The design of the Capstone experience enables students to connect classroom learning to real-world practices. In conjunction with the Leadership in Groups and Organizations (458) course, students participate in the planning and implementation of a student leadership conference that serves as the Capstone experience for the program.

The outcome of the Spring 2005 Capstone experience was a comprehensive conference proposal that suggested a wide range of planning components/responsibilities for the Fall Conference, including: the development of a conference mission, vision, and theme; conference schedule and workshop descriptions; suggested panelists and workshop facilitators; marketing plan; alumni network social details; invitation letters to student leaders and alumni; advertising via a press release, flyer and website; identification of vendors, catering, and suppliers; timelines; assignment of responsibilities of coordinators and managers; budget estimates; and evaluation and feedback forms.

Based on the proposal, and with the guidance of faculty program coordinators and staff, a team of students continued work on the October 2005 conference implementation throughout the summer. Students enrolled in the Capstone course in the Fall 2005 will participate in the final phase of conference implementation and will conduct a program assessment designed to inform future directions.