The BDP program has the following requirements and expectations of all students engaged in Connecting Experiences.
- Participation in two mandatory Connecting Experience check-ins and a Connecting Experience reflection workshop.
- Completion of a three to five-page reflection essay (PDF) due on the last class day of the semester. As the student’s faculty mentor, you may request that the student also turn in a copy of the reflection essay to you; however, instructions for the reflection essay should not be changed.
- Students participating in internship experiences are required to complete 160-180 hours of internship experience.
Students must also meet the following expectations, and students are informed of these expectations when completing the Connecting Experience contract.
- Agreeing on a plan for the semester with the faculty mentor before the Connecting Experience begins, including academic requirements and a plan for student/faculty communication during the semester. Students are responsible for knowing the expectations for course credit, including any departmental requirements when using a non-BDP course number.
- Keeping their faculty mentor informed about their work and seeking guidance when needed.
- Being self-motivated. Students are expected to be active and reliable participants in their Connecting Experience. The faculty mentor or internship supervisor should not have to prompt students to show up for work or a meeting or to finish a project.
- For Connecting Experiences abroad, complying with the regulations outlined by the Education Abroad office for undergraduate student travel abroad.
- For projects involving human subjects, obtaining approval from the IRB before beginning the human subjects research. The BDP office will prompt students who describe human subjects research in their proposals to get in touch with the IRB, but students are responsible for contacting the IRB to determine whether IRB approval is required.
- Following the University of Texas at Austin Honor Code and Standard of Academic Integrity.
Additional Faculty Expectations of the Student
The academic expectations for the student are at the discretion of the faculty mentor and should be outlined in the Connecting Experience contract. Please work with your student to develop expectations, requirements, and a basis for grading that makes sense with the specific focus and details of the student’s experience. Please see Grading Connecting Experiences and Suggestions for Assignments for more information.