UNCP5511

Capstone: The Balancing Act

Capstone classes may NOT be taken Pass/Fail. Seniors only. You may take only ONE Capstone class before graduation.College students have many competing demands. Academics, friends, student orgs, physical and emotional wellness, family, faith, service, and work all need attention. In The Balancing Act, we cover all these life components through a dynamic mix of articles, books, podcasts, and videos targeted to graduating seniors. Class sessions include small group discussions, white-boarding activities, case studies, role playing, and student presentations. In this small discussion-based course, students are exposed to thought leaders and reflect on how they can apply this research to enhance their lives. By sharing our experiences, we build a tight community and learn from each other. The course is divided into five modules each covering a major life domain. Students reflect on their past, assess their current state, and then develop strategies to optimize each life domain. The class skews practical, with Take Action Challenges related to personal finance, gratitude, cooking, fitness, and social media management. Throughout the semester students construct a balance plan to ensure their activities align with their values and goalsultimately providing them with a roadmap to a productive, meaningful, and balanced life.

Course overview

Department
Capstone
School
MCAS
Credits
3

Requirements fulfilled

No source-backed degree requirement is attached to this course yet.

Official evaluation summary

4.85 / 5

Based on 138 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-07-23. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Scott D Olivieri
    Fall 2026
  • Scott Olivieri
    Spring 2026, Fall 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022, Spring 2022, Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.89/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Scott D Olivieri · O'Neill Library 253 Tu 04:30PM-06:50PM · Offered