Capstone Project Procedures
A standing RPTM committee will review all capstone project applications. The committee will be comprised of the RPTM World Campus Director, the University Park Internship Coordinator, the student-identified faculty supervisor for the project, and another University Park staff member. This committee will review applications from students at all campuses.
Applications will be reviewed with a focus on the quality of the project proposal, the quality and fit of the proposed supporting coursework, and the student’s justification for opting for the project option rather than completing a traditional internship.
Faculty Supervisor Role
Students who apply for the Project Option must do so in conjunction and with the support of an RPTM faculty member who a) approves the project and b) is willing to supervise, assess and assign a grade for the project. Graduate students may not serve as project supervisors for this option. If the student needs assistance finding and securing a faculty supervisor for this project, he/she may contact the RPTM World Campus Program Director, Brian Soulé, at bjs48@psu.edu.
The faculty supervisor will support the student throughout the capstone project process. This will be conducted through an independent study course that is added to the student’s schedule. This support starts with helping the student form the study concept and proposal. Then, the supervisor will assist the student through the research and writing process, ensuring the project is of excellent quality and enhances the student’s understanding of a specific topic within the field of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management.
The faculty supervisor will assign a final grade for the project once completed in the student’s independent study course.
Course Substitutions
The academic advisor for the student’s home campus will assist the student in signing up for an independent study for the Project Option. While the independent study will likely be set up through the student’s home campus, it will be supervised through the RPTM department at University Park. The adviser will also assist the student in requesting course substitutions for RPTM 495A.
Appeals
If a student has applied for the Capstone Project option and the application is not approved, the student has the right to appeal the decision. The appeal should begin with an e-mail to the RPTM World Campus director, Brian Soule at bjs48@psu.edu.
