UMass Amherst

CE Procedural Steps

The following steps are offered as a guide for students undertaking the Independent Capstone option.

Getting Started

    1. Identify a research topic and obtain a copy of the "Independent Capstone Contract" (see "Forms" at left)
    2. Form a committee of faculty mentors (see "Guidance Committee" at left)
    3. Write a proposal describing your thesis or project according to the "Proposal" guidelines (see link at left)
    4. Obtain appropriate signatures on the "Independent Capstone Contract" indicating that your proposal has been accepted by your committee
    5. Submit your contract and proposal to the Commonwealth College office before the end of the pre-registration period of the semester prior to beginning your research (also print out a current SPIRE Degree Progress Report to bring along)

Registration: Students are registered into Independent Capstones by Commonwealth College upon approval.

Research Underway

    1. Meet regularly with your committee members to assess your progress and ability to proceed/complete your thesis or project
    2. Revise and submit updated proposals as necessary
    3. If undertaking a two-semester Independent Capstone Experience (3cr + 3cr): upon completion of the first semester and with your committee's approval, obtain and file a new contract and updated proposal for the second semester.

Finishing Up

    1. Complete your research and produce the required thesis or project manuscript according to the content and formatting requirements specified in the "CE Manuscript & Documentation" section of our website (see link at left)
    2. Arrange and conduct an oral defense before your committee. (Allow sufficient time for revisions prior to submission of your materials to Commonwealth College.)
    3. Submit the following materials to the Commonwealth College office by the last day of final exams (this date can be found on the Undergraduate Registrar's academic calendar web page):
      • Your manuscript with signed title page (with original signatures)
      • Two copies of your abstract
      • A"Capstone Completion Form" (with all appropriate signatures