Honors Thesis Workshops
This series of workshops gives students an excellent overview of what to expect, and how to prepare for, the Honors Thesis. The content for each workshop is distinct and is meant to address specific needs students might have in their thesis planning process. Thesis workshops occur on the last Tuesday of each month, September – November and February – April, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., via Zoom.
The exact dates and topics covered for the academic year 2025-26 workshops can be found below.
Honors Thesis 101: The Basics of Planning a Thesis
September 30, 2025, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Commonwealth Honors College Advisor Cody Olson and Associate Dean for Curriculum and Academic Oversight Elena Carbone will provide a brief overview of the Honors Thesis process — including identification and development of a thesis topic — and will lead an open forum to address your questions and concerns on any aspect of the thesis experience. The workshop is intended primarily for juniors who will be planning their Honors Thesis this year and sophomores who would like to get an early start, but all interested Honors College students are welcome to attend. We will also address strategies for pivoting if your original thesis plan needs to change.
Exploring the Honors Thesis Toolkit in Canvas
October 28, 2025, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
This session offers an interactive walk-through of the Honors Thesis Toolkit on Canvas. We’ll explore key features, including step-by-step guides to planning your thesis, FAQs, and other resources designed to help you navigate each stage of the thesis process with clarity and confidence. You’ll also learn how to use the Toolkit alongside your faculty sponsor and college support systems to make the process more manageable and less overwhelming.
“What I Wish I’d Known:” A Student Panel on the Honors Thesis
November 18, 2025, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
This is one of our most popular workshops, featuring a panel of students who share their own Honors Thesis experiences. Panelists represent a wide range of thesis formats, types, majors, and colleges, offering a variety of perspectives on the process. Come hear their candid insights, lessons learned, and advice, and remember to bring your questions!
Spring 2026 Workshops
Identifying and Refining a Thesis Topic
February 24, 2026, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
In this session, Associate Dean Elena Carbone will discuss strategies to identify and narrow your academic interests into a refined thesis topic and guide you in selecting the most appropriate research methods for your project. We’ll cover how to frame strong research questions, align them with your chosen approach, and adapt your approach as needed. Time will be reserved for student Q&A.
Honors Thesis 201: How to Talk About Your Thesis Now and in the Future
March 31, 2026, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
This final session of the year will help you articulate your thesis work clearly and confidently — whether you’re discussing it with faculty, peers, or future employers. We’ll explore how to tailor your message for different audiences, highlight your skills and accomplishments, and connect your thesis to broader academic, professional, and personal goals.