleep.
- In addition to any preparatory readings assigned by your instructors, there may be homework assignments in the evenings during residency so be prepared for that possibility.
- But don't forget to have some fun and meet new people! Don't stress out if you can't absorb everything that is thrown at you. The Online MLIS Discussion Board is always there for questions and advice from your peers.
Technology
Make sure you have a UW Net ID.
The Online MLIS Discussion Board is only accessible to current online students, and it's a great place to ask questions, get support, and meet people in your area!
Look through your UWICK CD and download programs before residency if you can.
Courses
Residency: Most courses have mandatory residencies during first week of each quarter. Depending upon the course, you will meet once or twice in a classroom setting.
First quarter: The first quarter is more intense than most, especially the first two weeks. It will get easier and less hectic!
Course delivery: Following residency, course delivery is asynchronous and Internet-based. However, in some instances, you may want to participate in a web chat at a designated time with your course instructor or with group members to coordinate group projects.
Discussion boards: Try not to be obsessive; you only need to check them once a day! Also, it helps everyone if you change your profile so that your real name and a picture of yourself show when you post.
Modules: Modules are typically 1-3 weeks in length and have streamed lectures, course readings, discussion board postings, and assignments required.
Textbooks and required course readings:
- Check the My UW for your list of required textbooks. There's a link right above your tuition account balance.
- Check the GoPost Forum for used textbooks.
- If you need to order your books, you can do it through the UW bookstore or through your favorite bookstore.
The Program
Average student course load is 6-9 credits as the program is designed for completion in three calendar years (with summers optional).
Many electives are not offered each year, so consider taking those you're interested in when they are offered. Plan ahead by examining projected course schedules.
Registration:
- It's earlier than you might expect. You will receive an email from UWEO that has the registration forms and instructions on how to submit them.
- When registering, you need to check the residency calendar to make sure that you don't have a conflict. You must be able to attend the residency for any class you take.
Financial Aid:
- You will not be able to receive financial aid for a quarter if you register for fewer than 5 credits.
- Many other financial aid problems can be resolved by reminding them that you are in a part-time program.
- Also, don't be afraid to ask for more money; your financial aid award is not the final say.
- For more information, see the Office of Student Financial Aid and the iSchool's information on financial aid.
Portfolio: If you write a really good paper or do an excellent project, go ahead and save it in a folder for your portfolio. If it was a group project, it helps to get the permission of your peers now.
Directed fieldwork is a great way to get some hands-on experience. You must complete 30 hours and attend an information session before you can enroll in a DFW.
Communications with the iSchool
Mailing lists (You must be signed up for iAnnounce and iOnlineMLIS.)
On-campus lecture and presentation archive
Silverfish (Student newsletter)
Other Helpful Links
UW Career Center iCareer Week Archive iSchool list of Online MLIS resourcesMore iSchool travel tips and student resources
Virtual workshops (to help familiarize yourself with iSchool technologies)
Catalyst Webtools (These tools will be frequently used in your courses by both instuctors and students.)