Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it.
Now I understand why the old poets of China went so far
and high into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.
"The Old Poets of China" by Mary Oliver

Rules and Guidelines of the Capstone Project

Details

One of the Summit’s objectives is for participants to develop an actionable project that they will bring back to their community, in alignment with the University’s thrust of service to the people. Each CU will receive Php 50,000 in seed funding for one (1) capstone project, which must be completed within a one-year implementation timeline.

Throughout the two-day programme, participants will engage in three workshops to discuss (1) an identified problem or challenge in their community, (2) a potential actionable solution, and (3) ways to refine their proposed project.

RULES FOR THE CAPSTONE PROJECT: 

        1. Only duly-recognized university or college-wide organizations and duly-elected student councils may participate.
        2. Grants will be subject to the necessary requirements and processes by the CU’s accounting offices.
        3. If the lead organization fails to comply with the requirements, they will not be able to receive further tranches and may be recommended for disqualification by their mentor and student affairs offices (depending on the reason of non-compliance). 

GUIDELINES FOR THE CAPSTONE PROJECT: 

        1. All participating student organizations or student councils may submit a project proposal. Each proposal must include the following components:
            • Statement of the Problem
            • Vision for resolving the problem
            • Target community and participants
            • Action Plan
            • Projected Impact / Expected Outcomes
            • Project Details and Timeline
            • Line-Item Budget
            • Sustainability Plan
        2. The proposed project may be an existing or ongoing initiative of the organization/council, or an inactive initiative that the group intends to revive. Regardless, a complete project proposal containing all the components above is required.
        3. All proposals will be workshopped during the event. On the second day, each participating organization will present their proposal for comments and suggestions from a panel of experts.
        4. Only one capstone project per CU will be selected. The selected organization will have one month after the event to revise their proposal for final approval. Revised and signed proposals must be submitted by 27 February 2026.
        5. Lead organizations will have March 2026 to March 2027 to implement their project. Each approved project will receive the Php 50,000 grant, with the distribution and monitoring of funds coordinated with the Offices for Student Affairs (OSA/OVCSA).
        6. By the end of the implementation period (around the second quarter of 2027), lead organizations will present the results and impact of their project in a public presentation.

MONITORING AND REPORTING GUIDELINES: 

        1. The OSDS, in coordination with each CU’s SDG focal person, will assign a project mentor to each CU for the entire implementation period.
        2. The project mentor will regularly monitor and consult with the lead organization about their project.
        3. The OVCSA/OSA will be responsible for the release of grants to the organization’s representative.
        4. The OSDS will maintain close coordination with both the project mentor and the OVCSA/OSA.
        5. Each project lead must submit a quarterly written report signed by their mentor to the OSA/OVCSA and the OSDS. A midyear updating session will also be initiated by the OSDS to allow project leads to share their progress. A reporting template will be provided to all organizations.