Senior Portfolio & Presentation

To complete your degree, you will develop a professional portfolio in TCID 4090, the Summit Course in your degree plan.

During the spring semester of your senior year. Your work in this class includes creating a portfolio that shows the depth and breadth of your abilities in the field, as represented by projects completed throughout your time at UCCS.

The senior portfolio is a physical compilation of the written, visual, digital, and design work that represents you as a professional. In addition to a transmittal letter and resume, the portfolio will contain examples of your reports, prototypes, web pages, infographics, project management tools, and more!

Want to see some great examples of portfolios? Please contact the Director of the TCID program to set up an appointment to view a few.

Students — **Image: Seniors after Senior Portfolio presentations (May 2019)**

In addition to creating a portfolio, you will develop a multimedia presentation highlighting your achievements, work and lessons-learned. Senior presentations are exhilarating—and a milestone in your academic career! You will deliver your presentation to an audience of TCID faculty, TCID alumni and local business/non-profit partners, with the opportunity to answer their questions… and ask questions, too!

We cannot wait to see the unique strengths and abilities you’ll demonstrate as a result of your effort and dedication in the TCID program!

Portfolio

TCID

Who is my audience for the portfolio?

The primary audience is the TCID program director, the instructor of TCID 4090 and additional TCID instructors. The secondary audiences consist of potential employers or graduate school admissions officers.

What is my purpose in creating a porfolio?

Your purpose is to demonstrate who you are as a professional, and to illustrate what makes you “you” when compared to other candidates in the field.

When and where is it due?

Senior portfolios are due at the time of your portfolio presentation, which occurs at the end of the spring semester in TCID 4090.

Do I get to keep my portfolio?

Absolutely! You can pick up your portfolio from the TCID Director's office, usually after exam week. If you want your portfolio mailed to you, you must leave a self-addressed mailer when you submit your work.

What if I don't complete a portfolio?

Your diploma and transcripts will remain in the Registrar's office until the program director advises the Registrar that you have completed this requirement. To complete your degree, you will need to submit the portfolio and give your presentation.

What is the transmittal letter?

This formal letter is included in the portfolio immediately after the title page, and it explains the purpose of your portfolio, summarizes key points about your work, and thanks those who have assisted you. The primary audience of the letter is the program's faculty. The secondary audiences consist of potential employers or graduate school admissions officers.

What is the professional development history?

The professional development history is a 750-1000 word description of your growth as a professional/technical communicator. You may draw on experiences in classes, internships, STC events and/or jobs as you chronicle key moments of your development. Your audience is the course instructor for the portfolio class.

Do I include the professional development history in the portfolio?

No. Place the history in a manila folder, separate from the portfolio and give it to the instructor of TCID 4090.

What are the guidelines for the resume?

The resume will be 1-page in length, polished and well-designed. It will reflect the content of the portfolio and any other experiences that indicates your growth as a professional/technical communicator. You may draw on experiences in classes, internships, STC events, and jobs to chronicle key moments of your development.

What is the professional development history?

The professional development history is a 750-1000 word description of your growth as a professional/technical communicator. You may draw on experiences in classes, internships, the STC Organization, and jobs to chronicle key moments of your development.

Who is my audience?

Your audience is the TCID program director.

Where does the professional development history go?

Place the history in a manila folder, separate from the portfolio and give it to the TCID Director.

What are the guidelines for the resume?

The resume should be 1-page, it should be well written and well-designed. It should reflect the content of the portfolio and any other experiences that indicates your growth as a professional/technical communicator. You may draw on experiences in classes, internships, the STC Organization, and jobs to chronicle key moments of your development.

What is the senior presentation?

The senior oral presentation is a recorded 10-15 minute public presentation of your professional identity as documented in your work. You will present to the TCID program director, the instructor of TCID 4090, other faculty and members from the advisory board. Members of the advisory board include individuals from area businesses and organizations.

What is my purpose in the senior presentation?

Your purpose is to demonstrate who you are as a professional. The portfolio is not the subject of your presentation as much as it should provide a means for you to represent your professional identity. Your purpose is not to walk through your portfolio, page by page, but to demonstrate how it highlights your best work and your expertise as a professional/technical communicator and/or user experience specialist. You may use your portfolio, electronic projection, posters, web pages, or other means you believe appropriate to accomplish this purpose.

Why is my presentation archived?

The presentation is archived to provide the TCID program with a demonstration of each graduating student's oral competencies. More importantly, your recording can provide you with an example of your presentation skills for potential employers or graduate school admissions committees. The program will provide the recording equipment.

Where are the presentations held?

Generally, one of the smart classrooms in Columbine is reserved for these presentations as these rooms offer internet access and technology for presentations.

How do I prepare for the presentation?

Practice, of course! Be prepared for questions. Dress in business casual. Be familiar with the room and the equipment you'll use. Plan an alternative format for your presentation in case technology fails.

What do I bring to the presentation?

Bring your portfolio and professional development history.

Will I be graded on my presentation?

You will be evaluated, although you will not receive a formal letter grade.

How do I sign up for presentations?

You will sign up in TCID 4090. Presentations occur during finals week.

What if I don't complete a presentation?

Your diploma and transcripts will remain in the Registrar's office until the program director advises the Registrar that you have completed this requirement. You will need to complete presentation to graduate and receive your degree.