Expectations for Honors Thesis Committee Members

What is the Thesis Committee?

An Honors Thesis Committee is composed of at least two members: an Advisor and a Reader. The committee supports the student throughout the thesis process by providing guidance, feedback, and evaluation of both the final project and presentation. At the conclusion of HONR 499, the Advisor is responsible for submitting the final grade to the Honors Program.

Committee members may include faculty or community professionals with relevant expertise. Their involvement ensures that students receive mentorship and support while pursuing rigorous, meaningful, and impactful thesis projects.

All committee members regardless of the role they serve will help guide and mentor the student throughout the project.  

The Honors Program acknowledges that the professionals that serve on the thesis committee are the experts who will guide the student toward success.  We expect you to do what you do best: mentor students and make profound impressions upon young, developing individuals.  The Honors Thesis is meant to be student-driven with committee assistance, so the student is the one responsible for driving the project–consider yourself as a guardrail.  Please make sure the student stays on track and manage the student’s expectations: some are over-zealous; others may need a little nudging. 

Meeting with laptops.

Advisor Role

The thesis Advisor mentors and supports the student throughout their Honors Thesis, helping them set goals, refine their research, and strengthen their project. Advisors provide feedback on drafts, guide decisions about additional research or grants, attend the final presentation, encourage submission to Mountain Scholar, and submit the final grade for HONR 499.

Advisor Stipend

Honors thesis projects may receive limited financial support through either a Thesis Improvement Grant (TIG) for students or an Advisor Stipend for faculty. If a student does not request a TIG, the thesis advisor may request a $200 stipend, payable either directly to them or to their department at the end of the semester in which they supported the student.

Requests for the advisor stipend open at the beginning of each semester. Submit requests via the Honors website by November 1 (Fall) or April 1 (Spring).
Submit Request for an Advisor Stipend

Reader Role

The Reader supports and guides the student throughout their Honors Thesis, offering feedback to strengthen the project and contributing their expertise to the process. Readers review drafts, provide input to the thesis Advisor, attend the final presentation, and help ensure the student produces a meaningful and rigorous thesis.

Time Committment

The time commitment for committee members varies depending on the student’s project and the level of support needed. Frequency of meetings and check-ins—whether monthly, weekly, or focused on research and writing—should be negotiated between the student and committee based on mutual expectations. Ultimately, the Honors Thesis is a three-credit course, so time spent should align with that scope.

Thesis Progression

Students begin the thesis process in HONR 399 (Pre-Thesis).  During this course, they select a topic, complete preliminary research, and establish a committee.  Upon completion of Pre-Thesis, students enter their HONR 499 (Thesis) semester where they complete their thesis project, present their work, and publish the thesis. 

Where does the committee fit in with this thesis progression?  Here’s what you can expect during each stage of the student’s thesis experience.

During HONR 399 (Pre-Thesis)

  1. After the Honors Pre-Thesis coordinator approves the proposal, the student will invite committee participation, and you may review the proposal and preliminary research before accepting.
  2. The Honors Pre-Thesis coordinator will send a survey for you to confirm your commitment to support the student throughout their thesis process.

NOTE: Completion of the survey is required for the student to pass HONR 399 and enroll in HONR 499.

During HONR 499 (Thesis)

  1. Early in the HONR 499 semester, confirm that you are continuing to support the student on their thesis.

  2. Work with the student to define the scope of the project.

  3. Support the student by reading drafts, providing feedback, and offering guidance and mentorship.

  4. Attend the final presentation.

  5. The Advisor will submit the final grade for the course.

  6. Encourage student to publish thesis to Mountain Scholar.