For the Senior Independent Project (SIP), each senior at Trinity-Pawling identifies a topic of personal interest to explore in-depth. Throughout the Fall Term and Wintersession, each senior works on his independent project with guidance from a faculty advisor — exploring his chosen topic in great detail and creating a finished product that reflects his learning and engagement. The SIP consists of an oral presentation to a faculty panel, as well as a final presentation to the entire school using an alternative medium such as a chapel talk, newspaper article, or video. Part of the independent exercise is finding a creative way to share the findings with the community.

How is it graded?

The Senior Independent Project is graded as High Pass, Pass, or Fail. The Practicum is reported on the student’s transcript and given two academic credits. 

Trinity-Pawling also offers a Diploma With Distinction for students who choose to go above and beyond with their Senior Independent Projects. The Diploma With Distinction is designed in an effort to reward students who are self-directed and create outstanding products that can be shared with the entire School community. Students who choose to pursue the Diploma With Distinction are paired with an alumni mentor throughout their SIP process. Their final product includes a presentation to a panel of faculty members and the SIP Committee before gaining approval to present their product to the larger community.