The second-annual Honors College Research Conference, which aimed to demystify the honors thesis process, was held from 12:30-2:15 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Arkansas Union.
The conference included poster presentations featuring theses from each honors program, as well as breakout sessions for each college, according to the Honors College website.
Attendants had the opportunity to experience a mock thesis defense, interact with a faculty panel, and meet with students who completed their thesis, according to the Honors College website.
Jennie Popp, associate dean of the Honors College, said officials thought the research conference was a great idea for two reasons. One, it would help students understand the project is not as intimidating as it may seem. Two, current and former students would have an opportunity to showcase their work and prove it is doable.
“Once you get an opportunity to talk to the friendly faculty in there,” Popp said, “it makes the whole process much more approachable.”
Katie Wilson, associate director for student success at the Honors College, teaches University Perspectives, a first-year seminar course designed to help students transition from high school to college.
Wilson said she had her students email potential thesis mentors and introduce themselves. She also encouraged them to attend the research conference. It was not until the students saw the poster presentations that they realized the scope of thesis projects and how unique each was.
Popp said she knows some students have used the conference as practice for job interviews.
“When they have to stand up and present the work that they do here,” Popp said, “it gives them that confidence to go in and present to a potential employer.”
Michael Zachary, an information technology specialist for the Honors College, said students view the thesis project as a giant mountain to climb.
“What we’re trying to do is demystify that,” Zachary said, “and make it more of a simple step-by-step timeline of how you go about creating your thesis.”
Associate Dean Popp said the Honors College also offers workshops pertaining to the thesis project. Some workshops help students make sure they are showcasing their work in its best possible form. Then they submit it to academic journals or ScholarWorks, a collection of research material.
Popp said Honors College officials would like to expand honors week and possibly showcase a different college each day.
Associate Director Wilson said she sees potential for growth as well. The next step is to offer more workshops to help students prepare their thesis for publication.
Wilson said it is also important for the resources to become more accessible. The information presented at the conference should be added to a website so students have easy access to it.
IT Specialist Zachary said increasing the attendance among faculty and students is critical.
“This has grown twice the amount,” Zachary said, “so for as many students that were in this room before, we know we’re moving in the right direction.”