Cultivating an Authentic Culminating Experience for Adult Learners in an Interdisciplinary Studies Senior Capstone

Abstract

As a concept for preparing and promoting adult student success in an undergraduate, Interdisciplinary Studies degree program with an online senior capstone, this article analyzes how the senior capstone serves as the penultimate component in the students’ degree completion. To capitalize on student success, academic advisors and faculty members initiate steps to create student buy-in and discovery of the intersection of academic interests, previous life and work experiences, and future goals. Discussions of the senior capstone begin with initial advisement and ultimately lead to the completion of their undergraduate degrees and beyond. Faculty and academic advisors must impress upon students the benefits of an interdisciplinary senior capstone and its usefulness to student endeavors after graduation. More than just a barrier to getting their diplomas, the senior capstone enables students to visualize and connect the practicalities of the interdisciplinary degree program.

Keywords:

• Interdisciplinary degree programs
• adult learners
• culminating experience
• online senior capstone
• interdisciplinary capstone

Disclosure Statement

We have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julie Fox-Horton

Julie Fox-Horton, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies at East Tennessee State University. Her research interests include inquisition studies in late medieval and early modern Venice, Digital Humanities. and Archival Studies. She teaches interdisciplinary studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as coordinating the Archival Studies Graduate Certificate and the Master of Professional Studies program.

Lindsey Campbell

Lindsey Campbell, MA, is an academic advisor in the Division of Cross-Disciplinary Studies at East Tennessee State University. She works with many student populations to personalize their degree completion experiences. Among her caseload, she works with adult learners completing their degrees online. Campbell earned her BS in Communications from Milligan College and an MA in College Counseling and Student Affairs from East Tennessee State University.