The University of Arkansas’ second-annual Honors College Research Conference took place at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Arkansas Union.
The Honors College thesis is a capstone of the honors experience at the U of A, a project that may seem daunting and overwhelming to students across all academic disciplines. The conference provides an opportunity to make the process seem more approachable, said Jennie Popp, associate dean of the Honors College.
Students arrive at the Honors College Research Conference Oct. 23.
Popp said she had previously noticed that students from all majors seemed afraid of the thesis. So Honors College faculty members decided the conference would be a way to demystify theses, as well as showcase work from current and former students.
Katie Wilson, the associate director of student success in the Honors College, said the motivation behind the conference was to give students examples of past projects, as well as resources, such as connections with faculty, that can help them start the process.
The Honors College partnered with Honors directors from all six undergraduate colleges and schools across campus to organize the event, according to the website.
Students listen as Dean Lynda Coon welcomes everyone to the conference.
Popp said the conference is just one part of a yearlong process that the Honors College offers. There are a lot of other opportunities for students and faculty to get involved, such as workshops that teach students how to put together an undergraduate research proposal, she said.
She also said Honors faculty will practice with students when it comes time to work on their theses. Popp said she wants all students to submit their final projects to ScholarWorks, an online collection of UA faculty and student work.
Panelists speak during a breakout session at the conference.
Michael Zachary, a technical director for the Honors College, said part of the goal of the conference is to bring in more faculty members so students can potentially find a mentor and begin the thesis process sooner rather than later.
“We’re trying to introduce students and faculty together,” Zachary said, “to try and get that bond for a mentor.”
Students attend a breakout session at the Honors College Research Conference Oct. 23.
He said the biggest struggle in organizing the conference is time, as students and faculty alike have busy schedules. Bringing everyone together can be a difficult task.
Popp said they are hoping to expand Honors Week by showcasing a different college each day. Honors Week is a new weeklong tradition started by the Honors College this year that encourages students to participate in order to engage with other students and faculty, as well as learn more about the opportunities within the college.
She said she wants students to know that research is not scary, but inspiring and enjoyable. It is never too early to get started.