Guidelines for Submitting a Senior Project
Before granting a bachelor's degree, Cal Poly requires that students complete senior project and submit them to the library. Kennedy Library keeps two microfiche copies of senior projects: The master copy is kept in the University Archives; the copy is held in the Reference Room for general use. Senior projects are cataloged in PolyCat.
Step 1: Get a Cashier's Receipt
The first step is to pay the $6 processing fee at the Cashier's window in the Administration Building or online through the Cal Portal portal. One copy of the cashier's receipt should be attached to the senior project requirement form; the other copy is for the student's records. The project will not be accepted without this receipt.
Step 2: Fill out the Senior Project Requirement Form
Complete the library's senior project requirement form (PDF). Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to access and complete the form.* When filling out the form, please note:
- Enter the author's name as it is used on the title page.
- If more than one author, list them in the same order as on the title page.
- Use the same title as on the title page.
- Enter the full name of the department, not the abbreviation.
Please print two copies of the competed form for the Kennedy Library. Your department may also require additional copies of the form — consult with your advisor.
* MacOS X users: To insure that the PDF you download is interactive, open the file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. The file will open in Preview, but will not be interactive.
Step 3: Attain Advisor's Signature
Kennedy Library requires the senior project faculty advisor's signature on both copies of the library form.
Step 4: Deliver to Department Office
Deliver the senior project to your department in a plain manila envelope. Please include:
- Unbound copy of senior project
- Cashier's receipt (one copy)
- Two copies of the Senior Project Requirement Form
Step 5: Delivery to Library
The department sends the project to the Kennedy Library when grading is complete. Address the envelope containing the senior project, receipt and two copies of the signed senior project requirement form to "Library - Senior Project" and placed in the campus mail. If the department or student prefer hand delivery, the project may be brought to the Collection Development Department, Room 104 of the Kennedy Library.
Return of the Project
Kennedy Library returns the paper project and a microfiche copy (if desired) to the department upon completion. Kennedy library keeps any non-print materials that accompany senior projects in Library storage. Patrons can access them through the Circulation desk. The project is cataloged on Polycat. Kennedy Library retains two microfiche copies of the project. One copy is in the Reference Room for public use and one in the University Archives.
Library Senior Project Format Requirements
1. Title Page
This should be the first page of the senior project and must include:
- Descriptive full title of project
- Name of author or authors
- Full name of department
- Name of school
- Date
2. Approval Page
The Kennedy Library does not require an approval page; it has been standardized and replaced by the Senior Project Requirement Form, which will be kept with the senior project. If the department requires an approval page, however, it should be separate from, and follow, the title page. No grade or faculty comments should appear on the approval page, if included, or anywhere else on the project.
3. Binding
Submit projects unbound, as loose numbered pages in a plain manila envelope. Do not place projects in a binder.
4. Page Size
8 1/2" x 11" is preferred. Diagrams and maps over 8 1/2" x 11" should be placed at the end of the project where they will be given special processing.
5. Non-Print Materials Accompanying Senior Projects
Photographs attached to pages can be microfiched but those in color will appear in black and white on the microfiche. CDs, disks, cassettes, videotapes, and other non-print materials will be cataloged and their location noted in PolyCat. THESE CANNOT BE RETURNED.
6. Original or Photocopy?
The original is preferred for clarity of microfiche reproduction; a clear photocopy, however, is acceptable, should the student wish to keep the original for interviews.
7. Web-Based Projects
For Web-based senior projects, please print the main pages, including the home page. Submit according to Kennedy Library submission requirements listed above.
Questions?
Call the Collection Development Department in the Kennedy Library at x6-2535 for assistance or by E-mail
