MHE 7990 Capstone
A culminating project in which students in their final semester integrate, synthesize and apply their academic work and out-of-class learning experiences to address an authentic issue or problem (the question) in a campus department or program. Working as small teams under the guidance of a mentor (client) who presents a vexing problem, students will research the problem/question, conduct a literature review and analysis of relevant theory, design and implement assessment or data collection strategies, benchmark the problem with other peer/aspirant campuses, and develop a comprehensive set of recommendations to address the problem/question. At a final capstone presentation, students will present their recommendations to the clients in front of other graduate students, program faculty, clients, and other invited guests, who will be encouraged to ask clarifying questions. A final paper will showcase how students integrated their learning in responding to the capstone experience. Throughout the semester, the capstone instructor will assist students with reflecting on the process they are undertaking to connect theory to practice and how this process can be used in their future careers.