Directed study is an individualized on- or off-campus learning experience arranged between an undergraduate student and one or more University of Minnesota faculty members for academic credit in an area not covered by regular courses. The College of Liberal Arts Office for Special Learning Opportunities (OSLO) investigated the directed study program, and its findings are discussed together with university and CLA guidelines for faculty. The OSLO study surveyed transcripts of 100 randomly selected students in directed courses and also conducted structured interviews with 40 instructors in 24 departments, all experienced in directing individual learning projects. Questions were grouped into six general areas: establishing contact, proposal formulation, credit, evaluation, faculty time and effort, and a set of miscellaneous questions. It was found that independent study elicits greater faculty output per student than other forms of undergraduate instruction, involves more personal interaction, and requires greater effort to assign a fair grade. Approaches vary widely in terms of how instructors work with students. The directed study approach was assessed by the Senate Committee on Educational Policy as a valid alternative and supportive approach but one that should be limited, in view of its expense, in order to maintain high standards both in directed study projects and in regular courses. (LBH)