Honors College Guide

Table of Contents

Mentoring an Honors Thesis

Students completing an Honors thesis work closely with a faculty advisor throughout the development, completion, and presentation of their project.

The Thesis Advisor’s Role

The thesis advisor provides primary academic guidance for the project.

The advisor should:

  • Help the student develop an appropriate and manageable project.
  • Review and approve the thesis proposal.
  • Guide the student throughout the research or creative process.
  • Provide feedback on drafts or project development.
  • Assist the student in identifying a second faculty reader.
  • Ensure that appropriate disciplinary and research standards are followed.
  • Help the student prepare for the final presentation or defense.
  • Participate in the evaluation of the completed thesis.

The student and advisor should also determine whether the academic department has additional thesis expectations or requirements.

Honors Thesis Courses

Honors thesis students complete two independent-study courses within the student’s academic discipline:

  • XXX 491 – Honors Readings
    Three semester credit hours devoted primarily to developing the thesis proposal and preparing for the project.
  • XXX 490 – Honors Thesis
    Three semester credit hours devoted to completing the thesis or creative project and presenting the final work.

Both courses appear under the supervising faculty member and academic department.

Honors thesis students also complete HC 350 in place of HC 300 Thesis Seminar.

XXX 491 – Honors Readings

The primary goal of Honors Readings is the development of an approved Honors thesis proposal.

The proposal should clearly establish:

  • The research question, problem, or creative concept.
  • Relevant scholarly or disciplinary context.
  • The proposed methodology or creative process.
  • Anticipated outcomes or significance of the project.

A completed proposal may receive a letter grade at the faculty member’s discretion. If the proposal remains in progress at the end of the semester, the faculty member may assign an Incomplete (I) until the proposal requirements are completed.

Honors Thesis Proposal

The thesis proposal should generally contain three to five pages of substantive content, in addition to any references or supporting materials required by the discipline.

The proposal should include:

  • A clear research question, project idea, or creative objective.
  • An appropriate review of relevant literature or background information.
  • A description of the methodology, process, or disciplinary approach.
  • Expected or projected results, outcomes, or contributions.

The faculty advisor reviews and approves the proposal before it is submitted to the Honors College.

Students must also complete any required research training and obtain necessary approvals, including IRB or other institutional approvals when applicable, before beginning activities requiring such approval.

Proposal Timing

The Honors thesis proposal should be submitted no later than the last class day of the semester preceding the student’s graduation semester.

For example, a student planning to graduate in the spring should normally complete and submit the proposal during the preceding fall semester.

Students should not begin data collection, participant recruitment, or other activities requiring institutional approval until all necessary approvals have been obtained.

XXX 490 – Honors Thesis

During Honors Thesis, the student completes the written thesis, creative project, performance, or other approved scholarly product.

The completed work should demonstrate the student’s ability to:

  • Apply appropriate disciplinary methods.
  • Analyze or interpret evidence, results, or creative outcomes.
  • Communicate the significance of the work.
  • Respond thoughtfully to faculty feedback.
  • Present the project to an academic or public audience.

Projects still in progress at the end of the semester may receive an Incomplete (I) when appropriate.

Presenting the Honors Thesis

All Honors thesis students complete a public presentation or demonstration of their work.

Depending on the project, this may include:

  • Presentation at the Annual Research Symposium.
  • A conference-style oral presentation.
  • A juried exhibition or performance.
  • A comparable scholarly venue.
  • A traditional thesis defense conducted in person or virtually.

The faculty advisor and student should discuss the most appropriate format. The advisor makes the final determination in consultation with the student and Honors College requirements.

The appropriate Presentation of Final Thesis form should be submitted early in the student’s final semester.

Thesis Evaluation

The faculty committee evaluates the completed work holistically, considering:

  • Quality of the written, creative, or research product.
  • Quality of the public presentation or defense.
  • The student’s understanding of the project.
  • Evidence of intellectual and professional growth.
  • The student’s ability to respond to questions and feedback.

The committee submits its recommendation using the Honors Thesis Results Form.

Additional criteria apply to students seeking High or Highest Honors, including requirements related to the quality and format of the final presentation.

Completing the Thesis Process

After the presentation, the student should:

  1. Complete any revisions requested by the faculty committee.
  2. Submit the required Honors Thesis Results documentation.
  3. Complete the final written or creative product.
  4. Submit the required signature documentation.
  5. Provide the final thesis for library submission when applicable.
  6. Ensure that all Honors thesis course grades are finalized.

Faculty Mentor Checklist

At the Beginning of the Project

  • Discuss the project’s scope and feasibility.
  • Establish expectations and a meeting schedule.
  • Review applicable research or compliance requirements.
  • Help the student develop the proposal.

During the Project

  • Meet regularly with the student.
  • Review progress toward major milestones.
  • Provide constructive feedback.
  • Help the student address challenges or adjust the scope when necessary.

Before the Final Presentation

  • Confirm the second reader or committee.
  • Select the appropriate presentation format.
  • Review the student’s final work.
  • Ensure required forms have been submitted.

After the Presentation

  • Complete the thesis evaluation.
  • Review requested revisions.
  • Confirm final thesis submission.
  • Submit or update final course grades.

Questions?

Faculty members with questions about mentoring an Honors thesis or undergraduate research project are encouraged to contact the Honors College.

Honors Thesis Resources

Project Databases

Add yourself so students can find you!

Mentoring student researchers that aren’t part of the Honors College? Visit the UROC page for resources.

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