Two/three terms before registering for LS 401:

• Formulate an idea for your project.
• Develop a concise written proposal of your plan that can be shared with your academic adviser as you discuss your proposed capstone. Liberal Studies majors may relate the Capstone to one or both of the minors/subject fields.
• Contact an EOU teaching faculty member (see Teaching Faculty Capstone Contacts listed on this web site) to discuss your topic and ask this individual to serve as your Teaching Faculty Capstone Adviser. Develop your idea with this adviser.
  (If you plan to complete a capstone during a Fall Term, you should get your proposal approved during the Spring Term prior to that Fall Term. Some instructors are not available during Summer Term.)
• Once you have the consent of a Teaching Faculty Capstone Adviser to assist you, e-mail your academic adviser.
• Develop a written outline and/or draft of your Capstone Proposal. The following elements are desirable in most liberal studies capstone proposals:
  • 1. A topic statement giving the focus of your Capstone.
  • 2. Why you have selected this topic.
  • 3. What resources you will use throughout your paper, project, etc. Of course, when you are working on your capstone, you may find additional sources to add. When setting up your bibliography, follow a set documentation style (i.e. MLA, APA). You will want to ask your Teaching Faculty Capstone Adviser which style is favored in the discipline for which you are writing.
• Prepare your final proposal. It should be two-three double spaced pages. Check the document for depth of topic, clarity, spelling, and appropriate use of wording. Send the proposal to your Teaching Faculty Capstone Adviser. Ask for suggestions. When he/she agrees that it is ready for submission, ask the Teaching Faculty Capstone Adviser to send you an e-mail confirming approval of the proposal.

Four to Six Weeks Before the term in which you will write your capstone:

At least a month to six weeks before the term in which you will begin writing your capstone, the following must be sent to your Academic Adviser:

• E-mail copy of your proposal
• An e-mail from your Teaching Faculty Capstone Adviser approving your capstone proposal
• A signed copy of the Liberal Studies for Online Capstone Proposal form
• Course by Arrangement form
• Reading & Conference form for off-campus students

Your Academic Adviser will attach a copy of your Admit to Program form, sign the capstone proposal form, and send the paperwork to the Academic and Career Advising (ACA) Office for approvals. You will be registered for your Capstone by the ACA staff after all signatures are obtained. These steps MUST occur before the term in which the capstone is completed and submitted. This process will ensure that students receiving financial aid are registered for the capstone and ready to proceed with coursework at the beginning of the term during which you will complete your capstone.

If your major's capstone entails a research paper, be sure to obtain style and research information from the Teaching Faculty Capstone Advisers. Further resources are located on the EOU Writing Lab (OWL).

For additional details.

• What is a Capstone
• Capstone Registration
• Teaching Faculty Capstone Advisers for Online students