Warning
Students starting C769 after 8/25/2024 will be automatically enrolled in the newest version, ROM3. The ROM3 requirements are very similar to ROM2. However, faculty could only review the new course after its release, and there may be some minor discrepancies between the latest course and our stated best practices.
Task 1#
Choosing a Topic#
The approval form ensures you start in the right direction before investing time and effort into task 2. Evaluators look for our (instructors’) signature, and we look for the following:
A specific client and problem (you can fabricate a client whose problem needs your chosen solution.)
A plan to implement at least one hard IT deliverable that helps solve that problem.
Propose a project that clearly includes implementing an IT solution (e.g., hardware, software, networks, etc.) rather than a project that only involves the development of a plan or abstract framework. You must describe the specific hard IT deliverable (s) to be implemented. If the topic requires an initial assessment, as with many security projects, assume the evaluation has already concluded so that the approval form (Task 1) and proposal (Task 2) can focus on implementing the solution.
Do:
Name a client and describe an IT need or problem.
Provide specific IT improvements addressing the client’s need or problem.
Email the completed approval form to your assigned course instructor for review and signature.
Do NOT:
Choose a topic that is a framework, general approach, training, or evaluation.
Submit the approval form without a signature
Some examples of acceptable topics:
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) implementation
Security information and event management (SIEM) implementation
Network hardware or software installation/upgrades
Installation of a functional software system (scheduling, networking, point-of-sale, financial, etc.)
Cloud migration or data backups
Building a website
Examples#
The Capstone Excellence Archive includes a wide range of completed projects to review. However, remember that they all are, by definition, above and beyond the requirements. Therefore, do not use these as examples of what’s needed to meet the requirements.
For a more down-to-earth example of what’s required, see these approval form examples:
Degree emphasis: Cybersecurity and information assurance
Task 1: Topic approval form example
Task 2: Project proposal example
Task 3: Project report example
Degree emphasis: Information Technology
Task 1: Topic approval form example
Task 2: Project proposal example
Task 3: Project report example
Tip
If you see Unable to render code block when attempting to view the examples, open the link using Firefox or download and view it with your favorite viewer.
Watch: Choosing a Project Idea
Listen: IT Audio Series podcast Choosing Your Topic; view the transcript.
Though still relevant, we created this video for ROM2 -not ROM3.
Topic Approval#
Once you’ve decided on a topic, complete the approval form following the template:
Include a rough outline of your client, their problem(s), and your IT plan to fix it. Email the completed form to your course instructor, who will either approve it with their signature or provide feedback.
Note
The topic approval form must be signed by a C769 course instructor. Forms without a signature are automatically returned without further review.
Directly emailing your assigned course instructor is the fastest and often best way to get a signature. Whether emailing ugcapstoneit@wgu.edu or your CI directly, always practice professional communication:
Use your WGU email.
Provide a subject, your capstone course, and your program mentor’s name (if not in your signature)
Clearly state your questions or requests.
You only need to apply for IRB review if you are collecting data involving human participants (this is rarely needed). Otherwise, your project is in IRB compliance, and you should put a \(\checkmark\) next to the IRB statement.
Waiver Form#
Note
The waiver form is only required if your project includes restricted information. If no waiver form is submitted, *Task 1 B:RESTRICTED INFORMATION AUTHORIZATION FORM, passes automatically.
In most cases, obtaining authorization can be avoided by fabricating or masking identifying information. But if you choose to move forward using restricted information, you must obtain documented permissions and submit them along with a waiver form to Assessments.
FAQ#
Do I need to set up an appointment to get approval?#
No. Usually, students email the approval form to their instructor. We then sign the form or follow up with questions. However, if you have questions about the requirements or difficulty choosing a topic, you are encouraged to schedule an appointment with your course instructor. A 15-30 minute phone call can address most questions or concerns. If you schedule an appointment to discuss your approval form, please email it to the instructor before the appointment.
What if I start writing task 2 and want to change things? Do I need to resubmit task 1?#
No. Minor changes from task 1 to task 2 are expected and allowed without updating the approval form. Evaluators will not rigorously compare tasks 1 and 2. Task 2 is where the work is, and even with complete topic changes at most, you might need to revise the approval form (if at all). So, never let task 1 dictate what you do in task 2. However, deviating significantly from what was approved could put you at risk of completing a project that does not meet the requirements. So, while small changes do not need review, discuss substantial changes with your assigned course instructor.
Can I use projects from other WGU courses?#
Yes! You can use any of your work or academic projects (at WGU or elsewhere), provided you do not use proprietary information without permission. Don’t worry about self-plagiarism; the similarity check will identify and ignore it. As in reusing work projects, expect to modify and remold past academic assignments to meet the rubric requirements.
How do I add my “signature” to the forms?#
You can simply type in your name, use a “fancy” font, or insert an image of your signature.
What are the common reasons for task 1 being returned?#
No instructor signature on the approval form. You need to send it to us and get a signature before submitting it.
Both boxes or no boxes are marked on the waiver form. Mark one and only one box.
Note, the waiver form is only required if your project includes restricted information. Task 1 B: Capstone Release Form, passes automatically if no waiver form is submitted, i.e., the waiver is only needed if it’s needed.
How many attempts are allowed for each assessment?#
You have unlimited attempts. However, incomplete submissions or submissions significantly falling short of the minimum requirements may be locked from further submissions without instructor approval. Furthermore, such submissions do not receive meaningful evaluator comments.
What is a hard IT deliverable?#
It is a physical or digital technological addition or improvement to the client’s environment. Examples include any hardware or software installation or updates. Soft deliverables, e.g., training, policies, evaluation, etc., can (and often should) be included but cannot meet the requirements alone.
Can I get the “welcome email?”#
Yes, contact your assigned course instructor.
Are there any cohorts? I don’t see where to sign-up on my COS page.#
Yes, cohorts run regularly. Enrollment typically opens on Mondays and closes on Wednesdays. You can find the link to sign up under the Explore Cohort section on your C769 COS page. If the section is not visible, either enrollment has closed, or the cohort will not be available that week. See Webinars and Cohorts.
Should I check the IRB statement on the approval form?#
You only need to apply for IRB review if you are collecting data involving human participants (this is rarely needed). Otherwise, your project is in IRB compliance. For more details, see WGU IRB and Human Subject Protections FAQ.