RE-ENGINEERING THE CAPSTONE: MELDING AN INDUSTRY ORIENTED FRAMEWORK AND THE BOK2

The Department of Civil Engineering at Lawrence Technological University requires senior-level students to participate in a two-term capstone sequence in their senior year. As part of faculty's commitment to continuous improvement, discussions were often held regarding revising the sequence to provide students with a more realistic and professionally relevant experience. The impetus to effect substantive changes arose in spring 2008 when the department adopted the program outcomes set forth in the Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge Second Edition (BOK2), as promulgated by the American Society of Civil Engineers. During initial discussions, faculty recognized that the program outcomes dovetailed perfectly with the goal of revitalizing the capstone. This paper discusses how the participation of industry practitioners, and adopting the BOK2 outcomes, were applied to the capstone content, resulting in a much more interesting, professional and vibrant sequence. Examples of resultant positive changes include clearer student deliverables and evaluator expectations, a more pragmatic approach to project scope and documentation, and meaningful student/practitioner interaction at important project junctures.