Frequently asked questions about the Honors Program

How do I become an honors candidate?

To take the first steps toward becoming an honors candidate, learn about the policies of your major department/program. Each sets its own rules and regulations regarding tutorials, research and classes required.   We also encourage you to read the Jellybean Papers.

What should I do if I am a double major and want to write one thesis for evaluation by both departments?

In order to write one thesis for two departments, you must get prior approval from each department. Each department will not automatically accept the thesis because you are a double major.

What if my thesis adviser is going on sabbatical?

If your thesis advisor is going on sabbatical, you will either need to make arrangements to have a different adviser for that term, continue to work with that adviser if possible, or discuss alternate arrangements with the department.

Who reads the thesis?

The departments/programs are responsible for assigning readers for each honors candidate. Students are not responsible for locating readers.  General Scholarship candidates' theses are read by the tutor, a reader selected by the Honors Committee from nominations made by the tutor, and a member of the Honors sub-committee on General Scholarship.

How many copies of the thesis do I need by the April 13, 2010 due date?

All honors candidates are required to submit their thesis in PDF format for binding. Individual departments may also require you to submit paper copies of your thesis for your readers, depending on the department.  Please refer to the Department/Program Reader Copy Requirements for more information. We encourage you to keep a master copy for yourself or minimally, a copy of the PDF file.

HOW DO I REGISTER MY THESIS ELECTRONICALLY AND SUBMIT MY PDF FILE?

You will receive information about accessing the Electronic Thesis Registration System prior to the thesis submission deadline. 

How do I get hardbound copies of my thesis?

The PDF version of your thesis will be submitted to the bindery after thesis registration.  During thesis registration you must indicate the number of copies you would like to have printed and bound.  You may print and bind as many copies as you like for friends and family but must bind one copy for your department/program and one copy for Olin library.

If you do not receive Honors, the personal copies of your thesis will still be printed and bound.  Because your department/program and Olin Library copies will not be printed and bound, your Student Account will be credited for these costs.

All bound theses will be available for pick up in the Registrar's Office Conference Room on the Friday prior to Commencement. 

I am on a limited budget. How can I afford to bind my thesis?

The Thorndike Fund partially reimburses students for the binding and printing costs of their department and Olin Library thesis/essay copies. The available balance in the Thorndike Fund for the 2009/10 year will be divided evenly by the number of honors candidates and applied as a credit in the Thesis Registration System for every student registering a thesis/essay, in order to offset costs. Students will be informed of the 2009/10 credit amount prior to Thesis Registration.

Students producing an art or film project are also eligible for this credit and may apply for it by submitting a Thorndike application form to Beth Labriola by the April 13th thesis registration deadline.  Candidates producing an art or film project should contact Beth Labriola for the application form.