Honors Thesis Workshops
This series of workshops will give students an excellent overview of what to expect and how to prepare for the Honors Thesis. Thesis workshops will 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 each workshop can be found below, along with registration links for each. Once students register, they will be sent a Zoom link for the associated workshop. The content for each workshop is distinct and is meant to address specific needs students might have in their thesis planning process.
See the thesis workshop descriptions below. These can also be found on the CHC Events page by selecting the “Workshop” filter under the “EVENT TYPE” heading.
Let’s Talk Thesis: Honors Thesis 101
September 26, 2023, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
This workshop will provide a brief overview of the Honors Thesis requirement and the various pathways for completing a thesis. There will be some formal presentation but this workshop will also be an open forum for addressing questions and concerns students have about on any aspect of the thesis experience.
What I Wish I’d Known: A Student Panel on the Honors Thesis
October 24, 2023, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
This workshop will feature a student panel who will give you an excellent overview of how to prepare for the Honors Thesis and what to expect during the planning and completion process. Panelists will discuss their experience from the development of their thesis topic through the submission of their final paperwork. Extensive time will be allowed for attendees to ask questions.
Navigating and Understanding Thesis Proposal Systems
November 28, 2023, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
This workshop provides students with an excellent overview of two key systems used in the thesis proposal process, CHC’s PATHS system and the Kuali system used by UMass’ Institutional Review Board (IRB) for human subjects' research. This session will be led by CHC Undergraduate Research Coordinator, Casey Krone, and an IRB Analyst. Time will be set aside for attendees to ask questions.
Spring 2024 Workshops
Identifying and Refining a Thesis Topic
February 27, 2024, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
In this workshop, Associate Dean, Elena Carbone will discuss strategies for identifying and narrowing down academic interests into a single refined thesis topic. Time will be reserved for students to ask questions.
Making the Case in Your Literature Review
March 26, 2024, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
In this workshop students will learn how to construct a comprehensive literature review, which will become the launchpad and reference point for their own research. Members of the UMass Writing Center and the CHC Writing Coach will discuss how to gather sources and existing research pertaining to thesis topics and students will be able to ask direct questions.
Choosing the Right Methodology
April 30, 2024, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
The final thesis workshop for the academic year will focus on methodology. Developing research methods is an integral part of the Honors Thesis. The methods section of the Honors Thesis provides information that demonstrates the validity of research and explains how data is collected or generated and how it is analyzed.