Polaris, the College’s online portfolio tool created through collaboration with the Faculty Innovation Center, the Mechanical Engineering Department and Ford Motor Company, is no ordinary E-portfolio tool. Instead of being a simple repository for projects and resumes, Polaris provides UT Engineering students with a framework for reflecting upon their work, encouraging them to simultaneously document and evaluate their learning.

As with most E-portfolio systems, students can post project examples and documents in Polaris that can then be viewed by prospective employers, family members, and professors. Polaris excels, however, by embedding a mission statement activity that guides students in thinking about the “whys” of their educational choices and experiences. There is also a section that assists students in writing abstracts for their posted projects. It’s this reflective aspect of Polaris that distinguishes it from other similar tools and makes it an innovative solution.

Because Polaris is a home-grown resource, the Faculty Innovation Center can often integrate new features as needed. Take a look at Polaris at www.polaris.engr.utexas.edu and encourage your students to sign on. If you would like to know more about Polaris, please contact Dr. Matt Campbell in the ME department at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .