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!