Each member independently rates all the papers in the subcommittee's set. The UGS has worked to refine the rating procedure over the years, increasing rater agreement by defining the scoring categories more and more rigorously and systematically modifying the rating scale. A capstone course is designed for senior majors in a department. It integrates the knowledge, concepts and skills associated with the entire sequence of study in the program. Independent projects in capstone Chemistry laboratory courses are evaluated by multiple readers.
Students report their work both in the form of a written journal article and orally.
Written reports are evaluated on the basis of form and quality of writing as well as on content. All French majors must pursue a senior research project, the senior essay. The project is the culmination of work in all the program's knowledge and skill areas. During the oral presentation, time is given for specific discussion in French of the topic. The senior essay and oral presentation are evaluated by a committee of the student's essay advisor and one other faculty member.