Professionalism

Capstone is an opportunity to practice the habits and judgment expected of engineers and other professionals. In industry, technical skill is only part of the work. Professionals also need to communicate respectfully, follow established processes, protect people and resources, work safely, and earn the trust of colleagues, clients, and the public. Practicing these responsibilities now helps prepare you to contribute effectively in your future career.

Students are expected to attend and actively participate in Capstone activities during scheduled class hours. When circumstances prevent attendance or punctuality, students are expected to communicate proactively with their team and instructor. Repeated absences, tardiness, lack of participation, or failure to communicate will negatively affect professionalism and individual contribution scores.

Students are also expected to help create a respectful, safe, and responsible environment for everyone involved in Capstone, including teammates, sponsors, faculty, staff, and others who support the program. Professional conduct includes communicating considerately, following Capstone procedures for purchases and other requests, using university spaces and technology only as authorized, and handling project materials and equipment safely.

For example, students should not make purchases outside the approved process, enter spaces without authorization, engage in unsafe work, or attempt to access, disrupt, or damage Capstone or university systems. If you encounter a technology or security concern, report it to the Capstone office rather than investigating or testing it yourself.

Professionalism is demonstrated through everyday decisions, especially when working through challenges or uncertainty. These expectations are part of your preparation for professional practice and help make Capstone a productive, trustworthy experience for everyone.

Your Professionalism Score is provided by your Pod Instructor with input from Capstone staff. It reflects how consistently your team meets Capstone expectations, behaves professionally, and follows university and program procedures.

The score considers:

· Attendance: Students are expected to attend and actively participate in Capstone activities during scheduled class hours. When circumstances prevent attendance or punctuality, students are expected to communicate proactively with their team and instructor. Repeated absences, tardiness, lack of participation, or failure to communicate will negatively affect professionalism and individual contribution scores.

· Professional conduct: Speak and act respectfully toward teammates, sponsors, faculty, staff, and others. Maintain a safe working environment. Keep workspaces tidy.

· Responsible use of systems and resources: Use BYU and Capstone systems only as authorized and for their intended purposes. Do not attempt to access, test, disrupt, or damage systems without permission.

· Adherence to Purchasing Procedures: Follow purchasing, returns, reimbursement, and travel procedures; see Purchasing and Travel for details.

· Capstone responsibilities: Protect project work in your team’s Box folder, and complete required presentations, design fairs, posters, summaries, and other activities.

Most teams should receive a high score by meeting expectations consistently. Individual team members may receive a score different from the rest of the team. If you are unsure about a procedure or system, ask your instructor or the Capstone office for guidance.