Keystone Project Requirements
Keystone Projects are carried out independently by Kilachand students in collaboration with project advisors through various pathways. Students produce a variety of Keystone Project types with project requirements and deadlines determined by their chosen pathway. You can find details and examples on our Resources page.
Students following all Keystone Project Pathways are required to:
- Submit the Keystone Project Intent Form by April 1 of the sophomore year.
- Submit the Keystone Project Information Form according to the details provided below.
- Enroll in the required coursework associated with the chosen pathway.
- Present their work at the annual Keystone Symposium, completing all required Symposium materials by the deadlines provided by the Symposium committee.
Below are the deadlines and submission forms for the Keystone Project:
Keystone Project Pathway Intent Form
All Kilachand students must complete this form by April 1 of the sophomore year to indicate which Keystone Project Pathway they intend to pursue.
Upon submission, you will receive an email outlining specific details, deadlines, and requirements for the pathway chosen. While this choice is not binding, the pathway you indicate is the one we assume you will follow and you will be held to its requirements unless you share otherwise. As is the nature of research, your plans may change. If so, you must share any changes of pathway with the Keystone team and your Kilachand advisor so we can properly support you as you carry out your project, and give you proper credit for completing your Kilachand requirements.
Submit the Keystone Project Pathway Intent Form here.
Keystone Project Information Form
Kilachand students on most pathways must complete the form by the deadlines below. With this form, all students will submit a one-page project statement. If you are requesting funds from Kilachand to support your Keystone Project, please carefully review the budget guidelines before submitting a budget request using the provided template. The Keystone Project Information Form can be re-submitted with updated project details, included an updated budget request, at any point during the course of the project.
Internal Pathway and other juniors enrolled in HC451:
- December 15 of the junior year for students taking KHC HC451 in the fall
- May 15 of the junior year for students taking KHC HC451 in the spring.
ENG, CDS, Questrom Honors:
- The Keystone Project Information Form is not required, but students may use the form to submit a budget request at any point in the course of their project.
All other external pathways (SAR Senior Thesis for Distinction, COM Production III Honors Thesis, CAS Honors in the Major, GRS Master’s Thesis):
- May 15 of the junior year. The form may be re-submitted as needed with any changes in plans.
Submit the Keystone Project Information Form here.
Senior Year Project Check-Ins
All Kilachand students complete two short check-in surveys on their project progress during the senior fall. Your 501 instructor will advise you when to fill out each survey; please direct any questions to your 501 instructor or to keystone@bu.edu. We use these surveys to make sure that you are progressing and finding support for your project work.
Keystone Project Check-In 1: to be completed late September/early October
Keystone Project Check-in 2: to be completed early/mid-November
Keystone Symposium
All KHC seniors present and participate fully at the annual Keystone Symposium, which is always scheduled for the last Saturday in April. Students’ senior spring course, KHC HC 5×2, guides students through the development of materials for the Symposium, including a non-technical project abstract and a poster presentation or talk with slides.