Proposal to Presentation


Step 1: Select or Propose a Topic

Select a topic to work on with an agency in a Clinic or Seminar by browsing available topics and applying for your top three choices.

Propose a topic that you have developed with an agency to work on in a Clinic by submitting the self-proposed student topic form.  Client-based projects that you have identified on your own are not required to be brought to a Public Service Clinic.  The agency clients of projects that are made part of the Public Service Clinics are charged a fee for the management of the project.  Be sure to discuss this with the agency and have them review your proposal.

Learn more about degree projects outside of the Public Service Clinics, with or without an agency client/partner.

Step 2: Prepare a Letter of Agreement 

This step is only for students working with a nonprofit or public agency after their match has been arranged.

The purpose of the letter of agreement between you and the agency is to explicitly state the expectations for the degree project assignment. It provides a "contract" between both parties that will serve as a foundation and guide for the working relationship. You are responsible for drafting the letter with your agency contact person. The letter should be short and to the point addressing the following items:

  • Duration, typically January through June
  • Description of the research topic
  • Definition of the end product or deliverable
  • Identification of specific interim steps or milestones en route to the final product
  • Identification of the responsibilities of each party (to make information available, attend particular meetings, review work at regular intervals etc.)
  • Recognition that the agency contact will be a "reader" for the degree project, reviewing the student's work and providing feedback and guidance.
  • Expectation that both parties will participate in a concluding presentation/reception at the Evans School in June
  • Understanding that both parties will evaluate the Public Service Clinics experience
  • Arrangements for remitting the clinic fee, and the dollar amount of any financial assistance that may have been approved

A draft letter of agreement is required on or before the first clinic meeting in January for review by the clinic instructor. By the end of January each student will have developed a more detailed work program. That and any refinements to the degree project topic will be attached to the final letter of agreement. The student, the client, and the clinic instructor should sign the final letter.

Samples of letter of agreements are available to help you draft your letter.

Please note:  Only students working with Public Service Clinic clients submit a Letter of Agreement. All other students submit a Degree Project Intent Form to the Student Services office.  

Step 3: Attend Clinic or Seminar in Winter and Spring Quarters

Attend your weekly Clinic or Seminar meetings to complete the following:

  • Define a research question
  • Develop a degree project outline and work plan
  • Explore, select, and use appropriate research methods
  • Review and discuss various degree project models
  • Complete segments and drafts of the degree project for timely review

Make sure any research you do is in compliance with the University of Washington’s human subjects review process.

Step 4: Complete and Present Your Degree Project

Submit your finished degree project by the end of spring quarter, and present your findings at the Public Service Clinics Presentation Day in June.

For more information on specific dates for upcoming deadlines and events, contact the Public Service Clinics at psclinic@u.washington.edu or 206.221.3676.