back to Capstone Options

1. I understand that I can't register for this online, but how do I register?
2. When do I register?
3. Am I limited to the projects listed online in the Capstone database?
4. Do I have to do the project my final semester?
5. I'm just in my first semester - should I be thinking about this yet?
6. Is it true that a poster session is actually reqiured now?
7. How do I go about getting a faculty advisor for a project?
8. Is it possible to be paid for a Capstone Professional Experience Project?
9. I looked at the project database and didn't see anything I liked - what do I do?
10. Can I do a project where I'm working now?
11. I still have questions!

I understand that I can't register for this online, but how do I register?

You'll need to complete a Proposal and a Letter of Agreement, get all the appropriate signatures, and turn those in to the Capstone coordinator, who will review them and turn them over to Carol Carreon, who will register you for the course. The forms and further information are available online.

When do I register for this?

INF 388L is a course like any other course, and the same registration deadlines apply. You may want to check ROSE for specifics.

There may be situations where it will be appropriate to register for a "dummy" course during pre-registration and then add 388L during the Add/Drop period; this will give you more time to find a project and complete the paperwork.

Am I limited to the projects listed online in the Capstone database?

You are free to develop your own project. It's a good idea to check with the faculty advisor on the project to ensure that everybody agrees that it's a project worthy of three hours of graduate academic credit.

Do I have to do the project my final semester?

Students are strongly encouraged to complete their project in their final semester; however, there will be exceptions. Check with your faculty advisor.

I'm just in my first semester - should I be thinking about this yet?

Yes. The ideal situation is for you to complete a project that will put you exactly where you need to be to get your ideal job, and just as you are graduating, too.

It's a good idea to browse through the database, attend the annual Capstone Project Fair, and keep an eye on the volunteer positions and professional jobs listed on the Career Services website.

Note: The Capstone 388L experience is not intended as a substitute for coursework. It is intended to be a "capping" course that integrates your coursework with a practical, real-world experience. Do not choose a Capstone experience project in a specialty for which you have not completed at least the basic coursework. Choose a Capstone project in an area that you have studied in more than a single course, or in more than simply a core course.

Is it true that a poster session is actually reqiured now?

Yes. In September 2006, the GSC voted that a poster session would be required of all students completing Capstone courses.

How do I go about getting a faculty advisor for a project?

Ask. You are not limited to your existing advisor, but that's a good place to start.

Is it possible to be paid for a Capstone Professional Experience Project?

Yes. Some of the project positions available are paid positions.

I looked at the project database and didn't see anything I liked - what do I do?

First, try going through the database by using keyword searches on the search page. Probably most of the projects listed cross genres in one way or another, so that a straight genre search will miss some interesting projects.

Read the project descriptions creatively - sometimes the ideal solution to the informational problem posed isn't what they are proposing. You may know of a better solution that you can pitch to them.

Ditto for the Volunteer Projects on the Career Services website - read the descriptions creatively, and you may be able to come up with a project worthy of three graduate credit hours.

Check in with the Capstone coordinator and indicate the kind of project you're interested in. She will do what she can to help you find what you're looking for.

Can I do a project where I'm working now?

The ISchool doesn't have a problem with this, but sometimes Human Resources Departments do - they may have a policy against employees doing volunteer work at the same organization.

I still have questions!

Feel free to contact the Capstone coordinator at capstone@ischool.utexas.edu or call (512) 471-8806, with questions or to set up an appointment.

Last Modified: February 10 2008 08:45:53.