Deadlines
Benchmarks for Honors Thesis Completion
Fall Semester
| Deadline | Benchmarks |
|---|---|
| Meeting 1: Orientation (1st week of September) |
We will meet as a group and discuss the expectations, requirements, standards, and schedule for writing a thesis. |
| Thesis Agreement (mid-September) |
You should submit the thesis agreement signed by you and your advisor. |
| First chapter draft submitted (mid-October) | Turn in a draft of the first chapter to your advisor. |
| Develop a winter break agenda (Week after Thanksgiving) |
You should speak with your advisor and come up with a game plan for the winter break. What can you get done? What is your game plan for the spring semester? |
| Second chapter draft submitted (before Winter Break) | Turn in a draft of the second chapter to your advisor. |
Spring Semester
| Deadline | Benchmark |
|---|---|
| Third chapter draft submitted (late January) | Turn in a draft of the third chapter to your advisor. |
| Progress report (early to mid February) | The honors director will check in with your advisor to find out how you are doing. |
| Drop deadline (late February) | Last day to drop the thesis. |
| First thesis draft deadline (late March) | You should turn in a 1st draft of the entire thesis to your advisor. This is a great opportunity for feedback. At this time, you should also discuss with your advisor who might serve on your defense committee. Once you have a list of names, reach out to these professors. |
|
Feedback on draft (early April) |
Your advisor should return your draft with comments and suggestions for improvement. At this time, you should have members for your defense committee lined up. |
|
Final thesis draft deadline (mid April) |
Turn in your revised final draft!! You'll deliver a copy of your thesis to each member of your committee. Then, celebrate! |
|
Thesis defense (early May) |
Your oral defense will be scheduled by the politics department for sometime during this week. |
|
Graduation (late May) |
You graduate today! Congratulations! |