Department of Sociology

Sociology students engaged in an Innovative Project

"Students had the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they had acquired throughout their undergraduate study to a real life setting"

In fall 2008, TU’s nine senior sociology students engaged in an innovative project as the capstone for their sociology degree. Students had the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they had acquired throughout their undergraduate study to a real life setting: the evaluation of a Tulsa business. While the project served the purpose of enhancing the understanding and experience of the students, it also provided the business with helpful appraisal concerning its short and long term goals and the efficacy of its current programs.

CertiRestore is a small furniture restoration business in Tulsa with the dual goals of providing a quality restoration service for profit and helping women formerly convicted of a felony get back on their feet and acclimate into society. Consequently, the program focuses both on teaching the women skills in furniture restoration and in business, as well as helping them develop interpersonal skills and accomplish practical goals such as securing favorable living arrangements in the community.

After initial discussions with the managers of the business, the students designed and carried out a unique business evaluation specifically tailored to the size and scope of CertiRestore. Ultimately, the students carried out interviews with all of the managers and employees of the business and conducted a survey of individuals in human resource positions in other Tulsa businesses. Through these measures, the students were able to write a report and give a presentation to CertiRestore, offering suggestions and feedback for their program.

Check out CertiRestore, powered by Resonance.

Written by Sociology Senior Chelsea Krahulik