Process
HOW TO HAVE A GREAT SENIOR PROJECT
Profile of the Senior Project
The project should be challenging.
- You should work in an unfamiliar environment with people outside your daily life.
- You should seek people with special needs arising from factors such as age; socio-economic background; physical, mental or emotional disabilities; etc.
- You should look outside "ordinary" classrooms in "ordinary" schools.
- You should look for work different than other service work you may have done.
- You should choose a job that is people-centered: office work, janitorial duties, object-oriented jobs should be avoided.
- You should not choose a project as an opportunity to do career-sampling.
- You should not choose a project solely based on its proximity to your home.
The Application Process
The role of the Faculty Advisor
- You should discuss the goals of the Senior Project with your advisor.
- You should work together with your advisor to determine the best project for you.
- You should take the initiative in contacting your advisor: he or she will not contact you to begin the process.
- You should not contact any agency before meeting your advisor.
How to identify possible projects
- You should consult your project handbook and the Senior Project bulletin board.
- You should read the reports from past seniors in particular projects (files are available in the Campus Ministry Office).
- You should discuss project opportunities with your parents, older siblings, friends, etc.
How to choose a project
- After meeting with your faculty advisor, phone the agency and discuss the work with the contact person: get a good description of your work and agency expectations.
- If you are still interested, make an appointment to visit the agency (You are not allowed to miss school for this interview. Consult the calendar on the back of the Senior Project Handbook for days when site visits can be arranged.)
- If you are not interested, thank the person for their time.
- When you visit the agency, arrive promptly and dress in school attire.
- Ask for a copy of any rules and regulations the agency has.
- If you are unable to keep an appointment, be certain to phone and reschedule.
How to finalize your application
- Ask your agency supervisor to complete the relevant parts of the form.
- Have your parent(s) sign the form.
- Have your faculty advisor sign the form.
- Submit your completed form to the Senior Project Committee for approval (most agencies have limited positions available, the Committee will approve forms on a first-come, first-serve basis).
- Submit the completed application before the deadlines (Monday 24 October for agencies NOT listed in the book, Wednesday 9 November for agencies listed in the book.)
- The Senior Project Committee reserves the right to approve or reject projects as well as groupings of seniors at any agency.
Some Considerations
- You are expected to work throughout the month of January in a five-day week, full-time volunteer schedule.
- It is your responsibility to arrange your project schedule with your other obligations such as job, athletics, rehearsals, meetings, etc.
- It is your responsibility to arrange transportation to and from your project.
