FAQ Frequently asked questions about the senior comps:

Q: Will I graduate if I do not do well on the comps?

A: Yes. A poor performance will be reflected on your transcript (see the website for the descriptions) but it will not keep you from graduating.

Q: Will I graduate if I do not complete my comps?

A: No. You will receive an incomplete and not receive a diploma until they are completed to an acceptable level that reflects reasonable effort.

Q: Do I have to rewrite all the papers in my portfolio?

A: No. You may submit the papers you did in class. If you are short of time, and have to make compromises, invest your energy in the final paper and not rewrites.

Q: Who assesses my portfolio?

A: A group of CAJ educators who have experience in assessing papers works collaboratively to fill out the portfolio rubric (copy found on the web site). Your portfolio will be assessed by at least two people and the rubrics will then be examined for consistency. The assessors work together and often discuss the results. If the assessments vary, the portfolio will undergo additional scrutiny by an additional assessor.

Q: Should I go through the rubric line by line and use that as an outline for my paper?

A: No. You should read through the rubric, and the instructions for what should be included in the paper (see handouts and website) to reinforce your understanding of the expectations, but the papers should not follow these things in order as if they are a list to check off. It is far better strategy to focus on the big ideas and making the paper an effective communication tool.

Q: What happens if I turn in my portfolio late?

A: You receive a significant downgrade in points at 10% a day. After the assessments the following week, the highest score you can achieve is a 1 and the portfolio will still need to be completed to an acceptable level that reflects reasonable effort.

Q: Who is eligible to be on the panel for the presentation?

A: CAJ staff members who have a degree in education, are certified to teach, or have experience in teaching.

Q: Can I select my panel members?

A: No. But you can choose one person to not be on your panel.

Q: If my project does not go well, does that mean I will not do well on my portfolio?

A: No. While the project is represented in your portfolio in the summary and may be referred to in the final paper, the assessors will be instructed to not base their evaluation of the portfolio on the quality of the project element.

Q: Will the research portfolio be assessed by the same people who assess the writing portfolio?

A: No. While good research is necessary to write knowledgeably in your writing portfolio, your research portfolio will be assessed by different individuals than your writing portfolio. This is to ensure that excellent research is rewarded apart from your writing ability, and to make sure that if you are an excellent writer you can not rely on that to avoid doing good research.