Independent Capstone Guidelines
The Hesburgh Program Independent Capstone fulfills a University Writing Intensive Course requirement (WRIT) and is offered as an alternative to our capstone course.
Process
Step 1: Identify a topic and advisor
- Your advisor does not need to be a Hesburgh Program affiliate or teach a Hesburgh Program course.
- If you are writing a thesis, you may select a topic that is related to your thesis. You may have the same advisor for both your thesis and capstone. See Claudia Francis for additional clarification.
Step 2: Complete the HESB 48000 Capstone Proposal Form
- This is an opportunity for you and your advisor to set expectations
Step 3: Email Claudia Francis the Proposal Form and copy your advisor. Ask your advisor to confirm they agree to work with you.
- This serves as a record that you and your advisor agree to the project as outlined in the Proposal Form.
- This must be completed by noon on the last date to make class changes.
Step 4: The Program will create a section of HESB 48000 for you and identify your advisor as the instructor.
- You must complete Step 3 before you will be allowed to register - no exceptions.
Expectations:
- Students will have completed Intro to Public Policy (or be taking it concurrently)
- Students should have a GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Students must share two drafts with their advisor and incorporate feedback
- The final memo or research note should be a minimum of 20 pages (not including citations)
- Due to the Hesburgh Program the last day of finals, the project advisor may set an earlier deadline