“You Are Not Alone”: Honors College Presents Student Panel Thesis Workshop

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On Tuesday, October 26, the Commonwealth Honors College hosted its second thesis workshop of the year. The purpose of this workshop was to provide attendees with a fresh, student perspective to ease tensions and concerns in regards to the Honors Thesis. The one-hour long workshop with about 50 students in attendance provided compelling experiences, answered questions, and demystified the thesis process.

The Honors Thesis is a requirement for all students enrolled in the Honors College, and is a vital component of the Honors Program. The thesis project is intended to engage students in a deeper understanding of their chosen field of study, regardless of what that may be.

The main event included a diverse student panel that discussed their personal experiences through the Honors Thesis process and provided insight for Honors students who are beginning their thesis journey.

The student panel consisted of four insightful Honors College seniors and included Kevin Zheng, majoring in computer engineering and science technology in society (BDIC); Flynn Bryan, majoring in visual narratives (BDIC); Theresa Nelson, double majoring in psychology and sociology, and Matthew Castello, majoring in operation and information management.

The panel discussed their own personal experiences of their thesis journey in their respective diverse and unique fields, from researching extremism on YouTube to writing an extensive visual novel. The panel advised students to pursue a thesis project that excites and interests them, as panelist Flynn Bryan explained, “Do what you're excited about, put aside any inclinations of what a thesis should be.”

The most emphasized point of the workshop was that students are not alone on their thesis journeys. There are a plethora of resources available to students developing their thesis on all stages, from brainstorming to final submission. These resources include thesis seminars, faculty committees, professors, Honors advising teams, graduate students, and more.

These resources provide the pathways and structure that is vital to student success. Panelist Theresa Nelson encouraged use of these resources: “Rely on the people you connect with because they have gone through the process before and will definitely help you along the way.” The Commonwealth Honors College is there to assist every student along their way, and the Honors Thesis experience is no exception.

The workshop also encouraged students to seek out and utilize resources in a way that can most benefit them. Panelist Kevin Zheng advised, “Find a professor or faculty member early on to connect with and become your faculty advisor to help with your specific journey.” A mentoring relationship with a professor or faculty member assists students in brainstorming, developing, and completing their Honors Thesis.

Although these resources are extremely helpful, most are entirely optional. There is a wide spectrum of students completing their thesis individually or with structural help. The student panel collectively described the Honors Thesis as something that “can be done independently, guided, or a combination of both,” and is ultimately up to the student to decide which path they would like to take.

Director of Advising Dominick Usher concluded the event by conducting a Q&A session in which several students voiced their concerns and inquired about deadlines, logistics, and other resources available. Usher shared information about CHC Paths, which is an online tool that provides a hub for thesis functions, including deadlines and contracts, for Honors College students and their support teams.

The last in the trilogy of Honors Thesis Workshops takes place on November 30 and will cover logistics, deadlines, and processes students will face in their Honors Thesis journey. Additionally, a recorded virtual event will be held via Zoom after the workshop series is complete to provide an overview of the workshop series. Details on this event will be published near the end of November. Watch our Events web page for more CHC happenings!